[TravellingSoldier]

Dear Gentlemen of the forum,

I am writing this because I would like some advice.

Background: I moved out to Alberta 3 months ago, promptly when I turned 18 and immediately got into a trade (electrical.) I did this as a way to be productive while I decide what I really want to do - school or the like.

Now, most people would argue that I should stay working in the oil sands and build up a trade/some technical experience. And while this is a good option, with a good amount of money to come in; I just don't desire the work. I definitely do not see this as something I see myself doing long term, so what is the point of learning a trade I don't want to do in the future for work (same boat as cubicle loathing.) I'm able to "man-up" and stay for now, but I'm just trying to envision a path where-in I can harness skills that will benefit my career as well as happiness ie: find a job I enjoy. Which leads me to my next point, I like to learn as well as teach.

Having just spent 2 weeks in Mexico, the highlights of my trip would be cultural immersion, language development and helping locals learn English. I stayed in Hostels and was able to hone in my skills a bit; and in that time period I went from almost zero Spanish, to being able to communicate in small conversations and reading a decent amount. I obviously still have a lot to learn pero estoy apprendiendo (but I am learning.) I enjoyed it so much I contemplated skipping out on my flight back and staying to learn the language. I feel it would be beneficial and I would probably learn a lot if I took language courses for 4 months in Mexico/SA. After that I was contemplating a working holiday visa/studying in another country in Europe. Perhaps Germany, as German is a language I've been interested in learning. I am also interested in Mandarin and Arabic, as well as spending time/working in the Middle east; though this is far down the list as I do not know about the real opportunities or work for young expats.

Now I've read a LOT and would just like some advice so I can make an informed decision as what to do.

Options I am aware of:

- Language studies in Mexico/SA (possibly teach english, but I think I am too young for a CELTA and don't have a BA.)
- Study/Work in Europe
- Volunteer abroad (suggestions?)
- Continue to work in the oil sands as an electrician

And any other options you guys may identify with that I do not know of right now... just trying to make the most of my time, becoming the strongest version of myself while maintaining a happy mind and healthy lifestyle.

Thanks in advance.

[NFallin]

I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Calgary. I am also an indentured electrician like you.

In reality, most jobs are terrible and turn into drudgery after awhile. I want to blow my brains out when planning out rack for cable tray or bending 1 1/4 pipe.

I will be travelling this summer to mexico for three months. Our trade allows us to do this. Try doing that with a corporate career, or while trying to develop a niche business.

The luxury of the trades is that it allows us to not give a fuck. You can walk out of a job and have another one almost instantly. There is no ladder to climb, just skills to learn, and school levels to pass. You don't have to believe in the business or the corporate vision. You don't need to achieve sales targets, or fill out reports. Just build shit, and relax while doing so.

Save money for a bit, invest, then travel. Run out of money? Guess what you can go back to work as an electrician and make bank again very quickly. Those skills don't evaporate overnight and it isn't looked down upon if you have gaps in your employment.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to teach or learn languages as my day job, or perhaps counsel others and shit like that. But that's not red pill. It's fantasy in the actual working world.

Get a skill, which you have, and develop it. But then use it to your advantage. Work six months, then take off. Invest for passive income. If you need more money pick up work again. Then go on an adventure again. Very few professions allow for this.

Eventually you will want to get off the tools. Say fuck it, and do technical sales, or gain more technical knowledge by doing instrumentation, power engineering etc.

In the end bro, money is freedom. Put in the work and the time. You are at a very advantageous position to be in for your age.

[TravellingSoldier]

Yeah, I may be getting overly dramatic right now. I think I will stay with it for the time being, at least now that the weather is getting better the work isn't bad. I think the reason I'm so willing to drop it is because I've been out of work for 6 weeks and I'm losing touch with work. First year seems shit and my company is shit so I guess just get this year out of the way and move on next year for a while.

[paninaro]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking here. You say you've learned you like languages.

So then what? There are two parts, learning it and using it. You have plenty of options for both.

The one thing I'd caution is to think you can make a lot of money simply because you know X language. While sometimes that's possible, realize there are usually a whole lot of other people who have that particular skill (X language) and it's the ones who have other skills on top of that who find it easier to make money.

[testos111]

You can teach languages and at the same time start a blog about languages if you're really passionate about it. You can also pick up foreign language content gigs on places like Elance which usually get very few proposals and hence increase your chance of getting them. They pay a lot too.

Live a minimalist lifestyle while doing all this and use your electrical knowledge and skills for security and extra income.

If you know what makes you happy, then you're already way ahead. Don't wait and have the courage to pursue the life you want.

[Kangaroo]

Continue to work in the oil sands as an electrician, you are young and will be able to travel in the future. Work hard and make bank.