Topic: Who went to 'college'?

[SClay115]

I ask this here, as most people on this forum seem to be older than I am by some degree(I'm 23). Let me divulge some of my personal life here, and I'd like some feedback.

I graduated High School in 2002, and moved out of town to go to a big university in Orlando. Made it one semester, didn't do so well, and moved back home, went through one semester of Community College, did quite good, but then moved back to Orlando, never going to College again. So it's now 2007, and some/most of the friends I had in High School that went to College have graduated, and are moving on to bigger and better things, and they seem to be happy and doing well(making way more money than me).

Since I left college, I've worked in the auto industry, at various dealerships in the area, I work the back parts counter, the technicians are my customer basically. I survive, but pay is based heavily on time in the business, and compared to most, 4 years on the counter is not a long time. But I survive, I have some money to do other things, but I'm not saving too much and I am absolutely sure I don't want to be doing this job in 5 years time. I have considered picking up another job at one of my previous places of employment, some extra money wouldn't hurt, and then I would be able to put some money away for projects, moving(I plan to move out of Florida), and maybe a house or something down the road. Then I got to thinking. It's dangerous I know.

At my current job, I work Friday-Monday, 4 days, 40 hours. I have Tuesday-Thursday off, giving me plenty of time to go to school or what not if I so chose. Thing is, I'm not sure if it's right for me. I really can't see myself in a University environment again, huge lecture classes, A-Hole professors who don't care, I just don't think its me. And there are very few professions I can learn for at a University that aren't jobs behind a desk, which I hate. I love working on things, bikes, cars, whatever. My passion lies in old/vintage/antique, whatever you want to call it, cars and bikes. Never a huge fan of newer modes of transport, they all just seem the same to me. And I would love to have a profession that would allow me to work with them, but it seems even doing what I love, wouldn't really get me out of the situation I am stuck in(not making enough money to look to the future). I am a strong advocate of this, the doing what you love ordeal. As I firmly believe it's important to be happy at work, since you spend most of you're life there. But I'm thinking maybe I need to look past that, and do what everybody 'thinks' is right. Go to school, get a degree, and go work for someone in an office, even if it's against my very nature.

I just want to see some input, maybe someone of more age can help me. I work hard, always have, but I just can't seem to get a break. You know, that amazing job that gets you started in your industry of choice. I just seem to be stuck in a never ending loop of dead end jobs. So choices I have on my table:

Stop working, go to school full time, get done much faster, get a degree, be a part of the 'real world'
Keep working, pick up another job, have fun restoring/modifying bikes and cars, and hope that life goes on OK.
Keep working, go to school when I can, and join the 7 year program(I'd be thirty! EEK!), and move up in the world.


A lot of my friends hate the idea of a second job. All that I see is more money to be saved, and more opportunity for me to be happy doing what I love. Oh, there was also another thing I thought about. Not going back to a University per say, but going and getting my welding Certificates, taking a quick drafting course, and then apprenticing under a machinist. I can weld and draft, but I don't have the piece of paper that says so. I enjoy both, and love fabricating. I believe it's something that I could accomplish quickly, as far as schooling goes, and still allow me to enjoy my work, and maybe make some more money, maybe. And I think it could open up the door on many things, allowing me to work in a wide variety of environments, and of course, I would get to weld things, which is always a bonus.

Any input you can offer would be fantastic, I appreciate it.

Steve

[nickjtc]

First of all, you are so young and have lots of time to do whatever you choose. I didn't get into my current profession until I was 51 after many years doing the previous job. So you have time on your side.

As to what road you go down...well, that's going to be up to you. There is no question that in this day and age you have to have some form of 'qualification' if you are to have credibility in the marketplace. The challenge in your case is to find that qualification (be it certificate, diploma or degree) that fits with your aspirations.

In the first instance explore one of those mechanics courses that you see touted all over. You could probably enrol in one on-line, as long as you have a mentor who can help you with the practical aspects....

Anyone else??

[upperlake04]

The Advice from the GHOFs Thread
 - you have 40 years of working ahead of you. It is logical to maximize the dollars/hour over that time. You'll be putting in the time regardless.
- you didn't mention your wife or kids. If you are single, there will likely never be another time in your life where you will have the time and money to further your education.
 

