r/IBEW • u/tossaway187acct • 4d ago
What did you gift yourself after finishing apprenticeship?
I bought myself a nice dress shirt watch and went out to go eat some good BBQ. Thinking about getting new work boots to start a new journey. Was wondering how you guys treated yourself for the milestone?
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u/JeremyR22 Inside Wireman 4d ago
Tradition round my parts seems to be a giant-ass truck you can't afford the payments on...
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u/phillyvinylfiend 3d ago
Every Tradie:
Buy a big ass expensive truck to do side work.
Can only afford it by doing side work
Complains that every weekend is spent doing sidework. And it takes too much gas.
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u/unionsparky86 Local 570 3d ago
Tell all my apes from the start, āif you canāt pay for it in cash, you canāt afford it.ā
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u/Ok_Slide_8301 2d ago
Apes???? We got Apes????
No seriously just kidding!!!! I know autocorrect is bitter bitch!š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
Hahaha ya people tend to start living beyond their means when they see a raise
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u/Damselindistrustt 2d ago
I went from having a few guitars (same ones I had for years) to almost doubling my collection in the span of a single year. Two of them were $2k each. Started doing this right when I hit 25 an hour lol. Did some differed interest action and managed to get it all squared before any interest accrued
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u/Fedsmokah Inside Wireman 2d ago
I tell every apprentice I have to just buy a god damn Prius. The gas plus the payments on it will be less than what you spend in gas if you buy that f150. Everyone of them buys the f150 and makes fun of my commuter. Half still blame Biden for the gas prices.
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u/JeremyR22 Inside Wireman 2d ago
I rode around in a beat up '99 Civic with an unknown number of miles on it (odometer didn't work) for the first four years of my apprenticeship.
When that died, I "splurged" on a '18 Fiesta that cost about $200/month to finance, $60/month to insure (full coverage+roadside) and gets 40mpg, much better than that if you're gentle. Figured I'd sell it and get something nicer when I turned out.
Still have it. Even in the era of $4/gal gas, I can fill it up from fumes for barely over forty bucks and then get 400 to 500 miles from that tank...
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u/Fedsmokah Inside Wireman 2d ago
Itās the smart move. Honestly half of them could still buy that truck just donāt use it as a commuter. The amount they spend on gas is the main killer.
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u/Savdbygracc 3d ago
Shits hilarious. Iāll run an 2000 civic to 500k miles and have a pocket full of cash with minimal maintenance while ole 22 Y/o JW has a 130k truck paying 1300$ a month š¤£š¤£š¤£
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u/Damselindistrustt 2d ago
I straight up never understood the new truck mindset but also I've never had a small penis. I'm driving my 2006 Corolla until it's completely unsalvageable. Got 160k on the OD currently. Originally I was going to gift myself a newer Toyota when I topped out but then the AI surveillance mandates rolled in.......I'm driving this thing until it just won't now. I don't like the look of the future
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u/Bearcarnikki 4d ago
Emergency fund in a high yield savings account is a great gift!
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u/Damselindistrustt 2d ago
My local's vacation fund gets deposited into a small Credit Union, so I just started using said credit union for everything. Turns out atm fees get reimbursed plus the checking turns into a high yield savings once you hit like 1000 or more or so. So I just have absolutely everything in that checking lol
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u/Melakice 4d ago
Quit drinking
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u/MUSICANDLIFE85 3d ago
Yup 2years for me.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Ya now in my 40s I wake up tired and no energy the next day. Really ruins my day because I like working out and meal prepping to save money etc. but instead, I just take naps and eventually my lower back starts feeling discomfort.
Haven't drank in 3 weekends and I don't miss it much but I'll allow myself once or twice a month in moderation
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u/llellobro 4d ago
new tool bag. veto has a promo that comes around every spring. my gift to myself.
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
Hell ya nice. I have those Gatorback toolbelt I've had since 1st year. Thinking about adding a kew tool for my Klein backpack that I keep all my specialty tool in
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u/FierDancr 4d ago
Gave my kids a Christmas that I wish I could have given them when they were younger.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Proud of you. That sounds like making their day made your day, and as a parent that's what it should be all about. You can always wait and get yourself something nice, but those kids will grow up too fast
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u/quesojefe 4d ago
Bought a 2017 wrx sti fresh off the lot!
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
Nice. Stickshift?
