At a Crossroads...Need Career Advice

[snowtulip]

Hi Pinky,
DH is a bike builder here in ABQ. He went to CNM (used to be TVI) and went through their welding program so that he could do his own frames. He's designed and built two of my bikes which I love.

He's addicted to bikes and still wanted to work at the bike shop as well to be surrounded by bike people, so he works there about 10 hrs/week (to me it's similar to volunteering). But he's managed to do what he loves and make a meager living because the welding has provided him other money making opportunities.

He's pretty content and just lives within his means in order to do what he enjoys.

[velogirl]

Pinkie! Definitely follow your dream while you're young. It's much more challenging to change careers and reduce your income potential once you're used to a certain standard of living.

Another thought, besides working at a bike shop, would be to apprentice with a local frame-builder (like snowtulip's husband?).

One word of advice regarding bike shop jobs. Not all bike shop owners are supportive of their employees' athletic careers. Remember, if you plan to train 30 hours a week (a bit high, I think), that cuts into your potential work hours. Also, your races will be on the weekends and most likely also require travel time. Weekends are prime bike-buying days so bike shop owners like to hire employees (especially those with less seniority) who can be available to work weekends.

[pinkychique]

good idea velogirl, maybe if not snowtulip's husband isn't willing to, then I'll look and see what I can find.

snowtulip: would you be willing to ask your husband?

Thanks all!

[velogirl]

btw, if not a long-term apprenticeship, maybe you could just spend a few days or even a few hours with a frame-builder. interview them, find out about their job (there's more involved than just welding and cutting tubes -- there's paperwork, too, and sweeping floors), see what they like, how they market themselves, etc. and then maybe you can observe them "doing" their job one day.

[ehirsch83]

Pinky,
When season comes around, why don't you go down to sportz outdoors and see if they need any extra help? You have some great and very knowledgeable people working there(DJ is one of the best mechanics you will find and Randy and Lee know more then most people combined about all other aspects)

[Triskeliongirl]

Why not send out your resume to all the domestic bike companies, and see if anything turns up for a mechanical engineer?? Also, you could contact MANY frame builders to see if they need any apprentices. Think bigger than taking a year off to work in your LBS! Fixing bikes, and designing bikes, are really two different things. Maybe go to one of those independent bicycle builder shows, and talk to some frame builders as well. Dare to dream, but have the discipline to make your dreams happen.

[mimitabby]

if it is any relief to you, I work with dozens of ME's and only a few of them work any overtime. Some have really boring jobs and some are totally in love with their work, designing things, on the cutting edge. So it depends. Get your degree... then get your feet wet a little more.
you don't HAVE to get a desk job.
Some ME's just run around looking at bridges that failed and home construction that has cracks in it; trying to figure out what went wrong. Forensic stuff.

[pinkychique]

Thanks for all your input!!!
Snowtulip I'm looking forward to your pm

I really hope that I can figure something out - I am DEFINATELY going to be a taking welding class, I'm excited about that