Are you happy you chose welding?

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I have heard it said, amongst other things, 'you know you're a welder when you wonder where you went wrong'. Of course I have had my fair share of "hindsight" from seasoned veterans and the response is not entirely positive.How about you? Also, it would help to mention how long you've welded and what kind of welding you do/prefer.
Reply:How about I say "I used to call myself a weldor until I joined this forum and found out how little I know about welding in the "New Millennium".I had "formal training" in welding from a professional weldor in my early youth.  A little more training in high school shop class and agriculture class.Then about 6 months of training at a trade school after high school (O/A, stick, TIG).In 1976 I enrolled in a pipe welding class at our Area Vocational Tech school and learned basics of stick welding Sch 80 pipe up to 4" dia. Was attending evening classes at that school and had to drop it because a shift bid at my job rolled me to night shift at work.I did welding as my primary tasks for a few years in the body shop at my job with the IH truck shop (O/A steel sheet metal, stick structural steel,  TIG aluminum sheet metal, and MIG on structural aluminum and sheet metal aluminum).I later transferred back to the main truck mechanical shop and have held a mechanic position ever since (even though IH is long gone and I work for a freight company now.)My job as a mechanic still entails a good bit of welding and I am glad that I can apply a sound weld repair whenever the need arises at work, or at home.But since joining this forum, I have to classify myself as "hobbyist weldor" based on the volume, and variety of welding work I perform.Last edited by walkerweld; 04-11-2013 at 12:45 PM.
Reply:I've been doing this for a very long time now and no I don't think I should have chose the welding trade. I should have go for a lawyer or surveyor.  they seem to work less hard physically and make more money then us welders.
Reply:I didn't choose it..It chose me....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:I'm a young welder. so i guess factor that if i means anything. Been doing it for about 9 years. 6 years serious :school or jobs.  its hard as all F*ck to get jobs when your young even if your weld test are better than the next guy( often older "experinced").  Thats part aside. I've always said it's the best decision i've made in my life. I love it to death,and just wish i could find better work, better experince, and better oppurtinties. I could go on but ah...screw it.  I'll be welding some way or another until i keel over with a stick lead in my hand.
Reply:I wish I was still welding on random stuff every day.  I got injured and went to college - now I teach math and think about welding when I walk to the next room to stare outside...At least I can still weld on the side at my home shop, and sometimes teach welding at school Dave J.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:I can't call myself a weldor, but I weld things.  I'm not sure I could weld all.....day....long.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:If you aren't happy doing your job, you ****ed up somewhere along the way.
Reply:Rora  -  zap's words are my words. "I didn't choose it . . . It chose me".This is direct-insight  -  we are the lucky ones.OpusLast edited by OPUS FERRO; 04-12-2013 at 02:15 AM.Reason: punc.
Reply:I just like working with materials, making stuff and fixing stuff.