Are you always standing on the job?

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Hi, guys. I'm a college student considering a new career path. Before I get into the question in the title, I'd like to give a bit of background of myself, so you guys can better assess whether welding would suit someone like me.I've been well on my way to get my electrical engineering degree, but I'm getting sick of the general education requirements. I've aced all of my math classes up to multivariable calculus, and aced all the general science (physics and chemistry) classes; but I have no interest in studying completely unrelated topics to engineering. When it comes to writing and oral communication, I feel like I'm already ahead of most of my peers. All of my prior English writing essays last semester had received an A from the instructor, so I don't see why I need to take an additional semester of writing for a career where I'm not going to do much writing. (It's not like I'm going to do research and write research papers.) I don't need to learn more history than what I already know, nor take some useless liberal arts classes. I'm good with hand-eye coordination and motor skills. In all the computer games I've played, I had acquired a level of skill that is among the best players of those games; so I don't think working with my hands welding will be too difficult a task to master.Here comes the dilemma. I can't stand on my feet constantly for longer than 2 hours before experiencing some major discomfort, and after 8 hours, they are invariably in a great amount of pain. I've tried different shoes and insoles. Nothing seems to work. I want to know if you guys are required to be on your feet constantly. If I can switch between being on my feet, and not, by a time ratio of about 1:1, it would be very manageable. If I do choose to go into welding, my plan is to gain 1 to 2 years of work experience after taking welding courses at a local community college, and then get commercial diving certified so I can weld underwater (I imagine it's much easier on my feet to work underwater than on land).I would also like to know if I'm physically strong enough for most jobs. I'm 5'4", weighing 135 lbs. I can run 5km (3.1 miles) in 26 minutes, but don't have much upper body strength, as I can barely do 15 push-ups. Since I'm a small guy, I wonder if I would have the strength to work comfortably with heavy equipment and whatnot for hours on end. Your inputs will be much appreciated.
Reply:How long do you have left in college to finish you bachelor's degree?  sounds like not long.I ask because if its a year or two and you have spent a ton of money already, dont quit now, suck it up.  An engineering degree of any kind can bring in big bucks.One other thing I was told about getting a degree was that it shows you can accomplish a long term goal.  A lot of jobs require a "4 year degree" but dont actually say in what(I have a degree in drinking beer with a masters in drinking Captain Morgan spiced rum).  This is more of a "can this person accomplish a long term goal" type of a requirement.As far as the gen-ed type classes that suck, yea they suck.  The key is to find classes that satisfy the requirements that dont suck.  Say you can pick from 10 different literature classes.  Pick the one that seems most interesting to you.  I took a literature class on war's.  We read and reported on books written during and about wars.  I read a lot of great non-fiction books during that class.  Find stuff like that that will keep you interested.  I had to take 2 physical education class.  I took golf(free large bucket of range balls and 18 holes 2x a week) and weight lifting(which I already did anyway).  I have a B.S. in Aviation and a M.S. in Safety.  I was also a ****ty high school student that dropped out and got a GED.Last edited by rjacobs; 06-29-2015 at 04:12 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by rjacobsHow long do you have left in college to finish you bachelor's degree?  sounds like not long.I ask because if its a year or two and you have spent a ton of money already, dont quit now, suck it up.  An engineering degree of any kind can bring in big bucks.One other thing I was told about getting a degree was that it shows you can accomplish a long term goal.  A lot of jobs require a "4 year degree" but dont actually say in what(I have a degree in drinking beer with a masters in drinking Captain Morgan spiced rum).  This is more of a "can this person accomplish a long term goal" type of a requirement.As far as the gen-ed type classes that suck, yea they suck.  The key is to find classes that satisfy the requirements that dont suck.  Say you can pick from 10 different literature classes.  Pick the one that seems most interesting to you.  I took a literature class on war's.  We read and reported on books written during and about wars.  I read a lot of great non-fiction books during that class.  Find stuff like that that will keep you interested.  I had to take 2 physical education class.  I took golf(free large bucket of range balls and 18 holes 2x a week) and weight lifting(which I already did anyway).  I have a B.S. in Aviation and a M.S. in Safety.  I was also a ****ty high school student that dropped out and got a GED.