[Bob Wessner]

I agree, you have time to give this more thought and explore some things. Statistically, folks with college degrees earn more in their lifetime, but it does not guarantee happiness. I know lots of trade people who I admire because of their skills and they seem to be happy. I did the "usual," graduated from high school then on to college and a BS in Business. Had a 2S deferment during those 4 years, but as soon as I got out, Uncle Sam called. Left the service and took a job that I thought I would only have for 2-3 years then move on. Instead, it was a good employer and job, stayed 35 years and retired from there. On the flip side, met my wife there. She did not have a college degree, but started working on it nights, must be 8-10 years now, and is almost finished and she is, well, I better not say her age.

One last piece of advise though, regardless of what avenue you choose, think about saving something for your retirement. If you have an employer with a 401K program that they contribute to, get in if you aren't already. If you don't you are giving away their contribution. I can't tell you how many of my staff (during reviews) were not in the program and didn't seem to care about my counseling them to do it. Our country has a huge social deficit looming and those government programs everyone assumes will be there, probably won't be. Want an interesting read to help along these lines, try "The Millionaire Next Door." You have lots of time to make it happen.

End of sermon.

[Raul CB750K1]

Over here in Spain the number of graduated people is so high that it is no guarantee of high salary anymore. In fact, the people that make more money are the skilled technicians: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics etc. If you have a degree in IT you can expect to make a net 1000 euro a month, for a few years unless you are specially lucky or skilled to climb up the ladder. If you don't want the job there is a waiting list of people hoping to get over your job.

I'm an engineer myself and, being quite skilled for everything mechanical, I'm positive I can make a living outside of my main area of expertise. I even get some jobs as a freelance journalist. In any case, I think it is a good thing to get the highest education you can afford, even if you never work on it. It will give you knowledge and street cred, and at the end, most of the things are so inter-related that what you learn today will help you to understand new concepts tomorrow.

If you see a plumber without a degree, probably it is because he couldn't find anything better. If you see a plumber with a degree, it could be that he couldn't work on what he wanted and settle for less. But if you see a plumber with a degree that one day worked on his area, you are seeing somebody who went, saw what there was and realized that what counts is to make the more possible per hour, with the less possible responsability, and decided to downshift to something more enjoyable that the office work and bearing with stupid and incompetent bosses.


Of course, just my 2 cents.


Raul

[Uncle Ernie]

Well, your spelling tells me it wouldn't kill you to go back to school, but that's usually high school level.  
I didn't go to college until I was in my 40s.  I still don't make any money.  You need to differentiate between job training and education.  Education makes you an interesting, well-rounded person, and helps teach certain types of diciplines in which to aid "thinking" -either creatively or analytically.  When you get good, you will understand how to combine both.  (I'm still waiting for that to happen... )
Sounds to me like you know what you want to do, but you're insecure about making deciscions.  My experience is -you have NO time.  The next 30 years will go by so fast you'll wake up one day with your head spinning.
If you see something you like, ask people who are doing it how they got there.  Ask several people.  It's called an "informational interview". Some people will be too busy, but most folks love to spout off about what they know.

[merc2dogs]

 When I as younger I made all the right career moves,made lots of money, after a few years I got tired of it.

   Now the only thing I miss about it is the money, and that's only when I'm looking at a sweet bike or car somewhere and can't just write a check for it.

  I do what I'm happy doing, if I want to take a few weeks or a month off and go play in the lake, or cruise out to virginia I do, that doesn't mean I have tons of cash to mess with, I just figured out that a long cruise down an empty country road was more important to me than a big bank account and a stuffy office.

   Took me a while to figure out that the ONLY yardstick you have to measure up to is the one in your own head.

 Started out programming, went to machining, then switched to carpentry, and do machining on the side.

 Having paper is good, but whatever path you take make sure it's a good real world skill, don't know how many times I've listened to guidance councilors telling students well in 4 years there's expected to be a huge demand for 'underwater basket weavers', only to steer 500 kids into the feild when the 'demand' is expected to hit maybe 50 people....  Not saying they're wrong, there may be a demand there, BUT, remember there are thousands of career counselors, using the same data sheets, talking to millions of students, so look at the enrollment data, then choose the least glamorous which will likely have the lowest enrollment, as that is the one that won't be glutted when everyone graduates.

  Also, don't pay attention to the current saleries, they are currently high because of demand, when thousands of fresh students hit those jobs, demand is lowered so saleries will drop.

Ken.

 

[masonryman]

It's funny I came across this today, I was talking to the guys at work about our mentors. As Nick said a mentor is the key to sucess in a skilled trade. I know it's a cliché  but if you if you do what you love the money will come and if your with someone who loves you they will help (be understanding).

