New boy starting from scratch!

[ArthurBottlesworth]

Where abouts are you?

 

Focus on income streams first, nothing worse than being broke - except perhaps being an employee

[New Boy]

Hi i am in hertfordshire, but will work around this general area. I am lucky that money wise i am able to take this opportunity, though not doing so lightly. Thanks for the book references also guys.

[Paul C]

New Boy, ever thought about some rail work?. There's loads of it around at the moment, not the most glamorous of work but you'll learn very quickly which if you've not had much experience is invaluable and it's not all about butchering trees. I was in a pretty similar situation to yourself 7months ago and have enjoyed nearly every minute........

Getting lots of tickets (I did) sounds good but doing this job has certainly opened my eyes. Definitely food for thought and you'll soon realise if you made the right decision plus most gaffers if starting as a subbie with provide saws etc so you'll just have to fork out for ppe.

[Mike Hill]

Times have changed.Before it was uncommon to arrive in this industry laterally ,as many now do being either self funded by way of previous employment or for example by payouts and training by the Government.

 

The gear is better,the Trees are smaller and as such the climbers reasonable career has lengthened.

 

If the Man wants to spend the last 20 or so years of his working life doing Tree work,then its up to him.

[Paul C]

Times have changed.Before it was uncommon to arrive in this industry laterally ,as many now do being either self funded by way of previous employment or for example by payouts and training by the Government.

 

The gear is better,the Trees are smaller and as such the climbers reasonable career has lengthened.

 

If the Man wants to spend the last 20 or so years of his working life doing Tree work,then its up to him.

Here here, Mike.

[gensetsteve]

I have worked with fit energetic 45 year olds and 20 year olds. Also worked with some zombies. As you get older you dont need to cram as much into a day as you dont have big mortgages and as many small mouths to feed. I think a career change at middle age is fine better than giving up good luck to you.

[New Boy]

Thanks guys. And rail work sounds interesting though i wouldn't have a clue how to get work like this, any on this clues please Paul?

[Paul C]

Thanks guys. And rail work sounds interesting though i wouldn't have a clue how to get work like this, any on this clues please Paul?

New Boy, check out the employment thread on the forum there are some big firms that deal in rail work wanting blokes. You will need a PTS card before you can do rail work and to get one one of these you will have to complete a medical plus the personnel track safety (PTS) course. In order to take a PTS course you will first have to be sponsored by a company that does de-veg rail work. It sounds a little drawn out but is pretty straightforward, the best place to start would be to send an expression of interest to one of the firms that deal in this line of work. There should be someone not too far from your area if your lucky.

 

Regards,

 

Paul

[New Boy]

Nice one Paul, thanks.