Work

Hey all, do you think it would be possible for me to pursue and learn mountaineering/alpining while working a welding job? I know the hours on those can be quite finicky and such. Would it be in my best interest to go onto another career to focus into alpining and mountaineering as hard as possible?

Would say most full time jobs will limit your alpine trips.  Best bet for full time climbing is no work > part time work > gig work > remote work. Maybe in that order to maximize climbing.  

Welding on a pipeline in the oil patch somewhere in the west might put you in proximity to mountains but getting away when the weather suits will be a challenge.

Might need to decide what is more important and put the other on back burner.  People will always need welders, so if you climb full time for a couple years, can always return to the metal puddle when your ready.  

TLDR save up some money and go get some mountains while you can.  

welding job is good.  pays big money.  work hard for a bit , save up and then take time off. find another welding job. can't do that with office work. 

Thank you thank you for the words and guidance, I'm starting welding college next month and after I get my cert. Im going to look for part time work and hard send mountains and alpining for a few years.

The Year I lived in Jackson hole working in the kitchen which is a dead end job inmop our Winter dishwasher was a welder. Took winters off from his real job and worked a night dish job so he could have free food and ski 100+ days .. 

This is my 3rd year working blue collar after graduating college. My first year I had to put climbing in the backseat to save money and establish my career. This has allowed me to make more money and complete my big wall kit. After finishing my apprenticeship I have had great climbing seasons between jobs. 

This year, I found a small company allowing me to work 2 weeks on/off. This feels like a great balance of monthly climbing trips and not being a broke dirtbag.

All in all, if you like your work and get paid well, do it! Stack some cash, then either hop jobs or work out a deal with your employer for your next climbing season or expedition.

You look to be near Pittsburgh, joining the Steamfitters, Boilermakers or millwrights might make sense for you. Those guys typically work 12+ hour days for months on end at a project but then take a couple months off in between. Plus you have good pay and benefits. 

Any union pipe trades job really. I used to be a union plumber apprentice. The catch is you have to put in your time as an apprentice before you get the freedom that comes with being a journeyman. It's stupid. 

I ended up leaving and getting a remote CAD job because I was tired of working with dumb people and I hated telling girls I was a plumber lol. That being said, the pay would have been great, and compared to other jobs they don't care that much if you skip town for 2 or 3 months. If you're intelligent and work hard you'll have no problem getting a job over the alcoholic hillbillies that comprise the rest of the rank and file. Not trying to sound classist. Just speaking my experience. I loved those guys but as workers they were rough. 

I did some welding when I was in the union and I would stay far, far away from that trade. It will fuck your eyes up and you'll be breathing in all types of carcinogens regardless of the environment. Also working with molten metal in weird contorted positions is miserable. Better off just being a regular fitter or plumbing installer. Or sheet metal guy. Or electrical. They all pay well, just don't be a carpenter, painter or laborer. I am drunk so forgive me if my reply is all over the place, or if you find it rude.