Reply:Yes, long days crawling around and up on your feet, squeezing into tight places and climbing on things to do repair. I'm not saying you can't land a job sitting in a chair and tig welding all day, but I wouldn't count on it. It is not a trade that is forgiving on the body, that's why it falls under the physically taxing trades. What is wrong with your feet by the way?I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeWhat is wrong with your feet by the way?
Reply:Sometimes I get to use a bucket. Heh. I use to have feet pain problems till I bought me a pair of timberland pro series anti fatigue boots. So comfy, and my legs no longer feel like crap when I get home even after 12 hour shifts.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricSometimes I get to use a bucket. Heh. I use to have feet pain problems till I bought me a pair of timberland pro series anti fatigue boots. So comfy, and my legs no longer feel like crap when I get home even after 12 hour shifts.
Reply:My opinion - just suck it up man.I have a bachelors in mechanical engineering with a masters in engineering management yet still work with my hands most days, still weld/machine a couple times a month for work, and 3d model and design the rest of the days.  School and your career are what you make it so when you say I understand that any engineering degree can be lucrative, but I've noticed that quite a few engr degree holders are currently unemployed, so even such a degree is not a guarantee for raking in money right out of university
Reply:"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:In construction you just never know what you’ll be doing. In the morning you might be making UT, or x-ray quality welds, and in the afternoon doing this. You just have to take the good with the bad!  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by BLUE2KSSMy opinion - just suck it up man.I have a bachelors in mechanical engineering with a masters in engineering management yet still work with my hands most days, still weld/machine a couple times a month for work, and 3d model and design the rest of the days.  School and your career are what you make it so when you say  that doesn't mean anything to anyone really.  Nothing in life is guaranteed and all you can do is give it everything you've got to make your career what you want it to be.  I invested most of my time while at the university being a part of the Formula and Baja SAE teams.  I designed, machined, welded, raced, broke and raced again for years.  That experience got me to where I am today and made me the engineer that I am today.   .  If you are as smart as you say you are and get the grades that you do then you should be able to get your degree in 5 years easy.  I worked 15-20 hours a week, spent 50 hours a week at the SAE shop building the cars and studying then had classes on top of that.  I had "no life" according to my peers but that's that I wanted and I had multiple job offers right out of school in 2009 when the recession was BAD.  Your work ethic and grades sell you on the first job, after that grades don't matter and it comes down to recommendations and your work ethic. Life is mostly who you know and not what you know anyways.   This is because the schools aren't looking after you, they are looking after their dollars and pennies.  No other option, just do it and get it over with.  Besides in all the bull**** classes are where the girls are anyways, if you suck it up and follow through with the electrical degree the ladies are going to be few and far between and the ones that are there usually look like Gollum.  So my two cents man, deal with it and get it over with.  College was the best time of my life and I still get dirty all the time.  If you really like welding that much and get your degree look into a job with Miller, ESAB or Lincoln.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPIn construction you just never know what you’ll be doing. In the morning you might be making UT, or x-ray quality welds, and in the afternoon doing this. You just have to take the good with the bad!
