u/Background-Salad-993

Just here for a rant

I feel very disappointed right now because I’ve been priced out of potential job opportunities due to factors outside of my control
-32 years old with a mortgage and 3 kids (1 in school, 2 in childcare) - full time job but know I have more to offer

-was offered a matured aged apprenticeship in HVAC. Priced out as I can’t afford the apprentice wages to support my outgoings (none of which are excessive - mortgage, childcare, insurance, utilities and groceries). Even with the government support loans.

-have been offered a job as a junior site foreman under a subcontracting model, but have now learned that Centrelink assess my whole income and don’t factor in what I need to put aside for the tax man (25-30% of said subcontracting income).
So essentially I’ve now been priced out of this opportunity too because the rate I’d now need to go back and negotiate for is likely unreasonable as an unproved junior ($50-55 an hour)

Any comments help as I’m feeling super down right now.

Just want some opinions
I know I’m going to get some hate for mainly because it doesn’t effect me but hear me out

-if housing affordability is now a national problem, then tax settings that encourage leveraged property investment should also be part of that sacrifice, not just interest rate pain on owner occupiers

-the government to have some balls and scrap negative gearing with NO grandfathering (shared economic burden)

Just after a bit of feedback.

I’ve been offered a potential job as a junior foreman with a company that specialises in small/medium sized fit outs in Australia.

I have previous experience in concreting and HVAC but not enough to be competent at either.
There is also an element of nepotism where I’ve been referred by a family member.

With that being said - I’m confident in the abilities I do have which is communication, organisation and people skills.
I’m motivated and driven to make a really good impression but worried I’m slightly out of my depth.

Any suggestions?

Wanting some feedback from outsiders.

I’m seriously considering a career change into the trades as a matured aged apprentice.

Should also add - 32 years old with 3 kids and a mortgage

I’ve already got my foot in the door with a company working casually as a trade assistant and I enjoy the work.

Important to note that I’d be going into Air Con (HVAC) and like the option of doing dual trade afterwards to include electrical.

I know people say do electrical first but I feel it will be much much harder to find an electrical apprenticeship.

Currently employed as an operations manager in a security company working 4 on / 4 off (12 hour shifts). $76k base but with overtime I make closer to $90k.

I find the job unfulfilling and boring as it’s solely office based.

The job does have progression onto general manager.

Any feedback is really really appreciated.

Based in Adelaide.