28 years old, thinking of a change.

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Hi, my name is Corey. Live in Louisiana and currently work in law enforcement. As I stated in the title, looking for a new career. Just not happy or passionate about being the po po anymore. I've been considering going to a local college and taking a welding program that gets you a diploma and teaches the various styles of welding. I hear the work is plentiful here in La with all the plants around. And I'm not looking to make it rich, I'm just looking for a new rewarding career, enough to at least support a family and such. I feel like sometimes maybe 28 and zero knowledge of the field is too late to get started. If anyone can give me some insight on making the move, and getting a diploma verses a rushed 10-20week unaccredited course? Words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Reply:I'm a hobbyist so I can't tell you how to get started.What I can tell you is that I'm 42 and make too much money to give up the career that I have come to... well, let's say not enjoy so much anymore. Family of 5 and a major pay cut don't jive too well.What I'm trying to say is that you should find something you are passionate about and really enjoy. 28 is not too late to make the kind of change you are talking about.Just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less.Good luck and welcome to the forum!By the way, what part of the state? My parents have a house in Dequincy.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:A 2 year advanced welding degree will get you started.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I changed from public safety to welding in my mid thirties so you still have plenty of time.  Without any knowledge of welding I might suggest finding a part time gig at a nearby shop before you enroll in a 2 year program that you may or may not like.  Get a taste for metal working (literally you will taste the metal).  It's not all that glorious, it's hot, it's dirty, it's expensive but....   If you enjoy working with your hands and crafting something from scratch and don't mind getting dirty and hard work it can be very rewarding.   Best of luck to you.Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Reply:Before you make a move check on the work in your area. Call and see what they have for benefits and a pension too. Do you have a pension now ? Do you need so many years to be vested to get one ? If you do have one and only need a few years to be eligible  might be something to consider. It makes working easier when you like what you do. Sadly, liking it and the money sometimes do match. Good luck.
Reply:Thanks for all the responses! Answer to where I live in Louisiana, right outside baton rouge. And as far as trying to get a part time gig to see if I like it. Thats damn near impossible to do and keep my current job. So, I guess I got a lot to think about before August when the program starts. Siiigh
Reply:If you just take the course, does it mean you have to give up your day job?I think education of any kind makes one more valuable all around. If you can keep your day job, you can gain new skills regardless. The course around here is taught during the day as well as a night setup for those who work.Welcome to the forum.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Sadly no, we rotate nights and days. It shift work. There's pretty much no way to further your education aside from online classes while employed with the sheriffs office.
Reply:Originally Posted by wuff the wolfySadly no, we rotate nights and days. It shift work. There's pretty much no way to further your education aside from online classes while employed with the sheriffs office.
Reply:The community college around here offers day and night welding classes. Any chance you could enroll, and attend a day class when you're night shift, and a night class when you're day shift?Can't hurt to ask. Most people want to help out a peace officer. If you get a "we've never done it that way before" then you smile and politely say "I'm happy to be your test case" and quote back their marketing literature that usually says "we cater to your schedule".
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauWhich Sheriff's office? What part of the state you in?
Reply:I went from a hobbiest working at the gas utility to self employed welder at 35 with a family of 5. I worked nights and weekends until I was busy every night and weekend and then gave notice. Before I left I got a contractors license, liability insurance, and a tax license from the gubberment, so as I could work legally. Start buying the tools and start making things, any things, until you settle on what you will make full time. I make a lot of iron doors, gates, and furniture, as that seemed to be what I enjoyed most, and so the product came out very nice. A Millermatic 211, a decent saw, a couple of 4.5" angle grinders, and you are off to the races, hobbiest wise. To break out on your own you will likely need torch, plasma, bigger welder, etc.  Try to find some work making or repairing gates, etc, for your friends. That will help you develop some skills, and start to learn about pricing in a friendly setting.
Reply:You can probably teach yourself a good bit on your own. I'm 26, no family though. Just started class and hope to turn the classes into work here in the next few months. I don't know if it will work, but I know my college education didn't do dick for me.
Reply:I do have a somewhat limited album under my user ID if you want to take a peek.
Reply:two things.   Figure out what you love to do, second, figure out how to get someone to pay you to do it.  If you want to be a welder  and love it then go for it
Reply:education is always good, IMO. if you can afford it, do it.I'm over 40 and am looking into welding as a career. I feel far, far behind in life, but I am doing the best I can to move on.
Reply:People make career changes in all ages of life.  I just think it takes more courage the older you get.   We like stability and routine as we age (typically).  Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Reply:Hello Corey, good luck on whichever way you decide to go.  A few things I can say about the career-change thing.First, no offense, but a change at age 28 is nothing.  I'm 44 and taking some welding classes as at least a fallback.  When I found this site I learned I am hardly alone, it seems there is no shortage of guys in their 40s looking to learn welding.I took a night class and was not the oldest in class.  But everyone, each and every student was looking at a possible career change.  Age ranged from 20s to 50s.  As to shift work and classes, as someone else said, ASK!  Our instructor was so laid back about make-up time it was amazing.  The main deal was you had to have a booth to work in, as long as he had one it was cool.  I changed careers in my early 30s from what I went to college for (management) to mortgage work.  That took me to titles, which got me to the oil and gas industry, which has me thinking about pipeline work.  Life is too short to do a job you hate.
Reply:Corey.At 70, I'm without a doubt the oldest in my welding class of 5.  Class includes a retiring USAF Lieutenant Colonel about 55 years old and 3 young men.I'm investing in welding, not because I need a new career, but because it interests me.  (But I still see a chance to make a few extra bucks as I learn.)Welcome to the board and follow your dream.  A lot of good advice above.  My instructor is also very flexible on time in the "lab" or classroom, so long as a booth is available.Your Grandpa.....Jerry 30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Originally Posted by asdfThe community college around here offers day and night welding classes. Any chance you could enroll, and attend a day class when you're night shift, and a night class when you're day shift?Can't hurt to ask. Most people want to help out a peace officer. If you get a "we've never done it that way before" then you smile and politely say "I'm happy to be your test case" and quote back their marketing literature that usually says "we cater to your schedule".