has anyone done this? i turned 30 in decemeber and im just burnt out on what ive been doing and im considering taking a job with a local company doing hvac work. i know ill be starting over at the bottom but i think itll be worth it in the long run. doenst hurt that there insurance is only $28/week

Look at guys that retire from the military and start new careers. If you have the drive you can do anything. Those guys are 38 or 40 and older. Don't use BIGCOUNTRY as an example. He copped out and is MR MOM!
Sorry Jamie, I couldn't resist!

When US Steel had the big manning reduction in 2016 that eliminated 500 jobs, I was one of them. I had to start over at 41. So it happens, whether voluntary or mandatory. Sometimes you have zero control of those situations. The days of working for a company 35 - 40 years and retiring are almost over. Still a few, but not like was 20 - 30 years ago. Life is short. We are at work almost as much as we are at home. So no need in being miserable at work if you have comparable options. My .02

Life is to short to be miserable. I will say at 30 you cant be doing a ton of career changes so plan it out.

Do it. And u can make bank on your off time non stop.

Heating and Air has took care of me. I've got a great job now. Great pay, company paid Family Insurance, 3 different retirement accounts full paid by my employer. Free Breakfast, free lunch and free unlimited snacks is the icing on the cake. They don't run me ragged either.

My recommendation- If you hope to eventually work for yourself, residential is OK, but get ready to take a beating...I would recommend getting into commercial or industrial as quick as possible. Learn the Big Chillers and Make the BIG money.

If you arent opposed to Unions, they have very good apprentice programs that can lead to good jobs and BIG money

I’m in the same process right now. I’m actually selling my business to go to work for a larger company. I feel like I’ve maxed out what I can do here, and don’t want to recapitalize to grow cause I just got out from under my original purchase loans. and want to be part of something larger.

I'm 35 sold my store last year now work for my grandad farming and heavy equipment...i don't make as much right now but I love working outside now and riding tractors n trac hoe most days

Johnson O'Connor


Best money I ever spent on myself. In a world of infinite possibilities, they were able to help me eliminate a lot and focus in on what I'm good at.

Work for yourself.

Im with Fur on this one. If theres anything you can do well and you can deal with the public long enough to get a job done, id try self employment. You might look into home advisor as a way to get business.

ive got a non compete agreement where i work now so itll be two years after i quit before i can do that
i just thought hvac would be a good trade to get into

I made a complete career change in 2004 at age 35. It has worked great for me. Face the fear, find your divine purpose and your earthly drive and motivation, bust your arse, strive for excellence, give God the credit and the glory. At age 30 you are in a great spot to make a change. Young enough to adapt but old enough to be smart about it.

You should open hunting/fishing store... Your hell on the wildlife

I got laid off from the mining industry when I was 31. I took a temporary job in a completely different industry to get me by for a while. Turned out to be a great career move for me. I’ve changed companies once since then but stayed in the same industry. Been at it for going on 17 years now.

Also, FWIW, the HVAC industry is in bad need of good technicians. The company me and Travis left has struggled finding our replacements. The company gave up, settled and hired 3 guys who apparently can't handle the workload that we handled. They are now just trying to find even decent techs and still cant find them. The whole industry is dealing with this.

With all of that said, the good ones get took care of. I could write a good sized list of guys that will hit close to or decently above 6 figures this year. Not a bad living for a working man.

I would suggest electrical or plumbing over HVAC. Those trades are hurting for young workers. Put in a some years at those trades and take your masters test and you can make as much money as you want.

Plumbing trade is good. Go to Huntsville, plumbing companies are poaching guys off other companies crews with more money because the demand is so high.

i changed careers at age 28 ... it was more of a side-step for me, but was a significant change - & it worked out just fine ...

A fellow I know is a plumber and went out on his own. He works everyday till about 9:00 p.m. Doesn’t advertise, just word of mouth. Does a good job, shows up on time, and answers his phone when you call. Makes a killing and has all the work he wants.