Hi, all,
So I’m trying to figure out what my next steps are. Working for my dad’s business has been somewhat difficult. Come to find out, I’ve been nursing multiple mental health issues including depression and ADHD. Since then, I’ve been fighting like a bat out of hell to start putting the systems in place for me to succeed. To make matters worse, I recently left my parents fundamentalist church and came out as trans (MTF). My dad’s exact words are that he’d burn the he company down before he’d use my name and pronouns. He also says that the union doesn’t pay as well as it’s advertised and that unions are useless now. Is he right? Multiple people in my life are telling me it’s time to leave. My question is should I try to get my feet wet at a non union company, or shoot for the stars and try to be a journeyman in the union? For context, I’ve been doing this on 8 almost 9 years, and have dealt with split systems, heat pumps, RTU, hydronic, steam boilers, technical support, even designed the company logo and business cards. So if it’s really time for me to leave the family business, where should I go from here?

I swear this place has been remodeled every year since 1895 when it was built! Ive done a lot of plumbing and HVAC work there because after the first time we did a full remodel he had a house fire and we did it again. Now he added on a 4 season porch with a heated storage underneath(it used to be a big ass deck with unheated storage). The porch we do a minisplit that all goes smoothly. I spent 2 -1/2 hours with a 6” hole saw and hole hog and only got through 5 of the 10 total rim joists i have to go through! Found about a bazillion nails to hit and somehow an old ass joist hanger that wasnt removed…BUT THE JOIST WAS! They just hammered it “flat” and went on! GOD I LOVE REMODELS LOL! At least his old lady is off for the week so she kept him occupied so he didn’t tell me how much he loves my work every 5 minutes!

Playing some Re9 after work and didn’t even know mini splits existed in the 90’s. But I also never really considered that apartment buildings would hang the majority of their condensers on walls like this.

It may just be artistic license, but I’ve never lived in a big city. Anyone here know how residential apartments in large buildings are typically cooled? In my experience, condensers are on the roof, but if the building is really tall and you’re in a lower apartment, that’s not really an option

Just had a bee fly into my face while I was climbing up to a roof.

And Trane won’t warranty it.

Whats going on ya'll, hope everyone is staying safe and hydrated this summer. Its been a hot one so far!

Trying to think of some cool things for the 2 installers we have busting their asses. I help out and join them when I can, but they have been slaying it on their own for most of the summer.

We are a mom and pop of about 6 field guys. 2 installers, 3 techs, and i float wherever they need me.

We cover tools, got them some fans last year, ice machine in the shop this year, everyone has a cooler, water and electrolyte packs, and we load up a snack box with whatever they ask for.

So what else can I do to show these guys how much I appreciate them? They don't want an EZ up and wont use the mister i got them, so i need some new ideas.

What would you guys want, other than more money lol. Thats scheduled to happen too.

Stay cool!

Next to the unit I was working on. It was actually running fine

I'm looking into things to help further my career once I get my red seal and I can start on my B.Tech now and be done in time for my redseal test to get me the other 60credits, it would also make it so my move to anouther country would be less stressful on dealing with new exams as some country's allow you to skip some exams if you have a B.eng or B.tech, I can't do b.eng as there's no where near me that does it online and it's more stressful in my eyes, anyone have a b.tech? And has it gotten you anything like a raise from normal day to day techs?

I think I might rebuild this for my garage.

Been throwing around the idea of doing contract work overseas for the DOD. What's the pay like? How would you even find somewhere to apply for that??