u/DaugtherofGod

I've been a Secretary for 4 years here in the UAE and I want to switch careers into Welding, I already enrolled for a SMAW course and also intend to learn MAG and TIG soon but I don't know how to proceed from there after I get the training and certifications. I try looking if it's possible to migrate as a Welder without experience but most of them need at least 1-2 years of experience, but working as a Welder here in UAE is not sustainable given that the offers were extremely low so I'm really conflicted about what to do and how to proceed after the training 🥺

Anyways, I want to work off shore/FIFO

Would really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who have actually worked in welding or made a similar career switch.🥺😢

I've been a Secretary for 4 years here in the UAE and I want to switch careers into Welding, I already enrolled for a SMAW course and also intend to learn MAG and TIG soon but I don't know how to proceed from there after I get the training and certifications. I try looking if it's possible to migrate as a Welder without experience but most of them need at least 1-2 years of experience, but working as a Welder here in UAE is not sustainable given that the offers were extremely low so I'm really conflicted about what to do and how to proceed after the training 🥺

Anyways, I want to work off shore/FIFO

Would really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who have actually worked in welding or made a similar career switch.🥺😢

I've been a Secretary for 4 years here in the UAE and I want to switch careers into Welding, I already enrolled for a SMAW course and also intend to learn MAG and TIG soon but I don't know how to proceed from there after I get the training and certifications. I try looking if it's possible to migrate as a Welder without experience but most of them need at least 1-2 years of experience, but working as a Welder here in UAE is not sustainable given that the offers were extremely low so I'm really conflicted about what to do and how to proceed after the training 🥺

Anyways, I want to work off shore/FIFO

Would really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who have actually worked in welding or made a similar career switch.🥺😢

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice from welders or people who have changed careers.

I’m 27F and have been working as a secretary in the UAE for around 4 years. I currently earn AED 4,500/month, and honestly, I’m quite comfortable. I have my own room, bathroom, kitchen, appliances, etc.

The problem is that I really don’t enjoy the work anymore. I spend most of the day sitting around with very little to do, and it’s driving me crazy. I feel like I’d be much happier doing something practical, structured and repetitive where I’m actually using my hands and developing a skilled trade.

I’ve become interested in welding. I’m already enrolled in a SMAW (stick welding) course and will be starting soon. Eventually, I’d like to learn GMAW (MIG/MAG), GTAW (TIG), and possibly other processes.

My concern is that I’d be starting completely from zero. I know I probably wouldn’t earn AED 4,500+ immediately as a beginner welder, and I’m also not really interested in staying in the UAE as a welder because entry-level salaries seem quite low.

So, what would you recommend?

Should I keep my secretary job while training and building welding skills? After SMAW, what should I learn next? How important is actual work experience compared with certificates? And is welding realistically a good career to build if my eventual goal is working abroad?

Would you personally leave a comfortable office job for 4 years at 27 years old and start from zero in welding?

I’d really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have actually worked in the trade. 🙏

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice from welders or people who have changed careers.

I’m 27F and have been working as a secretary in the UAE for around 4 years. I currently earn AED 4,500/month, and honestly, I’m quite comfortable. I have my own room, bathroom, kitchen, appliances, etc.

The problem is that I really don’t enjoy the work anymore. I spend most of the day sitting around with very little to do, and it’s driving me crazy. I feel like I’d be much happier doing something practical, structured and repetitive where I’m actually using my hands and developing a skilled trade.

I’ve become interested in welding. I’m already enrolled in a SMAW (stick welding) course and will be starting soon. Eventually, I’d like to learn GMAW (MIG/MAG), GTAW (TIG), and possibly other processes.

My concern is that I’d be starting completely from zero. I know I probably wouldn’t earn AED 4,500+ immediately as a beginner welder, and I’m also not really interested in staying in the UAE as a welder because entry-level salaries seem quite low.

So, what would you recommend?

Should I keep my secretary job while training and building welding skills? After SMAW, what should I learn next? How important is actual work experience compared with certificates? And is welding realistically a good career to build if my eventual goal is working abroad?

Would you personally leave a comfortable office job for 4 years at 27 years old and start from zero in welding?

I’d really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have actually worked in the trade. 🙏