How Can I Learn How to Be a Handyman?
As the economy grows more and more unstable, learning a trade can be one of the best ways to keep your head above water and maybe even come out profitably. There is little overhead, and you know something useful that not everyone knows how to do. Best of all, there is a recurring need for handymen to keep home appliances and plumbing operating smoothly. None of these things are built to last, at least not without maintenance and repair. That’s where you can come in to help! But how can you learn how to become a handyman? It helps to start with a clear idea of exactly what you want to accomplish, and to follow any and/or all of the following paths:
Self-education: A lot can be said, especially in small town environments, for those who simply know how because they’ve always done it. From an early age, if your father or another adult figure in your life has trained you to use your hands, then it could be that you know just as much if not more than any trained professional about the ins and outs of being a handyman. When you get to larger areas, you have a wider base of people who may need your help, but it could be more difficult landing jobs if you don’t hold the credentials to go along with your training. While self education is good, it is not the only, nor the best, answer.
Education: It is always a good idea to enter into some kind of formal education program for the area, which draws your interest. People trust education, whether at the college, university, or vocational school levels. It may not make you a better handyman to go out and earn one, but it will certainly not hurt, and it can only make you more money in the long run, as well as more versatile. Imagine being able to go anywhere in the world, work for yourself, and not be a prisoner to slave wages!
Apprenticeship: It is usually a good idea to undertake an apprenticeship if you are serious about ever owning your own handyman business. The reason is that aside from accumulating plenty of on-the-job experience, you get the added bonus of seeing how the business end works: things such as billing, collection, and acquiring clients. These skills are highly necessary if you hope to make your passion into a way of life.
Specialize your training: There is always more money to be made in specializing in a specific area such as plumbing and mechanical engineering. Specialists can demand more for their work because they are not victims of the old adage “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.”
If you have a knack for fixing things around the house, then you may want to think about turning your skills into a business. It can be one of the most lucrative things you ever do for your financial future, and it can also give you a calling that you can be proud of.
