Scrapping as a Job

Okay so right now as some of you may know, I am a 16 year old scrapper in the West Chicago suburbs. I am about to finish my Junior year of high school. As senior year approaches I have to start thinking about a career or a job. At first it was community college and scrap, but my retired neighbor who worked for the FAA got me thinking about that.

I started my search on the FAA's website and came across some requirements to be qualified to be a Air Traffic controller.

Be a United States citizen - Got that
Start at the FAA Academy no later than your 31st birthday - Can Do
Pass a medical examination - Healthy as a Horse
Pass a security investigation - No problem
Have three years of progressively responsible work experience, or a Bachelor's degree, or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience that totals three years. -Ohhhh thats an issue, No Job EVER
Pass the FAA air traffic pre-employment tests we will see
Speak English clearly enough to be understood over communications equipment - eyes speaks purrty gurd anglish

Now you see my problem. No job experiences just JnJ Junk.

Work(scrap or otherwise), continue with post H.S. education. Keep you eyes open and look for what interests you. If you find something that interests you do some real investigating. Get a job, even part time, in the field that interests you or close to what interests you. Many, seemingly all, good jobs require a 4 year degree and more and more require a Master's degree just to get in the front door.

There are great jobs in the trades but you need to put the time in and get the experience. Trades: plumbing, heat/air, electrician, carpenter, iron worker, steam fitter, etc.


Now if you want to be successful in any profession go to Dave Ramsey's web site and learn how to live on a budget. Learn how to best get a degree with out debt. (hint pay as you go)

On his website you can listen to pod casts of his radio show. Pay attention to the people who call in with education debt that has followed them into their 30's, 40's, and even 50's.

Back to choosing a profession many don't end up in the profession they started with when they graduated from college.

If you follow my advise you will be wealthy and chances are happy in your life. Mike

Agreed on Dave Ramsey. I'd listen to him if he is on your local AM talk radio channel. You learn a lot from him. His budgeting tips will certainly help with that Bachelor's degree.

Join the Air Force, go to you local recruiters office and tell them that you want to be an Air Traffic Controller. Do your four years, let Uncle Sam train you, then when your first four years are up you will then be recruited by the FAA. It is very hard now to go in with a guaranteed job but if you make life easy for your recruiter they can pull some strings and get you the job you want.

You can volunteer someplace and those hours and experiences will count towards a first job.

If you want to be an air traffic controller, Brandon is right on. Education, experience, and government references can not be beat. Education will be free, but I agree Dave Ramsey's advice is valuable. If you go the Air Force route, still check out Dave Ramsey at Financial Peace University. He provides valuable insight. Another favorite is Clark Howard. When you combine the advice of both of these individuals, you will be at peace financially. I love when a plan comes together and good luck.

Don't sell yourself short, try anything that you think you will like, when all else fails you can still scrap! Many people here have jobs and scrap as extra income this is the way I would go as a young man getting started out there... Good luck and work hard at all you do!

To add on to what Hobo said..

Some folks even left their chosen professions to scrap full time. Crazy I know!

Anyhow..all the other advice is good advice. If your heart is set on the air traffic controller, do as Brandon said an get some schooling an learning, and experience via the Government. Also..stock up on anti-acids, you'll need them in that line of work. An probably some prozac. LOL

Good luck no matter what you decide.

Sirscrapalot - Oh yea, well it takes one to know one! - some random kid in my court to some other kid...

Thanks, Sirscrapalot! Time for you to go back to the clubhouse! ;)

I picked the wrong week to quit drinking!

https://creativejamie.files.wordpres...phetamines.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fkrCCfd.png

The Air Force is a good suggestion. I'd look into it!

I personally would steer clear of the military .