My Dad owns a body shop and dose world class work, mostly customs and restorations. It has taken him 30 years to get to the place he is now. I love working on the old stuff but after spending most of my childhood as an indentured servant I decided it was not for me.

I wanted to be an architect, took lots of drafting, the collage counselor convinced me that it was not for me. So, I took the next best thing, or in my case the best. I took a job in construction, by time I was 18 I got in a apprenticeship program as a bricklayer.

At 38 I have 20 years in the Bricklayers Union and work mostly as a foreman or project managment, over the years I have helped in the body shop. As my father winds down and my kids require less of my attention I will most likely play a more active role in the shop, who knows, I may take it over some day.

Follow your heart, not your billfold and it will all work out. I am sure Not one person on this or any other site will tell you they have too much money.  Beyond the basics, money has little to do with happiness.

[nickjtc]

Over here in Spain the number of graduated people is so high that it is no guarantee of high salary anymore. In fact, the people that make more money are the skilled technicians: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics etc.
Raul

Ditto here in BC. (And Alberta too.) I road tested a young fellow a few months ago who was just finishing his welding apprenticeship. His immediate plans were to head north to the 'oil patch' and work as a contract pipeline welder for a few years. His anticipated earning capability, on the job: $140-$200cdn PER HOUR.

[jsaab2748]

 Unless you own it, stay out of the automotive business. Go for what pays. When you're 50 (and it happens fast) you'll be glad you did.

my .02

[my78k]

Admittedly I didn't read the whole post...maybe I have a a short attention span which ma explain why I didnt go to College (University up here...)

I have 3 words for ya....learn a trade!!!

Wish I had. I do pretty well in the telecommunications field up here in Canada working for the largest company in our sector but really backed my way into the position than earned it...and to be honest don't really enjoy it all that much. If I had it all to do over again I would get my class A mechanics license and open my own shop or learn to be an electrician or whatever....

Just my 2 cents...

[starion88esir]

I'm 22. I've dabbled in the college thing (community) and found it wasn't really for me. Too many teachers don't care and to get any degree or paper I wanted, I needed classes I don't have the patience or drive to sit through.   So I am doing a job in the same field I'd like to be in, and I'm starting at the bottom, watching and asking my way to better myself and not trying to move up to quick like I see others around me doing. It's not about the money, not for me. I hate money, it has zero value and is driven by greed. I only work for it to make ends meet and hopefully enjoy my hobbies.

[BobbyR]

I would say that a trade is a good way to go, you cannot outsource a plumber to India, but you can outsource machine work to China. However even with a good skill you may be in the wrong place. I know very skilled tradesman who were making $40  an hour here and wound up working in Home Depot down in Fla. A degree is fairly rare in the U.S. so it does have a value. Roughly 2% have a BA. It is regional, some places have many and some have few.
You can get technical degrees which will allow you not to work in an office. I now work for a Company that makes rail cars and I train people in maintenance and repair. I spend some time in the office and my best hours are in the field. I could not have gotten that job without a BA. I have highly paid certified welders working in the shop below my office, I have to tell you they burn out quick. Fumes, heat, burns, and after a while a weld is a weld. I make more than they do, and the work is easier.
Whatever path you chose take the advice BobW gave you. I have a pension I am collecting now which is paying my kids College, and the money I make in my second career is paying the other bills. I have the 401ks also. When I do stop working full time I will take something to pay for groceries and get me out of the house.   

[333]

OK, here goes. I'll start by saying I turned 50 this year.  I live in the Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C.  I saw a sign on a phone pole 3 days ago offering jobs for "Automotive Technicians" at 2500.00 per week.  I thought it was a bit high, but believable.  It reminded me of when I entered high school.  There was a program for auto mechanics and auto body where they would bus you to this high school from your regular high school for these trade classes.  I wanted it BAD.  My parents said no.  "You don't want to come home from work every day with grease on your hands".  Well apparently I did, but couldn't.  I love(like you) to work on things.  Being discouraged, I dropped out and never really had a career, never made any good money.  I've survived, I married well(Wife has H/S, no college, 25+ years at Georgetown Univ. Now runs a somewhat large department in pediatrics).  I've been in the(chronologically) car stereo business(installer)- 11yrs, motorcycle business(parts,not a mechanic)-14 yrs, and then selling Motorola for about 5 years.  Currently I don't work.  I take care of mother and mother-in-law when I'm not being househusband.
So, I guess what I'm saying is follow your dream, but you are probably going to need some sort of school.  If you want to work on motors, there are lots of options for training.You might even find an employer that will send you to a school.  But don't put it off.  The wife always said she was going back to school, but never did.  She might have gotten where she is now 10 or 15 years sooner.

