(Without breaking their hearts or yours)
This conversation is hard. Your parents invested in your education, you feel like you're letting them down. These resources will help you show them—and yourself—that this isn't failure. It's strategic career planning.
Numbers don't lie. Use this calculator to build your financial case.
* Estimates assume 5% annual raises in trades vs 2% in current role. Actual results vary by location, trade, and individual circumstances.
Expand each section for conversation templates you can customize.
"Mom/Dad, I want to talk to you about something important. I've been doing a lot of thinking and research about my career, and I want to share what I've learned with you. This isn't a snap decision - it's something I've been considering carefully." Key points to hit: - Acknowledge their investment in your education - Show you've done your homework - Express that you value their input
Videos, articles, communities, and real stories to help you make your case.
Reddit r/BlueCollarWomen
Real stories from people who had the conversation with their families about pivoting to trades.
Visit →Mike Rowe Works
First-person account of a college grad who transitioned to HVAC and now earns six figures.
Watch →Freakonomics
Economics podcast episode featuring graduates who escaped the debt trap through skilled trades.
Watch →Electrician U
Popular YouTube channel showing the real day-to-day of electrical work, from apprentice to journeyman.
Watch →Career Karma
Practical conversation templates for discussing your career pivot with family.
Read →Georgetown CEW
Academic research you can share with parents about earnings potential in skilled trades.
Read →Degree2Trade
How college-trained skills like critical thinking, communication, and project management accelerate trade careers.
Read →@hvacreality
Daily vlogs from an HVAC technician showing the real work, pay stubs, and lifestyle.
Watch →Roger Wakefield
Master plumber shares daily work life, business tips, and industry insights.
Watch →@sparkychannel
Electrician content creator showing apprentice to journeyman journey with real pay breakdowns.
Watch →@weldingwithlove
Female welder sharing daily work, challenges, and wins in the welding trade.
Watch →Build Your Future
Virtual career day videos showing various construction trades in action.
Watch →Skilled Trades Partners
Step-by-step guide for white-collar workers transitioning to skilled trades.
Read →Reddit Community
Active community of people sharing their career pivot experiences and advice.
Visit →This Old House
Practical guide to entering skilled trades, including apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship options.
Read →Financial Independence Reddit
Stories from trade workers who achieved financial independence through skilled careers.
Visit →CNBC Make It
Video profile of a college grad who paid off student loans rapidly after switching to line work.
Watch →ConstructionDive
Comprehensive salary guide for trades, including overtime, union rates, and regional variations.
Read →Reddit Community
Supportive community for women in trades, with advice on everything from tools to handling discrimination.
Visit →Tradeswomen Inc.
Organization supporting women entering and succeeding in skilled trades.
Read →Mike Rowe Works
Scholarship program for people pursuing trade education - Work Ethic Scholarship Program.
Read →Khan Academy
Free courses to build foundational knowledge before starting an apprenticeship.
Watch →Apprenticeship.gov
Official government resource for finding pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.
Read →Trade Schools Directory
Comprehensive directory of accredited trade programs by location and specialty.
Read →Find out which trade careers match your interests and degree. Get personalized recommendations and talking points for your conversation.