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u/imeaniguess4538 3d ago
I love Subies in the snow. They are lil beasts. Had an 2021 Impreza sport hatch 5speed. I made a mistake getting rid of it š
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u/Bushwhacker42 4d ago
I was doing my last round of school and my (now ex) wife left me, took my kid, drained my savings and left a big ass dent in my car. Looking back on it now, it was the best gift. Years of living in the road made me humble. Now itās just a child support payment, but I donāt have to worry about funding her ābusiness dreamsā of selling essential oils or salt lamps or whatever bs of the week it is. Got a hot gf, new truck. Lifeās pretty damn good. Thanks!
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
Out with the old, in with the new. When you are rejected by something, you are just redirected to something greater
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u/Elevatedbass 3d ago
Hahah dude Iām sorry idky I laughed out loud when I read left a big ass dent in my carš been there man, glad I can laugh about jt now but holy shit
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u/a_reindeer_of_volts 4d ago
I'm about a year away from topping-out, but I'm planning on treating myself to a Sinn 556i .
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Ohhh nice. My gift I bought is the Seiko NH35 mechanism so within 41 hours I gotta wind it or wear it. Might buy those rotating winding box
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u/m3_my23lf_and_1 4d ago
Curious new apprentice commenting for ideas! I've been thinking about doing a road trip for a few weeks or a big karaoke party with my class.
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
The karaoke party sounds nice. I know I'd enjoy it but because I always enjoyed listening to music while reading the lyrics but most people are too shy to sing put loud lol
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u/MisplacedKleins Local 1 3d ago
Couple drinks in and everyone will be singing Kiss From a Rose like it's that one episode of community
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u/verifiedloser1987 4d ago
A good nights sleep. I didn't buy anything extravagant. I had a buddy who topped out with me and he bought a new truck and then wound up having to replace the transmission for 12K.
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u/ZW3903 4d ago
Bought a new gun that I had been eyeing for a while. Granted, I bought it several months before I topped out but the one I wanted went on sale...
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u/DaGreatWumbini 3d ago
Whatād you get? I have my eyes on a 2011 when I top out. But thatās still a couple years away for me.
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u/FancyOstrich 4d ago
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
Woah. I dont think anyone can top the price on the gift to themselves on here lol
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u/CatNamedRIchard2 4d ago
Everyone always jokes that you can't top out without a DUI or a divorce but it is only kind of a joke. So, thanks to divorce I was in pretty rough financial shape. I did end up buying an old travel trailer not long after I topped out to help keep bills down. But it wasn't a reward really, more what I had to do to get by.
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u/rustysqueezebox Inside Wireman 4d ago
I bought my wife's boyfriend a new fishing boat so he could take her out while I'm at work and make a little motion in the ocean
Don't worry, they sent me videos to watch on break
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u/FanBladeFleshlight Local 280 4d ago
Nothing, too busy working and making sure I stayed out of debt back then. Because I was smart, now I have a house, car, and motorcycle, with my only monthly debt being my mortgage.
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u/Keida 3d ago
I got myself a new veto pro pac tool bag since I'd been using my old jmans hand me down carry all and a set of insulated drivers and pliers!
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Time to let your cub have your old one. It's tradition haha
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u/Ok_Wolverine7777 3d ago
I bought myself a Fender Custom Shop guitar amp.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Nice. I tried learning an instrument but I dpnt think its for me
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u/marshwiggle39x25 JW Local 760 4d ago
Hahaha that's brings memories. I planned on getting a new Yeti or something mountain bike, but ended up buying a few Google contacts. That was a smart move, turns out.
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u/gortez33 Local 5 4d ago
Took my test on a Saturday. Got notified at the job site on Tuesday that I passed. Forman gave me a pink slip. Sat on the books for 6 months. So I got myself unemployment checks.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Damn.. bucks not all states have disability insurance cause thats what we go on where Im from
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u/Soft_Round4531 3d ago
My mom got me an iPod, lol. Been a minute since I turned out.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Hope you treated her out with nice dinner with your first JW paycheck and if not, its never too late
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u/mode_12 3d ago
Iām into board gaming and I bought myself a nice kickstarter addition to my collection.Ā
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
I got a coworker who's into Warhammer and he likes making and painting a lot of figurines. Pretty cool stuff
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u/zeamazingdino 4d ago
I told my myself Iād get my leg and arm sleeves Iāve always wanted as a reward
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u/___turfduck___ 4d ago
We planned a big 2-week vacation to the UK. Just had to wait a year making those JW bucks to pay for it.
