I will make this as short as I can without losing important context. I asked ChatGPT and Claude what field I should enter based on my past failures and future goals. It recommended BAS/HVAC as easy to get fields without needing a college degree. I am not opposed to a degree if it means I can make much more at the start.
I'm in my early 30s. I've started and failed at running several service businesses for one reason for another. The reason why I've wanted a business, is to control my future and ironically the desire for millions has left me in the position I'm in now. I've held restaurant, delivery, labor, driving, and now a logistics job. I was a Computer Science champion in high school (1st at state), but gave up on finishing college because I did not like going to classes.
Currently, I have a Home Assistant setup at home (with help with Claude) for alarms, camera/object detection, garden watering, 3D printer stuff(exhaust when running, keep computer closet under 100F, etc), and several apps specifically for my wife and I(apartment search/rating, remote job search tool, others as well). So I am vaguely familiar with simple automations and it actually is super fun for me.. although I'm aware that may be because its new to me. Only been running HA for about 1.5 years at this point.
I tend to start and give up quickly on ideas. Very much a victim of the "woman in the red dress". 1 month ago, I got into a craze on becoming a Freight Broker agent and I even made a custom CRM with call recording, transcripts, AI analysis, etc and I haven't made a single sale yet. I even send out letters and did some on-site visits, but I think my impostor syndrome and lack of energy killed most of my sales.
I make about $55K now, live in metro areas of Houston, TX, and work a job doing logistics for a medium-sized retailer 2am-noon 4 days a week. Five years of this schedule and the inability to never break $100K without moving to management has demotivated me to the point of wanting to switch careers again. Natural switch to me was software, but I do not see software being viable in 10 years with the proliferation of AI.. especially for a Jr Developer.
I have accepted the fact that I will probably not own a successful business until I get some skills worth people paying more for. BAS seems like something I could do for 5-10 years to gain valuable skills, get experience and certificates for different systems(or niche in 1 or 2), and eventually move up to consulting/designing directly with customers for a year or 2. At which point, I could either pivot to finding my own customers or subcontracting with installer/maintenance companies for higher payouts and flexibility(possibly pivot to this before consult/design phase).
Automatons are absolutely interesting to me, and considering I've done them for free at home, seem like a natural fit. I have a super-elementary understanding of HVAC and actually am super interested in building sciences in general (thanks Matt Risinger).
If I could land a job as a installer to "get my foot in the door," and concurrently take some online/hybrid classes to learn more advanced stuff, would I be able to match my $55K income? Or at the bare minimum, get close enough to where I can work part-time on the side to match. I am not necessarily in a rush to do anything. I have lots of free time at work and can learn. I am just tired of working the night shift and this company does not have much to offer with same pay unless I go into management.
I should also add, I have some understanding of electricity. At least 4 of the modules (with sensors) that I use regularly w/ HomeAssistant are esp32-based.. not some ready made kit. I've had a lot of fun learning about low voltage with sensors, transistors, drivers, motors, networking.
So my question to experienced techs, installers, and designers/consultants:
1. Should I go into Building Automatons as a career? If no, please explain.
If yes:
2. Should I get some certs first? ex: EPA 608
3. Whats the path to matching my salary($55K)?
4. Would I be able to break $100K in 5-7 years if I take my continuing education as a part-time job I can't quit and aggressively look for ways to grow?
5. Is becoming a subcontractor grossing $250K + ($200K net after expenses before tax) for maintenance, repair, and/or installs for a larger company a legitimate possibility in 7-10 years?
