I have one of the coolest jobs in the construction/manufacturing space.
I travel to see all new/recently delivered construction size machines and conduct operator familiarization training on them.
It's an awesome job where I'm constantly learning and passing on what I learn to experienced or non experienced operators.
After high school, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life... I couldn't afford college, and to be honest, it really wasn't something I was seriously thinking about.
The only option I thought I had at the time was to join the military, which isn't a bad option, but it's mind blowing that I thought that was my only path.
My step dad suggested going into the mines (I didn't know that was an option until he mentioned it).
Living in northern California at the time, the closest major mining "Headquarters" for day to day operation was in Elko, NV (8HRS away).
I ended up applying and getting the job working for a major exploration drilling company, where I worked for many years before bouncing around the drilling industry.
I then moved back to Australia to finally get into civil construction.
It was here where I found my passion for operating construction equipment and teaching others how to operate them.
The one thing I will say to the newer generation is that there is a path to succeed like in any other industry.
In this profession, you get to work outside and, in some cases, travel around the state, country or world!
Not to mention, you get to see some cool things while you're doing it.
You can start in this industry once you turn 18 (16 in some places), make a wage that's higher than most college graduates, and not have any college debt.
