Considering a career in welding.. please help!

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Hello, I'm going to be graduating from highschool this spring and am considering going on to persue a career in welding, and I was hoping I could get some help and advice.I would like to stay close to home but I've been doing some research and it seems that in order to make the big bucks you need to be willing to travel and leave your family behind. Is that how it is, or am I wrong? Being away from home alot would be the biggest thing keeping me from doing this.I'm also thinking I want to own my own business one day and was wonder if anyone thought I could make enough money doing welding and fabrication as a business.Any ideas or advice for me would be really appreciated. Thanks!
Reply:Are there any welding shops in your area? If so, maybe try to get a job there - if you have welding experience! If no shops, is there a need for one in your area? Do you have welding equipment? If you have welding equipment, I would take out a few ads, pass out buisness cards, hang out a sign, etc., and try to get some side work. As you get known for doing quality work, word gets out. Watch out for "friends" that need welding done! Charge a fair price (to you and your customer), do quality work, be professional. It might be the start of something for you, and you won't have to leave!!! Good Luck to you!--------------------John
Reply:yeah, I'm not sure about what there are for welding shops around here. I do have some welding equipment and experience though, perhaps I'll give that a try, thanks for the idea!
Reply:Also what do you think about going to school for welding? Is it even really worth it?
Reply:If you were to complete a 2 year program at a community college and get some certs, you could be a direct hire for the pipefitters union. (UA) Call or vistit your local hall and look into an apprenticeship.Scale in my area will be over 40 an hour this june. It is at 38 and change right now. The UA has a sixteen week welding program for those who have been through the college program. Go to UA.org and seek information there.Bill