Recommended skills/careers?

[leftcoastadv]

DarthMuerte: Really the only thing it takes to break into the "DR" field is the willingness to work crazy hours (insane amount of OT possible)&nbsp;and sometimes getting filthy dirty. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Past that it depends on how far you want to take things. <br>Myself, I'm going for all the education I can get. Taking any IICRC course that an employer will pay for. <br><br>Your Hazwopper is a great start. Most guys in this industry only have the hazwopper 8 at best. And if you can sit through a hazwopper course, the rest of this will be a breeze. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>Most tools are supplied. About all you may need is basic hand tools. Hammer, screwdrivers, flat bar, cresent wrench, etc. Basic demolition tools mainly. All the meters and special saws. etc will be provided.&nbsp;<br><br>75% of the training is on the job and most DR&nbsp;techs out there have zero formal training. Insurance companies are starting to really require DR companines to use IICRC certified techs on their jobs. So any IICRC cert in water, fire or mold would be a decent step forward.&nbsp;<br><br>Check out <a href="/post/iicrc.org" rel="nofollow">iicrc.org</a>&nbsp;if you want to go the certified route. <br><br>Search water damage on Craigslist and you will see tons of companies hiring, depending on how big of a city you live in. <br><br><br>

 

[DarthMuerte]

Thanks for the info LC. Definitely something for me to look into. Especially if it really fits with my new lifestyle.

 

[Doc T]

<p>Have you considered Mystery Shopping?&nbsp;&nbsp; Want more info? Go to <a href="http://www.servicesformysteryshoppers.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.servicesformysteryshoppers.com</a></p>

 

[cyndi]

The <strong><em>FIRST</em></strong> thing I learned about mystery shopping is that you <span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>NEVER</strong></span></em></span>, under any circumstances, pay anyone anything for anything that has anything to do with mystery shopping.&nbsp;

 

[Doc T]

Cindi<br>I am disappointed in your post. &nbsp;I learned never to pay for doing shops etc. too. &nbsp;However, you obviously did not attempt to find out what it is that Services For Mystery Shoppers does! &nbsp;<br>I have clients that are very happy with this service because it helps them in so many ways! &nbsp;<br>It is good to know just what you are paying for of course. &nbsp;But my animal response to your post is you are threatened by someone who is willing to help people get into the mystery shopping business. &nbsp;<br>The other thing I learned about mystery shopping is that there is so much competetion and we don't want more! &nbsp;Well, that is a myth in most areas of the country. &nbsp;It is true in a few places.<br>I am not going to belabor this issue, but I know you to be an intelligent person. &nbsp;Do your research before you make negative comments!<br><br>

 

[steamjam]

I firmly believe that the more kinds of different skills you have, the better off you'll be. Someone no matter where you go will hire you for something.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

What is not mentioned is that most of the jobs listed requires you to be in shape. Welding is hard on the eyes. Making any real money will involve a year or 2 commitment or more. <br><br>The best thing to do is not spend as much. What you buy should LAST. <br><br>You may be surprised how little you need to spend. <br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Scott_1776]

I think I found this book from this forum, and I highly recommend reading it.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...retirement&amp;sprefix=extreme+early+,aps,301" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extreme Early Retirement</a>, a how to book with advice on how to go about becoming financially independent without needing a Million dollars in the bank.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Depends on how much time and energy your willing to put in going back to school. There is one two year degree that I will suggest, and it can earn you big bucks and freedom to travel as much as you're willing. <br><br>A Registered Nurse (RN) - specifically working as a Traveling Nurse... you contract for pay, length, location ... BTW, men make up just 6% of the nursing profession. <br><br><br>Nursing school is very rigorous, regardless of degree level - ASN, BSN, MSN - but the pay off can be very rewarding. Newly licensed nurses are generally paid the same rate of pay regardless of the degree level.<br><br>There is also a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) some states call it a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) "same difference" - this is a one year certification program offered by many schools..&nbsp; You will have to research the differences in work opportunities between the RN and LPN/LVN if your interested. <br><br><br><br>http://www.travelnursing.com/

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">If your young it's not to late to learn an old trade. Any Heritage trades are making a big come back throughout the world. Seems the wealthy love things handmade, no matter what the economy (wood, steel, stone) quite prepared to pay big bucks for it + you can work anywhere in the world if you want to.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Yeh I know it a 4 year apprenticeship but one small&nbsp;job can set you up for the year.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">I was recently asked to build stone walls in NAPA's wine region&nbsp;because there's a shortage of&nbsp;Heritage craftsmen worldwide.</SPAN></STRONG></EM><BR><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM>