Noobert

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cooker

Tools are no good if you don't have the skill to use them. There must be a program where you live that can help advise you on how to get into a trade or a community college that will teach you to do something usefull.

Noobert

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Noobert

Im not kidding, I really do have every socket. And Pretty sure I have 10 of everything that I have

But back to the discussion.

CrimsonEclipse

This is a strange path, but I'll suggest it anyway.

Aircraft mechanic. I HATE to guide you into aviation but hear me out.

The FAA Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic Licenses are comprehensive from metal working, composites, all sorts of engines, structures, and complex systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical). It makes you an all around mechanic.

It doesn't just apply to airplanes. A+P in hand, you could be in demand with the military, power producing companies, oil producers, and even theme parks.

Here's the kicker:
Under the Workforce Investment Act, one of the supported skills (meaning, skills that the government would pay for) is the A+P license (may vary locally).

Depending on the school, you can complete the classes for $2500-4000, in 20-24 months.

In the VERY least, you could use the skills on ships, trains, cars, and bicycles would be a joke after that.

It sounds like you have a good start on the tools side, Now see if you want to put in the effort.

CE

Noobert

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cooker

My guess is that owning your own tools is probably an advantage in small businesses or running your own business and not so much if you work for a large company but I am sure there are more knowledgeable people who can respond more authoritatively.

However, I don't think you should pick a career based on what tools you inherited. It should be based on what you might like to do, what you might be good at, and what is in demand.

I think alternate energy, and rail transportation are two areas that are likely to be growth industries, but again there are probably more experts out there who can give you better advice than me.

Noobert

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mikewille

Industrial and residential maintenance mechanics usually are required to use their own tools.
Mechanics helper? Good way to learn stuff.

Kimmitt 

How much are the tools worth? Maybe 10% of 1 year's wages in any of these jobs? It's a silly thing to base this decision on.

I mean, take inspiration from them, sure. But decide based on real things.

Noobert

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Cyclaholic

Noobert: read then re-read CrimsonEclipse's suggestion, best one so far.... question is, do YOU have what it takes to step up to that sort of challenge?

I have nearly 1,000 hrs as a (private) pilot and have a great deal of respect for their skills. Don't compare an aviation mech to your average auto mechanic, that would be comparing Picasso so a child with a box of crayons.

artimus

I agree as well for AME. I tell all the youngins to get into a trade THAT CAN"T BE PUT IN A SHIPPING CONTAINER. Electrician, HVAC, plumber.....you get the idea.

Cyclist01012

What dose this have to do with cycling? Mods please move to foo.

arej00dazed

Instead of trying to start your own business while being so green, why not work for a company for a few years to help build up your skills and while on your own time, seek out adult education classes. Technical schools is a good place to look for such classes. Plus, no one will hire you by yourself seeing that you're only 21 and previous occupation is/was a dishwasher.........

and ppl are throwing out ideas, you need to read them. you're not going to get rich or have your own business over night. alot of ppl work at it for decades. you are just starting out.

Noobert

arejoodzed--- don't become a motivational speaker, or mentor kids.

Noobert

I relized im going to have to do all the thinking by my self, thanks guys though. (no one else comment and let this thread fade away in to the archives)

cooker

Apparently you missed all the good advice.
Here it is in summary form:

See if there is a career advice program where you live
Consider enrolling in a trade or a community college
Think about what sort of stuff you would like to fix
It's hard to do much independent auto mechanics work nowadays because of the electronics
Consider aviation mechanics training as it may be in demand and can translate to other fields
The government has some subsidy programs for aviation mechanics
Think about alternate energy or rail transportation as they are up and coming fields
Small business employees and industrial and residential maintenance mechanics may need their own tools
Electrician, HVAC, plumber are jobs that won't get shipped overseas
Work for another company until you are skilled and knowledgeable to go out on your own.

If this isn't the advice you wanted, what were you hoping for? By the way, if motivational speakers help anyone get rich, it's usually themselves, not their audience.

seagullplayer

My youngest just graduated high school, he took two years of electrical training in vocational school while in high school. He is now working as an electrial helper, but the job market is still tight and the company he is working for does not have many jobs in front of them. He is considering going into the military to complete his training.
If a young man could not afford collage or trade school, you might want to consider it...

Tools can be bought, skills must be learned.

CrimsonEclipse

With that attitude, you should get used to doing the dishes.

Just sell the tools on ebay, you already know everything.

DX-MAN

Better idea, Noobert -- send me the tools! I'll make sure they get put to the use they were meant for!

MadMabel

If you inherited ten or fifteen sets of everything why don't you sell off the duplicates? You might get enough to keep you alive while going through training.

But as has been said before, don't pick a career based on the tools. Find something that you like doing and train to do that professionally. There is nothing in the world worse than doing a job you hate day in and day out for years.

arej00dazed

well its freakn true! I know I wouldnt hire a 21 yr old with no previous experience regardless of how cheap they may be. Go ahead and set up your own business, it wont last long. You HAVE to learn the skills and have a way to prove it. You can't just say "I have the tools" and expect to be a pro. I have the tools too, yet I know I still suck at alot of it.

Panthers007

I bought (only the best) tools as were needed for the jobs at hand. I would have welcomed a landfall of tools for my bicycle work. But still have required specific bike-only tools.

Good luck!

cooker

He's gone off to sulk.