How Following Your Strengths Could Lead to a Career in Skilled Labor

On Jan. 7, 2015, The Wall Street Journal published an article called "The $140,000-a-Year Welding Job" which focused on 24-year-old Texas welder Justin Friend. The article went viral, accumulating hundreds of comments from people wondering if amassing tremendous amount of student load debt at a traditional 4-year-school was still worth it, when stories like Friend's suggest otherwise.

We've discussed in the past the realities of our nation's growing student loan debt epidemic, as well as our nation's growing skills gap problem. In short - the fastest growing job market out there that offers the most opportunities for people entering the workforce is skilled labor. Not only that, but these skilled labor jobs – like welding – don't require expensive degrees or years investment inside of a classroom.

But there's something else worth noting about Friend's story in the WSJ.

Friend, the welder who earns a six-figure salary as a welder, is dyslexic.

Here's why we feel that matters so greatly. For years – decades, really – students have been taught that success is based on how far they went with their education. High school graduates were encouraged to go to college. College graduates were encouraged to go to graduate school. But the reality is this "traditional" education track isn't designed for everyone. While some people feel comfortable in a classroom, and excel at tests, note-taking and essays, others struggle greatly. This struggle isn't because of lack of intelligence. It isn't due to a lack of commitment.

Often times, it's at the hands of some type of learning disability.

Take Mr. Friend, for example. As someone with dyslexia, Friend always struggled with reading and spelling, as the WSJ article discusses. This might have discouraged Friend and led him to think that his career outlook was bleak. However, rather than harp on his weaknesses and shortcomings, he chose to build on his strengths. For Friend, his strengths could be found within the spatial and mechanical realm. He enjoyed working with hands from an early age – skill sets that are vital to a welder.

In the WSJ article, Friend's mother is quoted as saying that "At three years old, he was using a screwdriver and a hacksaw skillfully." These early signs of strengths – be it a knack for singing, a gift for math, or a talent with tools – are often indicators of later career opportunities. When parents and educators notice, then support these early signs, children are more likely to find their "true calling" as adults.

Friend's struggles and strengths aren't singular to him. In the book The Dyslexic Advantage, authors Brock and Fernette Eide discuss how spatial and mechanical reasoning is one of the most common strength patterns found in individuals with dyslexia.

Fortunately for Mr. Friend, he took a welding course in junior high school, which led him to his eventual career. All too often, however, students aren't exposed to these types of opportunities. Rather, schools focus on preparing students for careers in technology, math or science - fields that students like Mr. Friend could struggle with.

Rather than dwell on one's weaknesses, we think it's incredibly important for each individual to look toward their strengths, because it is within those strengths that we all tend to find our passions.

For many, like Justin Friend, a love of working with their hands from an early age is a strong indicator of what type of work could become a viable career choice. Fortunately, in today's workforce, a career in skilled labor can be rewarding. Although society still tends to look at these blue-collar jobs with less allure than high-tech or finance positions, the reality is clear: a career in skilled labor means less student loan debt, less time spent in a classroom, and more job opportunities.

What do your strengths and interests say about you? Is it time to learn more about a career in skilled labor? Contact our office today to learn more about the incredible opportunities that wait you.