After college I went to school to become a machinist, earned an associate degree and later served a Tool & Diemaker Apprenticeship. Forty years as a journeyman Tool & Die Maker, I taught machine shop in high school and community college. The last few years after having topped out in the Tool & Die Maker payscale I was advanced to Manufacturing Engineering. My wages were in the top 1-2% nationally, so learning a trade was very rewarding, At retirement my salary was twice what my Phd. brother in law's was.
