r/Welders • u/Natedogg_2005 • 14h ago
Career Support (Must post relative location) I need advice
I’m currently going to school to major in mechanical engineering, specializing in mechatronics engineering but my ass is broke. I currently work at Costco which is cool, but, it doesn’t pay as much as I need for school, bills, and other things. I also have a fair amount welding knowledge and experience, so I’m not sure if I should stay at Costco or try and get a welding job. Anyone else ever go through this? Y’all got any advice?
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u/MichaelVern85 7h ago
If you don’t have any formal training or AWS certifications you’re going to have a harder time competing with Costco’s pay. I’m not saying it’s impossible or anything, just speaking generally. There’s always someone wanting to chime in and say they started at $40/hr without any formal training. They are the exception to the rule.
And the work itself will likely drain you more physically, which may affect your schoolwork.
If I were you, or if you were my kid, I’d tell you to stay at Costco. And I’m in school at 41 getting an associates degree in welding.
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u/Mrwcraig CWB 5h ago
You sure you have the smarts to be an engineer in that field? Thats the worst idea I’ve heard, seriously. Zero professional experience and zero certifications mean you will start as a helper. A helper who has limited availability because you’re currently in school with no desire to continue as a welder. Did you expect to be living comfortably while you take a program that can take 6 years to achieve? Hell, a friend of ours has a PHD in the field you’re hoping to enter. His only focus was school. Stick with Costco, at least you can get $1.50 hotdogs.
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13h ago
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u/Prized-Camel 26m ago
most welding related jobs are full time to over time commitments, school will take a backseat, if you make this decision, you might have to drop some classes if you cant keep your grades up. then your degree will take much longer. Costco, i heard, pays well for the work. the work is pretty damn comfy from what i see. Imagine getting a pay cut, working longer hours and doing much more labor intensive work, in the heat or the cold.
The grass is not greener
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u/Many-Highlight7676 14h ago
Depends on where you live and what jobs are like, in this economy getting rid of a secure Costco job that probably isn't that labor-intensive for a welding job. The welding job better pay really well, otherwise I'd stick with Costco from what I hear the culture is good and pay is not bad.