How to Choose Between Skilled Trades and Corporate Jobs

Graduating high school, attending college for a four-year degree program, and getting a high-paying white-collar job is a piece of standard advice given to young people. However, it isn’t the only option, as you can pick up a skilled trade as a source of livelihood.

Consequently, it’s prudent to weigh your options to discover whether a corporate job or a skilled trade suits you best and will help you get by in life. There are numerous factors worth considering to make this crucial choice. Below are some insights to help you decide between a skilled trade and a white-collar job.

Consider the market demand for your prospective career.

Demand for services significantly influences profitability, so examining the need for your potential skilled trade, as opposed to the corporate job you’re considering, is necessary in order to make the right choice. Professionals in software engineering, law, and digital marketing enjoy great demand nowadays because their services are continually needed by a diverse client base both locally and internationally, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, you can consider branching into some of these white-collar areas to enjoy great demand.

However, you could be better off selecting a skilled trade since there’s currently a massive demand for skilled tradespeople. Long-haul truckers, manufacturing technicians, and mechanics are typical examples of blue-collar professionals whose skills are needed everywhere. Therefore, picking an in-demand skilled trade is a far better option than settling for a declining white-collar position. These days, the driver population enjoys great demand from many businesses, and several recruiters are seeking to pair companies with the right drivers. Reputable driver recruitment platforms such as FatJ are great examples of such recruitment avenues.

FatJ is owned and run by Fusion Recruiting Labs. It’s one of the country’s fastest-growing enterprises, presently functioning as a recruitment advertising platform for the logistics and transportation industry. Companies seeking to hire new truck drivers for their businesses can access the FatJ platform to post driver job openings. This way, they can recruit the best drivers to fill job openings in their company. However, since driver shortage is a pressing concern in the transport industry, prioritizing driver wellness and driver health is crucial to retain your best drivers. You can introduce wellness programs for them and ensure that they take breaks and engage in regular physical activity as they traverse the United States.

Their wellbeing is essential, since driving for long hours puts truckers at an increased risk of obesity. This way, your drivers will be in better health and prove their long-term value to your enterprise. FatJ differs from other recruitment solutions by ensuring that candidates are the best fits for the particular market and position you’re hiring for. Also, they don’t send your company drivers without any knowledge of your company. They have years of experience in the transportation recruitment sector and are trusted by well-known delivery service companies like DHL and UPS. What’s more, they have empowered more than a thousand recruitment teams in companies countrywide with proper tools and expertise to streamline their recruitment efforts.

Consider the cost and time involved to train or study.

Landing a corporate job will require you to complete at least a four-year degree program. These college programs are typically expensive and leave many students in debt afterward. However, you can quickly defray your debt after securing a well-paying job, although this usually takes some time. On the other hand, studying a skilled trade is a less expensive approach to making money immediately after high school. You can apply for a vocational program at trade schools to become an expert in a specialized area.

Trade school takes anywhere between a few months to two years to complete, so you can start earning money as soon as possible. Also, trade school allows you to access the job field quicker with less debt. You can train to become several things, including a roofing contractor who provides installation repair services to local homeowners. For example, several Alexandria roofing contractors help Alexandria clients install their flat roofs and asphalt shingles and repair their roofs after storm damages.

Consider your prospects for career advancement.

Career advancement is a common goal every working professional wants to experience, irrespective of their industry. Therefore, how far and quick you can rise through the ranks is a vital consideration that should guide your choice between a skilled trade and a corporate job. These days, skilled tradespeople seem to be enjoying better opportunities for advancement than their white-collar counterparts.

For example, Cummings, a world-renowned diesel engine manufacturer, is creating paths for diesel-engine mechanics to branch into service management roles, business, engineering, and other areas. Suppose you work as a distributor of water bottles, pure water, water coolers, and other natural spring water products for local water delivery companies. In that case, you may be able to enter into management positions after gathering a few years of valuable experience.

Examine your personal preferences and interests.

Many school counselors and other experts encourage people deciding on their careers to go where their interests lead them. Your interests are your inclinations and reflect your preference for particular activities and work environments. Choosing your job based on your interest is necessary to obtain motivation to remain committed in difficult times. Also, you’ll better enjoy meeting high standards in the long run when you’re operating in an area best suited to your interests.

Additionally, whichever job utilizes your best skills will prevent a situation where hard work only results in dissatisfaction, leading to further fulfillment. Finally, you’re likely to be more innovative if you pursue what you love doing. People with a genuine interest in their field of work are likely to spearhead innovation in these areas because they bring several fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. Vivek Ramaswamy, CEO of Roivant Sciences, is an excellent example of a professional introducing innovation in their field due to pursuing their interests and passions. Ramaswamy established Roivant Sciences, the parent company of Dermavant and Sinovant, to apply technology to drug development. He formed a $3 billion partnership with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, transferring ownership stake in Urovant, Altavant, Enzyvant, Spirovant, and Myovant Sciences.

Skilled trades and corporate jobs are two distinct career paths available to everyone. The above-listed points are some guidelines to help you pick the right career paths based on several helpful factors worth considering.