Reply:Originally Posted by tigonridgeThat looks exciting
Reply:School doesn't have a clinic to get checked.  Won't insurance cover your Dr. Visit.  I ASSume you have insurance since you are I'm college and get financial assistance.  Seems like you need to get checked out .  Get your degree.  Especially since it is free. F R E E.  It might be very difficult to find free college education if you let this go.  Earn a scholarship for the university.  I stand much and Crawl,  lift, drag, lean ...8:2
Reply:How were you raised, what did you do, what are your hobbies? This tells a lot about a persons nature. Most kids I see today have zero motorskills and hardly any dexterity unless it's a video game. When they think they are working hard, in reality they are not, not one bit. Most likely this is not the trade for you. It pays great, but takes balls, daredevils and talent that comes from growing up a certain way that really hasn't been seen in years. It's probably not for you to be honest. If sore feet is your biggest issue you will never make it. You gotta be built like a bull to make it here, even if you are a little squirt. Just being honest.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Not much sitting going on in these trades and its hard on the body.
Reply:Sounds like I need to continue with my EE degree. Sigh...
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeHow were you raised, what did you do, what are your hobbies? This tells a lot about a persons nature. Most kids I see today have zero motorskills and hardly any dexterity unless it's a video game. When they think they are working hard, in reality they are not, not one bit. Most likely this is not the trade for you. It pays great, but takes balls, daredevils and talent that comes from growing up a certain way that really hasn't been seen in years. It's probably not for you to be honest. If sore feet is your biggest issue you will never make it. You gotta be built like a bull to make it here, even if you are a little squirt. Just being honest.
Reply:Yep - definitely finish your degree.+2   Weldermike nailed it. At any time after you finish your degree you can still decide to start welding - but sure as hell finish it.Edit: I forgot to add - video game dexterity means nothing.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:As far as sore feet go... eat some cherries. I know it sounds crazy, but it really works. Fresh or dried, it doesn't matter, just eat a bunch of them (like a pound at least). Foot pain can often be attributed to Gout, and cherries are the best medicine. They somehow improve blood circulation, and make foot pain a thing of the past.IAMAW Local 330Airco 300 AC/DC HeliwelderAirco Dip-Pak 200 with Profax spool gunPowr-Kraft AC225Everlast PowerArc 200stBuffalo Forge No.21 drill pressSpeedglas 9100xxAirco, Oxweld, Purox, Victor torchesLincoln Ranger 8
Reply:I'm an EE major in my last semester and I just have to ask have you done any EE classes yet? The reason I ask is it sounds like you haven't welded before and other than math and science you haven't done any EE stuff yet. Welding isn't like video games and metal is heavy. I think it is a bad idea to give up on something you've barely started for something you've never tried because classes are boring and sparks are cool. I'm sorry if this sound harsh but college is hard and welding is hard. This is life. You could always do what I do and do both.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:The only time I sit during the working day is when I have to bench TIG...other than that on my feet all day long.Sometimes even TIG is done on one foot...I do however have a nice old sled track   I stand on when operating my lathe that keeps me off the concrete floor and it really helps the feet and back.But like others stated...This ain't no job for a whimp....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Stay in school.
Reply:OPGetting through all those GE classes demonstrates to employers that you have discipline and can accomplish things that interest you and don't interest you.  They are necessary in the growing process.  It is sometimes more about the growing process than the sheepskin.Syncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by wnywelderAs far as sore feet go... eat some cherries. I know it sounds crazy, but it really works. Fresh or dried, it doesn't matter, just eat a bunch of them (like a pound at least). Foot pain can often be attributed to Gout, and cherries are the best medicine. They somehow improve blood circulation, and make foot pain a thing of the past.Originally Posted by tigonridgeYea I've read a lot of testimonies from people getting miraculous results with certain shoes, but then I try them and don't get anywhere near the same result. My feet would still hurt with the supposedly super comfortably work shoes that cost upwards of $80 per pair.
Reply:Originally Posted by 12345678910If you think $80 shoes are on the high end, you need an education.I like Dr. MartensBut there are lots of shoes and workboots out there that cost hundredsgo to a real Orthopaedic person, those insoles and the shoes that they fit in will run close to a thousand.But they will work.I wore some flat deck shoes and flat skateboard type shoes for a while because that's what was fashionable and so that's what was available in stores.They were NFG for me and they got tossed in a hurry once I found good ones.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonNurses are on their feet all day. You see them wearing those thick soled leather shoes that cost them bucks, but wear like iron.
