Changing from Blue Collar to White Collar: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: My Humble Beginnings
Growing up in a welfare household, my early life was marked by hardship. My father abandoned my mother, leaving her to care for four young children without any income during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Financial struggles were a constant presence. However, as we grew older and some siblings left home, my mother found a job through a program that helped her escape welfare.
This context shapes my career journey. Without an adult figure to guide me, I relied on my mother’s wisdom, which instilled in us the values of being good people but lacked practical skills like understanding how to repair household appliances. We children had to contribute financially from a young age. I began my first job at age 11, delivering newspapers in the harsh weather of the Northeast. This experience taught me the basics of handling money and the importance of daily responsibility.
By age 13 or 14, I started mowing lawns with a friend. His uncle lent us money to buy a lawnmower, stipulating that we repay him with a third of our earnings. Another third was set aside for business expenses, while the remaining third was ours to spend. I allocated my share to help with household bills, save for the future, and enjoy a bit of fun.
At 16 or 17, I took on cleaning duties at a teen club after school, and sometimes acted as a "bouncer" due to my tall, athletic stature. Later, I worked at a gas station where I pumped gas and performed light automotive repairs, skills that would benefit me until the complexity of modern vehicles made DIY repairs impractical.
My First Significant Job
A gas station customer recognized my potential and encouraged me to join his construction company instead of working for a roofing business. Although I had no prior experience in construction, he wanted to train me in his methods without the influence of bad habits. I ended up working there for nine years, gaining a wealth of knowledge in home renovations and repairs.
Despite my growing skill set, construction jobs didn’t pay well. I didn’t aspire to wealth, but I needed a better income to support my desire to marry and buy a home. One frigid winter evening, I saw an older man working on a roof, and I realized that could be my future.
This moment prompted me to discuss the possibility of attending college with my wife. I considered pursuing a degree in accounting or drafting/architecture, but stumbled upon the emerging field of computers in 1981, just as they were beginning to gain media attention.
Deciding on a New Path
The elective courses for these degrees were similar, so I decided to focus on computer science first, intending to switch to accounting if needed. We used our modest savings for tuition, with plans to avoid debt by paying as we went. By 28, I felt nervous about attending classes alongside younger students, but I found peers of similar ages, which eased my apprehension. My strong work ethic set me apart from many classmates.
To fund my education, I juggled three part-time jobs, effectively working full-time hours while attending school. I soon landed a position in a computer lab, where I assisted fellow students with their projects, which honed my debugging skills.
A corporation then hired me for early morning data backup work, introducing me to operating systems and tape drives. A professor, impressed by my performance, invited me to assist in converting a computer system for a local city.
Transitioning to Computer Work
My first role in the tech industry was with a small software company that developed systems for businesses. This experience provided invaluable exposure to real-world programming and reinforced my preference for smaller companies, which I found more aligned with my blue-collar roots.
The shift from construction to tech was significant, but I never regretted it. My diverse background allowed me to excel compared to many of my colleagues. Unfortunately, due to my age and salary, I was let go from my last job. Nevertheless, I take pride in my transition to technology, as I now focus on writing articles for Medium and developing a YouTube channel for additional income.
Learn how to transition from blue-collar to white-collar work with practical advice and insights.
Chapter 2: Embracing New Opportunities
Discover strategies for shifting from a blue-collar mindset to a white-collar career in this insightful video.
In this new chapter of my life, I continue to explore opportunities that keep me engaged and productive.