Look at the trades. Still pay dues, just to show off a journeyman's card.

Commercial work pays rather well. However, if you ain't connected .... no matter how good ... you won't get any. Do you know ANY residential contractors or builders that use union, even though it only pays about two thirds of commercial?

Every one with a circular saw and a truck thinks they're a carpenter.

Nonunion pay leaves a great deal to be desired. Moreover, it's not like it's a steady nine to five gig.

When I was a kid, a public school teacher made about half of what a decent carpenter made. Today, in this area, the AVERAGE wage-benefit package for a public school teacher is over a hunnert large. Not bad for a part-time job.

Anyone want to fight the elements, develop skills, and work dirty for next to nothing?

Low pay and lack of steady work, then no one really knowing quality, or CARING about quality ... that's what killed carpenters.

You wanna do it?