This year’s job market has been bleak, to say the least. Layoffs hit the highest level in 14 years; job openings are barely budging; and quits figures are plummeting. It’s no wonder people feel stuck and discouraged—especially as many candidates have been on the job hunt for a year.
But some mid-career professionals are working with the cards they’ve been dealt by going back to school. Many are turning to data analytics, cybersecurity, AI-focused courses, health care, MBA programs, or trade certifications for an “immediate impact on their careers,” Metaintro CEO Lacey Kaelani told Fortune.
But while grad school can certainly offer the opportunity to level-up your career once you’ve completed a program, it comes with financial and personal sacrifices, like time. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one year of grad school, on average, costs about $43,000 in tuition. That’s nearly 70% of the average salary in the U.S.
I’m an aircraft mechanic that specializes in sheet metal. There are routine things we do but pretty much everyday is different. I like it a lot. Lots of problem solving and troubleshootimg. If you’re into electronics we have Avionics. While I specialize in sheet metal I still do everything so it is never boring. Biggest problem is paying for your License. It is costly. I got into it later in life. I got my license at 36.
Huh.
I do like planes. And electronics. Though everything I know in that area is self taught and I don’t know a lot. I can finance the education to make a shift in my life. I am so burnt out on my career - good money but completely burnt out and never want to do it again.
Hmmm.
Something to consider. And what ever company you went to would have training for Avionics. Or you may find something else you like. I hated sheet metal in AP school. But I LOVE doing it now. AP school is kinda dumb but if you play the game you’ll be fine. At the end there are 6 Federal exams. 3 written tests and 3 oral/practicals. People freak out over those and many never do them. They are pretty simple if you study and apply yourself.
What is AP school?
Also I’m in Canada so I’d imagine the whole thing is kind of different.
Its Airframe and Powerplant. So, you guys are a bit different than the US. But I work with guys from Canada. Your licensing is a bit different. You guys have more. There is the S license for Structures, A for Avionics (I think its A), and a Powerplant one. You can get one or all of them. I have worked with a lot of guys that have the S. I can’t remember if you guys do type ratings for each plane you would be working on or not.
Huh.
Since I have no experience in any of this stuff, do you take a school course or just approach a company and be all: teach me about avionics and pay me?
You would have to find a school. There is one dude I see every now and then from Canada that has all of them from Canada and the US. He’s a great mechanic. When I see him next I’ll try to ask some questions.
Cool.
Thanks.
Ive actually been considering getting my pilots license so this is weirdly topical.
Hell yes. Look at your options and do what’s best for you! Turning wrenches is fun but flying would be fun too! I have a few pilot buddies and they love it.