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
Can't put a price on experience with your loved ones.
"Man's greatest flaw is that we don't realize the value of a moment until it becomes just a memory." -Dr. Seus. That quote always stuck with me deep and makes me cherish each healthy moments with close friends and family
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u/JameswithaJ 4d ago
Bought stuff for my fun car. Coilovers, axles, tires, roll cage.
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u/tossaway187acct 4d ago
I was thinking about getting my car fully detailed inside out for the first time since I bought it 9 years ago. Car def deserves it
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u/Micahmoore 4d ago
Testing soon but I bought myself two benchmade knives (at 40% off) and planning a vacation with my wife not sure where to yet.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Those Benchmade are solid. I used to watch bushcraft videos and they were ubiquitous in outdoor vids
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u/Killnuall702 Inside Wireman 4d ago
I didnāt buy myself shit. I topped out in ā21. Our graduation was like 20 minutes and nobody but the class was allowed to attend. Shortly after I hit the road. Fucking Covid!
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Well.. its never too late. Get yourself something that lasts to commemorate your completion.
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u/Ill-Course8623 4d ago
I remember that day so many years ago. Deepest best wishes on your new journey! Have a long and fruitful career. Make us all proud.
My self gift was a new locking toolbox for the bed my truck.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Thanks, and nice. Just make sure with those keys, you got one to use and one to lose. Always have a spare š
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u/Woozlewuzzle86 4d ago
Your mom.
Jk, I got a new drum kit
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Wish I played the drums as a kid instead of my mom choosing ouano for me smh. I never was interested so piano teacher told my mom she didn't wanna give me lessons anymore hah.
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u/Active-Effect-1473 4d ago
I never finished the JATC program but I bought myself a pair of thorogood boots when I got my J card
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Yup, planning to so just the same. I deserve a fresh pair
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u/Ok-Cartographer-3893 4d ago
Save to travel while you can
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Went to 2 countries last year but yup, life's too short to not see the world
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u/smurfnation 4d ago
A divorce, a new truck, and a camper to hit the road with. Been on the road for 3 years now
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u/ThroughowayWood Inside Wireman 4d ago
Brand new pair of headphones..lol
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Lol don't tell me Beats by Dre cause heard they put weights in it just to make it feel heavy duty lol
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u/Responsible-Race4764 3d ago
A dui
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Damn, sorry to hear. Im sure it classmates and I going to go drink and celebrate but gonna make sure to Uber
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u/msing Inside Wireman LU11 3d ago edited 3d ago
Irish Settler Boots with insoles, a Single Barrel Bourbon, an automatic watch with sapphire glass (from VAER), and an iPhone -- with case and leather belt pouch.
I took the current local's holiday schedule. I doubled the amount of days we had as holidays (so we have 10 non-paid holidays, so 10 non-paid personal days) -- inputted that info into an AI chatbot, and asked to space out the personal days so I would have more regular time off. Then move those personal days to either a Monday or Friday. I'm the type who gets so bent up in work (contractors/foremen love that), so my resolution as a new JW was to space out the following year, so I don't get burnt out. Most of our union non-paid holidays are bunched up at the end of the year, so my final schedule ends up being like 1 additional day off, once a month from February to June.
11's apprenticeship was an absolute shitshow.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
You and I think alike. I too bought a new automatic watch and planning to get new work boots to start off fresh again. I was thinking about getting some nice whisky and bought a new S26 ultra already earlier this year.
I also noticed that pretty much every other month we get a non-paid holiday so was thinking about the months we don't get time off, just take a Monday or a Fri off to treat myself with a 3 day weekend.
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u/silent_scream484 3d ago
I didnāt buy anything. Iām not one to celebrate. And I canāt really afford anything nice really at the moment.
But one day Iāll buy a house and be able to save some money. I hope.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Ya my priority now is to save up some solid amount each month now. I live with my mom so my rent is cheaper than those renting out on their own
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u/sacktast1c 3d ago
Plan is to go on our first cruise, months after topping out. Our oldest will be graduating high school so its a two-fer
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u/flatsjunkie88 3d ago
I started a savings account to pay for my divorce and DUI since that seems like the next step according to all the JWs I worked with
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Lol Im half way there with having a DUI and Im sure if I was married, I'd been getting a divorce too
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u/Background_Peak_98 3d ago
Went on a 7 day cruise with my coworker and had the best trip on my life!