Reply:Address the root cause.  Consult a podiatrist and acquire footwear that suits you.  You should aspire to STAND and move as much as practical.  Any desk/computer work I do is on a vertical/raised setup.  Context,  http://m.livescience.com/49518-sitti...eart-risk.html."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveMy son shares my foot problems and I told him to research what nurses wear and buy those (he doesn't need boots).He looked online and found ones highly rated by nurses, bought them and says they are much better than what he had.
Reply:Standing still for long periods of time on concrete hurts everybody.   Also, sitting is the new smoking.   It's slowly killing me.    We're learning that too much of any one thing will eventually cause problems.   I would love a career that has variations in my day, but most of that kind of work would pay less than half what I make now.    I accepted a job before finishing my bachelors degree.  One semester left.   That was 20 years ago.  Not having that degree closed a lot of doors.   Had interviews where the hiring manager needed to hire me for my experience, but the company policy required a degree.  It didn't keep me from being employed because I work in the IT world and they are still hungry for people that have the ability and desire to do the work.   And as stated in some previous posts, the desire to work is fading in the younger generations.  The kids they hire these days are smart, but some quickly loose interest due to the boring and demanding work.   I wish I had my degree.  Will probably get it after I retire.  Will have time then to sit in a classroom full of pompous academic types and tell them how their ideals will change when that diploma gets slapped into their hand and they are tossed out into the street to fend for themselves.Century buzzbox that I learned on 40+ years ago (was Dad's)Crappy Century 110volt mig 70 amp pigeon pooper.Lincoln Idealarc TIG-300
Reply:on the floor in front of my welding bench i have a thick rubber mat. besides being easier on my aging back and hoofs it's probably protecting me from stray electrical shocks.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I really enjoy learning math and science, but I also love building things with my hands and doing it well. Unfortunately, I'm not motivated enough to pursue both EE and welding. The mechanical engineer above gets to weld as part of his job because welding and ME go well together. I'll have to decide within the next few days which path I want to pursue, because if I wait too long all the fall semester classes will get too filled up, and I won't be able to register for any of them. I've been watching a ton of welding videos, reading Welding for Dummies, and reading thread after thread about people describing how much the like/dislike their careers in welding. It's overall been very motivating, and the more I look, the more I want to go into welding. This seriously has been a very tough decision.
Reply:tigonridge my second welding job in the union. I was 17-years old. I had to climb a 65-feet tall tower. and cut it apart to lower it some. Standing all day on 2“ x 2“ angle iron, leaning back in a safety belt with my back to the ground. Had to do some cutting towards me. Got the sparks to fly over my left shoulder. Left a big red hot chunk of iron in the cut area. Banged it out with the torch. The metal hit me in the throat, rolled inside the collar of my shirt. Stopped at my belt. Being new to this type of work I made the mistake of sucking my belly in. Take a wild guess where the red hot chunk of iron stopped? Yeah that’s right. Try dancing around on a 2“ x 2“ angle iron 65-feet in the air! You know it took over 3-months for that burn to heal! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPtigonridge my second welding job in the union. I was 17-years old. I had to climb a 65-feet tall tower. and cut it apart to lower it some. Standing all day on 2“ x 2“ angle iron, leaning back in a safety belt with my back to the ground. Had to do some cutting towards me. Got the sparks to fly over my left shoulder. Left a big red hot chunk of iron in the cut area. Banged it out with the torch. The metal hit me in the throat, rolled inside the collar of my shirt. Stopped at my belt. Being new to this type of work I made the mistake of sucking my belly in. Take a wild guess where the red hot chunk of iron stopped? Yeah that’s right. Try dancing around on a 2“ x 2“ angle iron 65-feet in the air! You know it took over 3-months for that burn to heal!
