Love the money hate the job
I (21m) have worked on and off for subcontracting utility company restoring utility poles all over the country. I made Forman last year and average $2500 a week which is really nice. My problem is that I travel for work year round going home maybe 7-8 times a year often for just a weekend. I just got married a couple months ago and for now my wife is in college but she graduates in December and after that we would like to start a family. We have a shared goal of owning a moderately sized ranch some day (her degree is ag business for this reason alone). I refuse to work on the road and leave my wife at home while she’s pregnant but it feels like even making over $100k we struggle with mortgage, bills, tuition etc. and I can’t even imagine how hard it would be with kids and eventually (hopefully) purchasing land. I’m extremely blessed to have my wife, my job and my home but I know a lifelong career where I’m at currently just isn’t feasible. I grew up in a poor ranching family in Texas and inherited my work ethic from my grandparents and love working with my hands but i work in a niche that makes it hard to find a job that pays anywhere close to what im making now that considers my experience relevant. At this moment i cant afford to take a pay cut to get that experience. Im desperately in need of advice on how to find myself a direction to go in. Thanks in advance
Posted Feb 16, 2026, 8:25 PM UTC