And then there are some vocations that require a break as well as school.  We sent our daughter to probably the best film school on the east coast.  4 years later, she is a preschool teacher!  She has plans to get a masters,but there we go- putting it off.

[firecracker]

It really comes down to one word - Priorities

What are yours?

Money?  Take a job you don't like and pursue your hobbies in your down time.

Just because people you went to school with seem happy and to be doing well?  What if they all jumped off a...  oh, never mind  


I'm 37, and own my own business.  We live pretty well - make enough to pay our bills, and put some into retirement (listen to Bob on that one - don't count on the gov't to pay your bills when you stop working), but not a whole lot more.  Why?  I don't work very much!  We have two little kids who are growing up fast.  THEY are my priority.  Why work more, just to make more money, when I could be spending my time watching them grow?  I can always put in more hours when they are older.

I went to college, and have well over 100 hours, but but never got a degree.  I was there for the education, not the paper.  Learned a lot that I could never learn anywhere else.  Glad I did, but that's because I don't need a diploma in my situation.  Most jobs require a degree.  The thing is, unless you wanna be an engineer, it doesn't usually matter what the degree is in.  I've seen Business majors that couldn't find a job, because the English majors were getting hired.  Employers hire the person, not the paper.  They just follow the company policy that says you have to have one...

Forget the jobs the high school guidance counselor told you about.  They have no idea what's really out there.  They might tell you to be a cook, but they don't differentiate between owning a donut shop, and catering White House dinners.  Ever hear Jeff Foxworthy talk about how they test airplane windshields?  They fire chickens from a cannon at them!  Guidance counselor tell you about that one?    

Find someone else doing what you want to do.  If you're single and willing to move, search for a shop that specializes in old bikes, cars, etc.  Move there.  Ask them what kind of training you need.  Get another job to survive if you have to, but keep on 'em until they take you on as an apprentice, floor sweeper, whatever.  If you are passionate, they'll appreciate it and eventually you'll be doing what you love.  You can't do things like that (near as easily) when you are responsible for other people (family).  Do it NOW!  Don't waste any more time wondering "what if".

I'm a "simple country boy" who believes ANYTHING is possible.  I've spoken one-on-one with the first President Bush.  Met Ted Turner.  Been to a movie premier and had my picture taken with the stars.  How?  I make it happen.   I seen an opportunity where others do not, and I pursue it with total focus.  You do the same, and life will bless you.  Don't settle.  At least not until your wife makes you.    

I wish you the best.

[tsflstb]

When I was younger, my priorities were:

1. poo-nanny
2. sports
3. mechanical stuff

With a future career in mind:
1, I didn't see any ads for 'male porn star wanted' in the paper.
2. One obscure junior college showed a passing interest in my athletic ability.  I think they've since gone bankrupt.
3. I did ok in math.

I figured my best bet was door #3.  I put my head down, spent 5 ball busting years in college and came out a mechanical engineer.  In hindsight I guess it helped, but I think even a good 2 year degree and some ambition could get you decent pay without all those differential equations, fourier transforms, and other crap I've never used and forgotten.

I work with lots of non-degreed guys who have practical knowledge and specific training to the equipment we maintain.  They humble the crap out of me with their abilities.  Once in a while I can bust out some book learnin' - but for the most part I'm just a glorified technican.  I enjoy what I do though.  Like everbody says - find something you're passionate about and the money will be there.

[ic455]

College is, IMHO, BS!  I tried going back to college at 24-25 years old (with 2 kids and a wife at home) and it didn't work.  The biggest problem was that you must go through all of the crap to make you a well rounded person (as mentioned in another post previously) but which has no actual value in the real world.  Tell me how knowledge of every eastern religion is supposed to make me a better police officer (I was in for a Criminal Justice degree).  Yeah, I know that these days alot of crimes have something to do with religion, but WTF?  Anyway, if college isn't right for you, try technical school.  UTI is an excellent way to get into turning wrenches (auto, diesel, etc.) and if you get picked by Ford or Mercedes for the factory program you will be in the $$.  Location is important too, though.  Here in bumpus Kentucky Mercedes Techs are not in high demand, but in Atlanta where my Brother is a Mercedes Tech, the demand is high.  No, he didn't go to any school, a very nice German man gave him a break and trained him as a Mercedes Technician (almost 15 years ago) and now he pulls down good money.  However, if you want in a dealership, that's another story.  Point is, you can make some excellent $$ out there and never set foot in a college again, just check out what is in high demand and see if you can catch a break, or break your way in   If you don't care what field you are in, try this: www.schwansjobs.com if you decide to apply for something be sure to note that you were referred by Ian A. Collie  

[jabbadeznuts]

Get a degree in ANYTHING.

