caveman
New Member
Hi,
I'm contemplating a career change to work in the tree service field, as well as studying for arborist certification. I've spent the last 8 years or so working with computer networks. I've been quite successful and make good money, but I'm bored as hell now and feel like I'm wasting my time sitting all day in front of a computer.
I hope you might throw some advice my way as to some of my following thoughts.
I've talked to a few local tree service companies and figure I'll need to start out as a groundsman at about 10/hour. This would be a significant pay cut for me but would be doable since my wife works and we don't have an over-extended lavish lifestyle or anything.
Does that sound about right? If I prove myself as a competent, reliable employee...how long until I can start climbing? I have my own gear right now, and have climbed numerous trees with SRT and DRT...as well as read the tree climbers companion from cover to cover. (I also have landscaping experience, as well as working with a plant nursury for 3-4 summers, and can work a chainsaw).
I currently make about 50 dollars/hour. I don't necessarily need to make that much in the future as this move would not be strictly about money. If I prove myself over time, and gain the right experience...can I make something in the 30-40/hour as a tree climber? more or less?
What benefit does the arborist cert bring someone? I ask because in the computer field some certs are valued (like cisco CCIE) and some have lost their luster (like microsoft MCSE).
I'm in the northwest, kitsap county, WA. Can I expect to find work all year long...or is it strike the hammer while the iron is hot, and save some money for the slow times?
Is this a bad idea : ) should I just stick with the easy money although I'm bored? You input would be appreciated...
thanks,
caveman
I'm contemplating a career change to work in the tree service field, as well as studying for arborist certification. I've spent the last 8 years or so working with computer networks. I've been quite successful and make good money, but I'm bored as hell now and feel like I'm wasting my time sitting all day in front of a computer.
I hope you might throw some advice my way as to some of my following thoughts.
I've talked to a few local tree service companies and figure I'll need to start out as a groundsman at about 10/hour. This would be a significant pay cut for me but would be doable since my wife works and we don't have an over-extended lavish lifestyle or anything.
Does that sound about right? If I prove myself as a competent, reliable employee...how long until I can start climbing? I have my own gear right now, and have climbed numerous trees with SRT and DRT...as well as read the tree climbers companion from cover to cover. (I also have landscaping experience, as well as working with a plant nursury for 3-4 summers, and can work a chainsaw).
I currently make about 50 dollars/hour. I don't necessarily need to make that much in the future as this move would not be strictly about money. If I prove myself over time, and gain the right experience...can I make something in the 30-40/hour as a tree climber? more or less?
What benefit does the arborist cert bring someone? I ask because in the computer field some certs are valued (like cisco CCIE) and some have lost their luster (like microsoft MCSE).
I'm in the northwest, kitsap county, WA. Can I expect to find work all year long...or is it strike the hammer while the iron is hot, and save some money for the slow times?
Is this a bad idea : ) should I just stick with the easy money although I'm bored? You input would be appreciated...
thanks,
caveman