What are the downsides of choosing a trade job?

I'm thinking about going into a trade job after high school instead of college, but I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons. What should I be aware of in terms of potential downsides or challenges? Any advice or experiences would be super helpful!

Choosing a trade job can be a great fit for many people, offering practical skills, competitive pay, and often avoiding the student loan debt associated with traditional college education. However, like any career path, it does have potential downsides to be mindful of:

1. Physical Demand: Some trades can be physically taxing and require strenuous work, sometimes in challenging environmental conditions. Think of jobs like construction, plumbing, or electrician work - these often involve manual labor and could lead to wear and tear on your body over time.

2. Economic Fluctuations: Certain trades can be highly dependent on the economy. For instance, jobs in construction can be plentiful during booming times, but scarce during economic downturns. This fluctuation can cause periods of unstable job security.

3. Limited Mobility: There's a possibility of limited upward mobility, in terms of job progression. Unlike corporate careers that include a ladder structure, in a trade job, you may reach the peak level in your job relatively quickly, and there may be less room for further growth or pay increase unless you start your own business.

4. Skill Obsolescence: As technology continues to advance, some trades may face the threat of becoming obsolete or less in demand. Staying updated and learning new technology related to your trade becomes critical else it could limit your employment prospects.

5. Competitive Job Market: While there are many opportunities in trades, there can be a lot of competition for jobs, especially at the entry level. Employers often prefer workers with several years of experience, which can make finding your first job tough.

6. Need for Continuous Learning: Certifications and licensing are a normal part of jobs in the trade industry and often require continuous education, retesting, and renewal. This requires an ongoing commitment to learning, beyond your initial training.

Keep in mind these downsides are potential challenges, and your personal experience can vary widely depending on the specific trade and circumstances. Regardless, thinking proactively about them can better prepare you for success in a trade job.