The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 has created a dramatic shift in the workforce. It eventually led to a phenomenon called the Great Resignation, which saw workers looking for more from their jobs than just a mediocre salary. With so many jobs lost and opportunities for advancement disappearing in the midst of closures and supply chain issues, workers began to wonder about other opportunities.
In 2021, according to the Pew Research Center, workers who quit their jobs cited low pay, (63%), low opportunities for advancement, (63%), and feeling disrespected, (57%), as reasons why they decided to quit. Additionally, people began exploring career changes in more appealing industries.
In an age where the internet grants us access to thousands of online learning options, the concept of starting over in a new career is not as intimidating as it used to be. The popularity of youtube, online classes, free certifications, and other avenues for learning have opened up endless possibilities for those seeking a career change.
Have you ever considered learning a trade?
A significant shift is happening in the education industry. The student debt crisis is leading many in the younger generations to search for alternatives to four-year programs that often saddle them with decades of paying back loans. On top of that, many degrees are no longer a guarantee to land a dream job in a particular field. With the market being so competitive, a large percentage of college graduates end up pursuing a career outside of their field of study.
Learning a trade is one opportunity that is catching the eye of many people, both young and old. While some may feel that it is too late for them to learn a new skill after already being in the workforce for years, online learning resources can provide convenient options for continuing education or making a career change. Some of these platforms are specifically designed for people to learn at their own pace, and there are plenty of topics available.
Maybe you have an interest in becoming an electrician. Or, you have always found yourself to be pretty handy when it comes to fixing some of your plumbing issues. Now could be the time to explore the opportunities that online learning can provide.
Embracing a new challenge is easier with online classes
Another huge perk of learning new skills via online learning is its availability for life. Many courses or certifications give you access to the training for as long as you wish. That means you don’t have to worry about taking inadequate notes, or even losing your notes. The material is available to you whenever you need it.
For example, if you want to become a plumber or electrician, there are options for both obtaining or renewing your license completely online. While it may take some time to learn this new skill and begin to apply it, you can always go back to review the training and refresh your memory a few months down the road.
Lastly, a career as a contractor can be extremely cost-effective. For those starting out and choosing to learn a trade right after high school, (or even during), the potential for earning a good salary is present right out of the gate. For those who have worked for years and want to make a career switch, you will not have to endure years of expensive schooling to invest in your development. Online classes can be far cheaper while still providing value if they are taught by industry professionals, (make sure to watch out for amateurs trying to make a quick buck).
What is your motivation for learning a trade?
A career in the trades is not for everyone. You have to love working with your hands and potentially traveling quite a bit. However, the reward of a job well done and the benefit of a good salary in a shorter time frame makes this industry a great option for both students and experienced workers.
Since becoming a contractor is now more accessible, and growing in popularity with younger generations, now is a great time to enter into this thriving industry. We all want to be valued for the work that we do, a truth that becomes evident as we witness the Great Resignation and its effects over the last year. Trades are a perfect opportunity for a career that provides value to others, to ourselves, and to our families.
Who knows, maybe you will find the calling that you never knew existed.
