Theoretical/Academic degree to a more practical trade/career?

simmed

I study politics at university. I really like it and it's really challenging.

Before university my background was math and physics.

That said I'm looking to learn something more practical and vocational. Perhaps as a career, perhaps not. A good ol' solid profession, such as farming, plumbing, gas repairman, butchery, that kind of thing. Hell, I even want to try my hand at DIY constructing a wind turbine, and if that goes well, see if I can start a business in that field. I'd say the one thing which I CANNOT do is coding, I'm just no good at it.

Anyone been in a similar situation?

Any advice?

What fields are in shortage/high demand at the moment?

tescobabe69

Plumbing, all types.

phill99

If you have an academic bias and are finding studying politics at degree level, its likely that any trade would challenge you mentally. Once you have mastered the trade, it can be quite 'sameish'. You will yearn to have your mind stimulated and challenged.

I know. I did it. I have 2 degrees and now run a maintenance company installing kitchens etc. I like what I do, don't get me wrong, but lack mental challenges.

simmed

phill99 wrote: »

If you have an academic bias and are finding studying politics at degree level, its likely that any trade would challenge you mentally. Once you have mastered the trade, it can be quite 'sameish'. You will yearn to have your mind stimulated and challenged.

I know. I did it. I have 2 degrees and now run a maintenance company installing kitchens etc. I like what I do, don't get me wrong, but lack mental challenges.

Awesome! Can you tell me your story in more detail?

[Deleted User]

I went from a degree in Genetics to a job in IT Consultancy..l but I can code in my sleep!

Dunroamin

It's a pity you didn't stick with maths and/or physics for your degree - both are enormously in demand as teaching subjects. (You can do a conversion course if you're interested.)

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

You could do Law that will use your Politics. Actually you sound quite a gifted person. My take on this: why not do BOTH, aim for great practical skills AND be an academic?
Do you have to stop reading just because you eventually complete your Degree???!!! ( I read academic books of whatever sort because I want too and I let nobody or nothing dictate what is or what is not that I should ring).
So why not go in a nice theoretical direction preferably as off the wall and up the ceiling as possible, AND train up in some good solid profession???!!!

j.e.j.

I'd agree with the above poster, - studying one doesn't have to exclude the other. You may well find you get a better balance in life if you do academic as well as manual work activities.

theoretica

I suggest you start thinking about niche markets, and if there is anything you can build up from a small, part time start. For instance the world has plenty of cleaners, but I met a man who had set up international businesses cleaning acoustic ceiling baffles... Every generic career has lots of people at the lower levels, so you need to stand out by either being the best or specialising where there is less competition.

Loanranger

Have you actually done anything practical? Do you see an object and think, I wonder how that works and want to take it apart? Have you ever dismantled any of your toys just for the joy of being able to look at the components and think about how they work together, what the materials comprise?

simmed

theoretica wrote: »

I suggest you start thinking about niche markets, and if there is anything you can build up from a small, part time start. For instance the world has plenty of cleaners, but I met a man who had set up international businesses cleaning acoustic ceiling baffles... Every generic career has lots of people at the lower levels, so you need to stand out by either being the best or specialising where there is less competition.

That really is niche. :T

Loanranger wrote: »

Have you actually done anything practical? Do you see an object and think, I wonder how that works and want to take it apart? Have you ever dismantled any of your toys just for the joy of being able to look at the components and think about how they work together, what the materials comprise?

Yeah, I've always been like that.