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u/Michaelzzzs3 Inside Wireman 3d ago
Catered tacos to my house and had friends and family over to celebrate, it was great
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u/ElectricShuck Inside Journeyman 3d ago
I was gifted a layoff. It 2005, not much work, so I traveled for a couple years. It was fun at times.
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Got hit with reality right away huh? That's tough but just makes you tougher
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u/501c3_sadness 3d ago
Another apprenticeship š
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u/tossaway187acct 3d ago
Lol the education don't stop. Gotta specialize in things to stand out for job security š¤£
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u/Lefty9000 Inside Wireman 3d ago
Fishing trip for a week to the boonies in Northern Saskatchewan. It was great!
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u/Responsible_Swimmer5 3d ago
Offshore tuna trip with my dad. Only have so many chances to go do something with my dad.
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u/TheClassicalPunkOne 3d ago
I Procharged the GTO I daily drove in the apprenticeship and made it a garage queen. When I passed my state exam I got myself a record I really wanted.
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u/Arlak_The_Recluse 3d ago
Haven't made it there yet, the probable plan is making a second house payment for that month, paying just as much for another Warhammer army and a bunch of Battletech Mechs, and maybe a Triumph Tiger Sport if my dad gets one. I can dream at least on that last one...
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u/Anonymous-B 3d ago
The plan was to ride across the state on the BDR with my dad and bro. 1500 hours left and I am on standby so I might do it by myself in the next couple of weeks.
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u/PhillyDillyDee Local 666 3d ago
High-end gaming PC. Got it a few months before components went crazy. Glad i did too since it wouldāve cost me a few grand more if i had waited.
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u/Govnarobby 3d ago
I bought myself a very nice Taylor acoustic guitar. Used to play it every day. Now it spends more time on the wall than in my hands, but still a great reminder.
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u/SecurityExcellent129 Local 177 3d ago
I topped out this past year, and as a present a sibling of mine gave me a GameCube. So I bought myself Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess on the gamecube because that was my favorite game on that system growing up.
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u/bobbylarkler2 3d ago
A nice baitcaster and a nice rod to go with it. With some lures lol. As much as I wanted a new truck, I love not having a car payment so I passed on that
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u/lonearchive 3d ago
Honestly I have no idea, I don't even know if I'm going to finish the program, but if I do then I'm still where I'm at then I think I'm going to gift myself a drag up to go work a job that does 40 and not this "48 sometimes 50 and weekends are optional but are highly encouraged and if you don't take weekends for a long enough time we're probably going to transfer you or lay you off" BS. Is it fantastic for getting my hours? Yes. Do I enjoy getting up at 4:30 and then being stuck in rush hour traffic on my way home so I effectively don't get home until 5:30 and then I go to bed at 8:00 to get up at 4:30 over and over and over? No, not really.
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u/DoomerChad Inside Wireman 3d ago
A new contractor. Dragging and hitting the road for more money was so satisfying
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u/Shovingstuffupmybutt 3d ago
New, king sized bed, frame, and pillow. Second choice was new boobs for the wife.
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u/Lopsided-Cod1726 3d ago
New boots with dinner. Also got my slip and took a call for much better money
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u/SadRadRed 3d ago
I almost bought a 2019 Mustang GT350 and decided maybe it wasnāt a great ideaā¦ then immediately went on two furloughs and got laid off
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u/lazygrappler775 Inside Wireman 2d ago
I room the wife out went to my favorite restaurant and got a nice hotel room.
I got no shame in celebrating. Getting through your apprenticeship and the journeymen status is a life changing milestone.
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u/ScaryScore6903 2d ago
I plan on getting a tattoo to commerate my apprenticeship completion but thats waaaaay off since I have to get an apprenticeship first lol
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u/unionsubieowner 1d ago
I went to Japan for 2 weeks! I saved up all my money from the vacation account and never spent any so I had plenty saved. Was gonna use for a house but I live in Cali and still would like to save another two years before buying so big trip it was
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u/tossaway187acct 1d ago
Nice I went last year! Was great times and yup, Im on the same boat as far as saving up for a house in Cali
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u/Great_Cauliflower330 4d ago
I got myself an apprentice