Need Help With Career

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I am starting school in Aug. and need some help. I was wondering is it better to own your own rig when getting a job or atleast a welding machine? I dont know were to start! I welding all thro school but chose firefighting instead! I dont know if I could do it part time or do I need to go full time? What you do what field would you go in? I live in Covington, LA but will think of moving! Thanks for your help!!!
Reply:I've done pretty good off of welding, and until about 1 1/2 years ago never even owned a torch, much less a machine or rig. Depends on what you want to do, but starting out I would recommend just hiring on somewhere and learning the ropes and find out how you like it and what part you like best. It is also a good way to build up a customer base as well. I've been here since a month after Katrina hit, initially working for someone else until they split with all the money at which point I just decided go it on my own.  Having your own rig is an expensive proposition and not something I would recommend to someone just starting out. I had the advantage of many years of experience behind me and nothing to lose but having to go back to work for someone else. It's nice to have the backup of being able to hire on just about anywhere that needs a welder just in case things don't work out. If you have the opportunity and so desire part time wouldn't be bad while you find out where you are at, and you still have the full time paycheck thing going on. I'm in New Orleans so not far from you at all and there are several outfits hiring. Most I suspect will require passing a certification test before hiring you. You might even consider starting out as a helper and if you have the skills it won't be long before they have you welding.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Thanks Regardless I will get a machine looking at the trailblazer 302g! I want to have a rig some day just thought it might be easier to have your own (brownie points maybe??)  I will finish welding school in 1 1/2 years then I will get my machine and go from there I just cant figure out what field to go in? I dont want to be stuck in a shop( i will if I have to, to get some where else)! I want to be outside! Were can you do somthing like that around Southeast Louisiana????
Reply:Every were I look you have to have expirence, or pass a cert. test around here!!!
Reply:Mater,Where are you going to be going to school?Gary
Reply:Sullivan in bogalusa la! They are gonna work with me around my schedule at the fire dept. I heard the guy is a great welding teacher! I know how to basic weld I'm going for the cert. and to tig, weld stanless and aluminum!!!!
Reply:Tony is a real nice guy. A lot of the guys that complete the program work for the paper mill there.
Reply:Yea he is a great teacher and Im gonna help a friend out around covington and bogalusa THANKS!!