[Raul CB750K1]

Tell me how knowledge of every eastern religion is supposed to make me a better police officer

Maybe knowing about other religions makes less prejudiced police officers? Talking specifically about police officers, the worst thing you can have is an uneducated one.

There is no such thing as "enough education". As Uncle Ernie very well put, "training" and "education" are very different things. You can be the best on your trade and still be an uneducated person, with no critical thinking, no specific area of interest besides having fun in whatever the mood is, well, you get the point.

Everyone here could tell the story of his life and you can read stories of personal success or failure. I have discovered that no matter how much you enjoy your hobby; when you make it your way of living it will not be fun anymore because your income depends on it and you will be forced to do things you don't feel like doing when you don't feel like doing. Choose a career that not many people choose, that have a reasonable income and that is moderately entertaining and rewarding, and leave the hobbies for your leisure time.


Raul

[Rocking-M]

Imagine this, skilled workers paid more than paper pushers, er keyboard drivers.

Nice to see that Canada and Spain have it right, maybe someday here. I know a pipe dream!

[putnaja1]

I think for people that went to college, it means everything..  I have friends and family that have advanced degrees, and according to them, if you don't have equivalent education, you've got nothing to contribute to society.  I've also heard some employers say that they won't even look at someone's resume if they haven't finished college.

I also know plenty of people that have no college experience, and a lot of these people are doing (or have done) extremely well.  I have a friend with no college experience that started his own t-shirt screening business.  That business has now put two kids through college(!), paid off two houses, and buys him (and also his wife) a new luxury car every other year.

To me, I just can't buy the fact that someone isn't intelligent or respectable if they haven't been brainwashed by some college professors (who in my experience can be biased both academically and politically.)  Anyone can go to the library and read a bunch of books on history, economics, math, science, etc.  You don't have to be officially enrolled in college to use your mind. 

I personally still have 20 credits to go, and I'm gonna finish in a year or two I hope (much harder to finish once you have kids and a career!), just so I can stay on top of the peeing match, and because I've earned so many credits so far it would be a shame to not finish..  But, once I get the degree, it's not gonna do anything for me career-wise that I haven't already gotten for myself by using my head.

[mmtsquid]

I went down a very similar path (college right out of high school), and majored in beer and panty removal.
You know what?  The pay sucks for both of those degrees!
I'm 33 now, and have been working full time and going to college at night, and I've got to tell you it's hard, but worth every second.
If only I had the brains and maturity to tackle college like this when I was younger, I would be in a much different position in life.
It really doesn't matter what you get a degree in, but find something that interests you (I would say engineering), and go for it.
Whats the worst that could happen?  You earn another 10-20K a year?

Whatever you decide, good luck.  If you need any motivation, just write.

[eldar]

Well everyone has their opinion so here is mine.

If you are going to go to college, go for something you can stand and will make you some cash.  Do not go into old car repair. You will starve while living in your cardboard box. Do not do cycle repair. Same  thing.
Those make great hobbies but are just not going to get you a half-asses life. I suppose you can try to justify it by saying you are doing something you love but try not to fool yourself.

I got a degree in powerplant operations. What a waste of time and money. I will never use it. Sure I can pad my resume with it but thats all the good it will do. Once I went and toured a couple powerhouses, I knew it was not for me. To work there, you have to like to breathe coal dust. You also have to want to go out with the guys and spend almost as much on beer as you make in a month to fit in and have as bad of a family life. I guess I like to spend time with my kids.  Went to a couple powerplants in Indianapolis and they were so filthy and disgusting that I knew I would never work there.

Bottom line is do something that will get you paid and allow you some time, then do what you love as a hobby. Maybe if you get good enough at it, you can then switch to it as your regular job. Many people find they lose the joy though when it becomes their "job" and no longer a hobby.

[BobbyR]

Well everyone has their opinion so here is mine.

