I remember way back as a child visiting some homes that still had iceboxes rather than refrigerators and milk delivered by a milkman. Similarly, I bet many of you reading this grew up in homes without many of the modern conveniences we now take for granted.
Many “smart homes” of today are equipped with technology that was nonexistent or rare even a decade ago. Many new or renovated homes now have automated thermostats, lights, appliances, hot tubs, home alarms, electronic locks and even toilets. I’m going to pass along a dirty little secret about these devices.
That is, many of today’s residential service and repair professionals want nothing to do with them. Some old-timers are so set in their ways they continue to install outdated products and repair rather than replace equipment that has outlived its useful life. “Too expensive,” they might say about a programmable thermostat that precisely regulates temperature in each room and dials back when residents aren’t home. “Too complicated” are those toilets that flush automatically and warm the tush. “You don’t really need” those water leak detectors that tell you when a pipe bursts while you’re on vacation. “It’s hard to get parts” for those lighting systems that turn on when someone enters a room.
Truth of the matter is that such excuses mainly reveal trade pros who are unwilling or unable to learn about new technologies. They would rather install and repair the same devices they’ve been dealing with for decades and can handle with their eyes closed.
As you embark on your trade career, it’s likely you will run into some of these old-timers along the way. Maybe you’ll even end up working for one.
Don’t follow them into a dead-end career. Learn as much as you can about the skilled trade you choose and keep up with new products and technologies. Read trade publications, join trade organizations that offer superior education and training opportunities, and identify forward-thinking mentors to help you advance in your chosen career.
Technology never stands still. While I write this and while you’re reading it, someone, somewhere is hard at work developing new devices, tools and techniques that will improve upon what they replace. Strive to be among the pioneers to identify and adopt them.
Want to learn more about pursuing a career in the skilled trades? Get started with our information for those new to the trades!