Some context, I have been an electrician in the Buffalo, NY area for about 4 years now and I currently make $18/hr.
For the last year or so, I have been driving past fast food restaurants that have signs out front hiring for $18 or $18.50/hr. What! It is so infuriating that my boss wants me to put in extra effort and work out in the 1° weather or not give any sort of safety briefing after I was shocked and sent to the hospital due to the negligence of a coworker.
It feels like a no brainer to quit my life threatening, stress inducing job but it’s what I love the people are just stupid (one coworker told me that he made $18 when he started 10 years ago and I have nothing to complain about)
I have always heard from the boomers and people who were never in or near the trades to join the trades and you’ll have consistent, well paying jobs; but in the first 4 years of my experience I have averaged ~34 hours a week and barely been able to pay my rent because the trades are so fucking behind.
I would love to leave the area but with 0 disposable income or any ability to save my money I have no idea what I’m going to do.
Edit: electrician union in my area rates are as follows
0-1000hrs 13.85
1000-2000hrs 15
2000-3500hrs 16.85
3500-5000hrs 20.60
So it would take 2 years for me to get back to the wages I can already not afford my bills at.