If you know someone who is struggling to find a career or weighing decisions on schooling, Carl Evanson’s comments during an interview with the Brooklyn Exponent could help. Below, Carl expands on those thoughts:
Growing up, I wondered what kind of work I should do, just like many others. I ended up going to college, but the degree in marketing did not turn out to be the core of my future work. It was not the college classes, but my summer vacation job that awakened me to the satisfaction of working with my hands, problem solving, and performing worthwhile services for others. My summer job helping an electrician convinced me that life in a cube farm was not for me.
When asked for career advice, I repeat the advice given me by my dad “consider the trades.” Take my line of work–electrician. There will always be a need for it. No Silicon Valley miracle will replace the electrical wiring in your house, the hands-on effort it takes to supply power to air conditioning or installing lighting in the ceiling. When you solve a problem, you walk away with a smile on your face. Life in a suit isn’t for everyone.
After 10 years of growth, A Plus Electric now employs 15 people and services 55-6o jobs per week on average. I’m proud of the accomplishments of our expert team who are part of this great ride. For me, it’s still the hands-on approach that I feel is satisfying, and I think it is for them, too.
It’s true that some people will want to start their own business. That was my passion. I’m all about helping others if that’s their dream. But that, also, is not for everyone.
I’ve learned schooling is about preparing you for the work you want to do. By focusing on this, you can avoid wasted years, lost earning power, and the burden of student debt. I suspect you could steer clear of a lot of heartache by determining your goal first; and second, the path to get there.
Life is more rewarding when you are fulfilling your hopes and aspirations. I feel particularly good whenever I help someone find their career or help them build on what they have accomplished so far. And I’ll be forever grateful to my dad who helped me find my niche when he said “trades were an option.” For me, it turned out he was right!
The Exponent’s John Hummer conducted the interview upon which this is based. To read the interview in the Exponent, click here for the larger print version, or click here for the original image as seen in the newspaper.
