Mike Rowe writes a letter to Mitt Romney

[gwb72tii]

My background is why I like rebuilding cars. It's actually stress relief getting skinned knuckles, but there's nothing quite like turning over an engine you put together and having it fire off. And not throw loose bits around

[der affe]

Cale, after reading your posts in this thread, i see you in a whole new light. As someone who has worked as a tradesman most of my life (automotive tech, welder/fabricator, metal worker) it is nice to see someone who is collage educated and has respect for the peole in the field actually doing the work.

Previously, i saw you as just a pretentious shit stirrer.

Kudos.....no homo

[freeride53]

I enjoy the non-partisan sentiment, but when it comes down it - it's his vote.
And while many neglect "just one vote" I could never give up my vote in such a manner...

-S

[mulletman]

Cale, after reading your posts in this thread, i see you in a whole new light. As someone who has worked as a tradesman most of my life (automotive tech, welder/fabricator, metal worker) it is nice to see someone who is collage educated and has respect for the peole in the field actually doing the work.

Previously, i saw you as just a pretentious shit stirrer.

Kudos.....no homo

Solid post.

I fully agree with the idea that skilled labor in this country is being massively under-valued, and largely ignored. People generally view labor jobs as being 'beneath' them, and simply won't even consider accepting such a position. I am one who got a 4-year degree in order to work a specific trade. Although I hold a degree, I do consider myself a part of the trade/skilled labor force, as I don't think my job falls well into any other category.

I'm glad to see that there are some skilled labor jobs which still provide adequate compensation. To see a person working in one of the above-mentioned industries and earning 80k or more is encouraging. In some cases, however, the devaluation of the labor force is never more evident than in the compensation they receive. Unfortunately I fall into the latter category.

I'm an airline pilot at a fairly well-known part 121 carrier, and my pre-tax salary this year will be $26,315.29. The management team at my company is insisting that our workforce is overpaid, and must take cuts in order for the company to remain competitive.

[ieatpeople]

i have always had nothing but respect for Mike Rowe, and reading this makes me respect him even more.

I am a Union member (local 639), and i work as a warehouseman. I dont fully support all of the unions decisions/policies, but being in the union is far better than being out of a job. plus i make alot more money...

[herbivor]

^
I FIRMLY BELIEVE to be a god dammed engineer you should have to spend at least 3 preferably 5 years as a HAND in the field before you even go to school to even attempt to become an engineer. I love watching OLD school Foremen and Suppers give the kiddy engineers a schooling on how to build stuff in the real world.

In theory that would be nice, but that is difficult for some. To become an engineer you need at least 4 years of university (soon to be 6 with a masters degree) and 4 years of training as an apprentice. Assuming you pass all your tests and classes in the minimal amount of time, it takes 8 years to become an engineer, that's near what lawyers and doctors require. Now if you had hands on training before hand, you better have gotten it during college or high school as part time work, otherwise you are looking at 3 to 5 years as you suggested, which would put someone at the learning requirement of a surgeon to become an engineer.

I had been fortunate enough to have built houses, roads, and work at a steel mill during the college summers before becoming a structural engineer. The hands on work was very helpful and made me a better engineer. I had an edge over any other engineer that did not have that experience, but I can also appreciate that not everyone has had equally fortunate opportunities as I.

[gwb72tii]

Solid post.

I fully agree with the idea that skilled labor in this country is being massively under-valued, and largely ignored. People generally view labor jobs as being 'beneath' them, and simply won't even consider accepting such a position. I am one who got a 4-year degree in order to work a specific trade. Although I hold a degree, I do consider myself a part of the trade/skilled labor force, as I don't think my job falls well into any other category.

I'm glad to see that there are some skilled labor jobs which still provide adequate compensation. To see a person working in one of the above-mentioned industries and earning 80k or more is encouraging. In some cases, however, the devaluation of the labor force is never more evident than in the compensation they receive. Unfortunately I fall into the latter category.

I'm an airline pilot at a fairly well-known part 121 carrier, and my pre-tax salary this year will be $26,315.29. The management team at my company is insisting that our workforce is overpaid, and must take cuts in order for the company to remain competitive.

i would think you have upward mobility when you have enough seat time

[mulletman]

i would think you have upward mobility when you have enough seat time

Doubtful. My company has FO's with 12 years of seniority still making under 40k. Plenty of seat time. Upward mobility is completely dependent on the upward mobility of those above you, which there is very little of. And with most major airlines having 40-70% pay cuts imposed on them, upward mobility is very limited, and of lessened gain.