Need others opinion.
I’m a JL lineman in Canada, been in the trade 11 years. I started my career and got my ticket working for a contractor making great money. Life got busy with kids and we lost our daycare and it forced me out of my foreman role to join a city utility that’s part of IBEW. I’ve been there for 3 years and life has for the most part settled other then having 2 young kids and a nurse wife. I love the flexibility and home life that my current employer provides but the money BLOWS. Making 1/2 what I made contracting. On top of the shitty money I’m bored out of my skull since the atmosphere at this place is definitely not work hard. I’ve lost my love for this job and the ambition do work hard which kills me and has affected my mental health.
I recently started job hunting and exploring options but I have found out that the line trade is a difficult trade to branch out of. I’m exploring safety/training/Management options but don’t know if I’m ready to get off the tools as I still like the line work side of everything. I have the option of going back to my old employer and diving in right where I left off. But that also means long days and weekends and potentially missing kids events and not being there as much (I will be home at night 90% of the time Aparently lol).
Anyone willing to offer any insight on what you have/would do on this situation.
Would you go back contracting and take the money and experience for a little bit longer and then try and expire other areas of the trade? Would you be willing to give up a home life for an extra 90k a year? Or would you tough it out living tight to see your kids a lot more?
Any other areas a lineman can branch out is also highly appreciated! Thanks for your time! Work safe and cheers 🍻