If you are going to go to college, go for something you can stand and will make you some cash.  Do not go into old car repair. You will starve while living in your cardboard box. Do not do cycle repair. Same  thing.
Those make great hobbies but are just not going to get you a half-asses life. I suppose you can try to justify it by saying you are doing something you love but try not to fool yourself.

I got a degree in powerplant operations. What a waste of time and money. I will never use it. Sure I can pad my resume with it but thats all the good it will do. Once I went and toured a couple powerhouses, I knew it was not for me. To work there, you have to like to breathe coal dust. You also have to want to go out with the guys and spend almost as much on beer as you make in a month to fit in and have as bad of a family life. I guess I like to spend time with my kids.  Went to a couple powerplants in Indianapolis and they were so filthy and disgusting that I knew I would never work there.

Bottom line is do something that will get you paid and allow you some time, then do what you love as a hobby. Maybe if you get good enough at it, you can then switch to it as your regular job. Many people find they lose the joy though when it becomes their "job" and no longer a hobby.

When I was your age I did not know jack sh*t and very few of us do. I know people with degrees and those without. I have a very good friend who barely made it out of High School and makes a great deal of money. He is 40 and he is shot, knees, back, shoulders and add that to the strain of running your own business, which very few people are up to. 9 out of 10 small businesses close within 10 years, not always because they went under, the people could no longer take the strain.

Some people are down on College for all kind of reasons. What a Instructors politics are no matter to me, I will never see him again and he will not be paying me later on. Like I said earlier if you have a BA Degree you are about 2% of the population.

You have gotten some very good advice. Wrenching and welding seem good honest hard work, but they are hard, dirty, and body wrecking work. If you work for someone else the owner will make all of the money and pay you what he thinks you are worth. If you are the owner, you have all of the headaches and when a guy like you wants more money, he will find another 22 year old with stars in his eyes.

If you like mechanical work and have a decent mind for figures, go toward Mechanical Engineering.
Engineers are used in all kinds of roles which includes field work out of an office. If you like Motorsports, the day of the good old boy with a wad of Redman in his cheek are over and have been replaced with engineers. Hendrick has a staff of them. You could work for a Motorcycle company as a Tech Rep, Mechanical Engineers deal with anything that moves.

You may or may not take any of the advice given you. The worst that can happen is that you will be 40-50 years old, frustrated, in debt, aches and pains all over, your best earning years behind you and no prospects for anything better. 

[Rhonda750F]

I have read through this post and there are a lot of good advice pro and con college/tech school.  
I went to the U. right after high school, because I didn't want to sit around and lose interest in school, so I figured I'd plow right through.  Well after 5 1/2 years in school a couple of bad decisions and trip to the hoosegow, I was officially an alum of the school of hard knocks, along with other fine institutions.  Fresh out the joint without a licence, residence or job, it's really hard to get ahead.  After many trails and tribs, blah, blah, blah, I finally stabilized my situation and I'm panning on going back for a masters in mech eng.  So if any body asks me if I've paid my dues, I tell em the checks in the mail!


Here's my take.  
You and others say I don't want to go back to school because teachers don't care.  Of course they don't care, to Prof it's just another paycheck and they have some punk TA teach, while they're in their office reading the paper. It's not the teachers job to care, You have to care, it's your responsibility to get knowledge out of the class.  But once in a while you'll find a genuinely good teacher and they may actually inspire and motivate.  But other than that it's solely on you.

I agree about that college "learns" you a bunch of stuff thats not related to your Field.  I didn't t like it at the time but when I look back, yeah it has made me a well rounded person.  I now can participate intellectual conversations about sh!t, and not just have an uninformed, invalid opinion about something, whether it's history, science, philosophy religion, math, politics, economics, art, psychology, etc, etc....
and if you met me it's you wouldn't think I'm a literati, but hell, you can't judge a book.

Moving on,
Do not make your hobby your profession.  If you do this the "passion you had for this will wane.  It will no longer be a hobby it'll be plain ol' work and you'll grow to hate it.  After all a job(money making) is a job.  My advice is to like what you do at your job but keep your hobbies separate.  You need other activities in your life to keep you balanced.

But as others have said, it sounds like you know what you want.  So go out and get it.  Go to the com college/trade school and get that piece of paper that certs you for welding.   You said you can already weld well, they have tests that place you in the correct class so you won't be wasting your time with stuff you already know.  
Good luck on whatever you choose.

Paul Z.