Reply:Pay 80 bucks for boots, your feet will feel like 80 bucks.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Originally Posted by tigonridgeBut honestly, I'd bet you earned decent money in that job.
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricPay 80 bucks for boots, your feet will feel like 80 bucks.
Reply:Originally Posted by Firemanmike69True thatI'll add to the pile of guys who stand all day at work. Have you actually ever done any welding? You might hate it.
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricHa I am a tube welder for National Boiler Services. Have I done welding, don't get pissy if you don't like my answer. Wanna see my check and compare it to yours, ill be glad to snap you a pic.
Reply:Originally Posted by Firemanmike69True thatI'll add to the pile of guys who stand all day at work. Have you actually ever done any welding? You might hate it.
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricHa I am a tube welder for National Boiler Services. Have I done welding, don't get pissy if you don't like my answer. Wanna see my check and compare it to yours, ill be glad to snap you a pic.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI took it as Mike was talking to the OP, about ever welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricGotcha, my bad mike. I misread your comment brotha.
Reply:I attended a college graduation, my son graduated. A very young woman was commencement speaker. I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention, she was senator, or governor of New York. Her message was; "luck favors the courageous". Reality is, a 32 year old woman is elected to high office in New York, she is privileged. She hasn't earned it, she hasn't had time to earn it. She is privileged! Mom, Dad, Or some other person of influence has given her the head start to succeed early in life. I'm surrounded by people successful in fields other than those they studied in college. To achieve success, we must get a boost from numerous people. Those people will choose to boost, or not to boost based on their perception of you. Your status as a college graduate will be important to those people.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BI attended a college graduation, my son graduated. A very young woman was commencement speaker. I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention, she was senator, or governor of New York. Her message was; "luck favors the courageous". Reality is, a 32 year old woman is elected to high office in New York, she is privileged. She hasn't earned it, she hasn't had time to earn it. She is privileged! Mom, Dad, Or some other person of influence has given her the head start to succeed early in life. I'm surrounded by people successful in fields other than those they studied in college. To achieve success, we must get a boost from numerous people. Those people will choose to boost, or not to boost based on their perception of you. Your status as a college graduate will be important to those people.
Reply:Originally Posted by tigonridgeI've soldered. Does that count? All kidding aside, I'm sure there's a possibility that I may end up hating being in awkward positions for long period that might screw up my body. Other than that, I don't see any possible reasons to hate it. Like I said, I'm not really interested in the more adventurous and dangerous welding jobs that could really land me in the hospital...or grave. Screw that!
Reply:Originally Posted by 12V71Sorry, man. But a post like this leads you to assembly line/production line welding. I'm sure they will give you a cushy stool, though. I've been doing this for 35 years now, in all kinds of weather, all times of day, in muddy trenches, in 110 degree heat, sometimes the job just needs to be done. And it pays well if you can handle that environment. If not... stay on the porch.  I'm just being realist, don't take me wrong here. My own son didn't want to do what I do... I don't blame him.
Reply:Sounds like your're gung-ho enough to do it then. Get the feet looked at so you know what you need then. I got my own foot issues and have them under control with custom made work boots. Really high arches and if I carry any weight on my heels it just kills me. Insoles didn't work at all, store bought boots don't get it no matter what brand, so I pay around 450$ every other year and smile a lot. Oh, this outfit rebuilds them for half the price of new, too. New arches and all, I actually get better life out of the rebuilds than I do out of new.
Reply:Originally Posted by 12V71Sounds like your're gung-ho enough to do it then. Get the feet looked at so you know what you need then. I got my own foot issues and have them under control with custom made work boots. Really high arches and if I carry any weight on my heels it just kills me. Insoles didn't work at all, store bought boots don't get it no matter what brand, so I pay around 450$ every other year and smile a lot. Oh, this outfit rebuilds them for half the price of new, too. New arches and all, I actually get better life out of the rebuilds than I do out of new.