What are suitable career options for a mid-40s handyman with back problems, avoiding driving and desk jobs?

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  • #104398 Reply
    Al

      Could his back be improved with exercise and weight loss, if that is an issue?

      #104399 Reply
      Theresa

        Look into maintenance jobs in schools maybe? Any really hard labor jobs would get contracted out and they always need handyman types…

        might be a position mixed with custodial.

        No idea what those jobs pay, but health and retirement benefits for schools (k12 or college) are usually pretty good and come with union protections.

        Those jobs don’t end up on places like Indeed – they’ll need to check individual school district or university websites

        #104400 Reply
        Stef

          I would send him to his local junior college or vocational rehabilitation department (usually that’s a state level function) to get some testing done on his aptitude, and see what kind of free vocational training is available that interests him.

          At his age, he has already been ruled to not be physically capable of a sedentary job on a full time basis.

          Sometimes sitting is harder than standing/walking for someone with a back condition.

          #104401 Reply
          Tracy

            See if he can be an instructor at a votech high school or college program?

            I am not sure if a degree is required or just certifications and expertise

            #104402 Reply
            Sherri

              Home Depot or Lowe’s. And they’ll work with his hours. My husband recently started working at an auto parts store.

              He delivers parts to local mechanics and garages.

              Not the best pay but he’s limited because of his SSI.

              #104403 Reply
              Amy

                My friend messaged me rather upset last week because her sewing machine broke and her normal person she uses for maintenance was unavailable to fix it– she was hoping I had an idea of another trusted person to fix it.

                So, my idea is to choose a specialty and do small machine maintenance and repair (sewing machine, lawnmower, or whatever).

                These people are getting harder to find and seem to be in-demand.

                Some people are able to work contract with places like a sewing store or hardware store, or they can also be self‐employed.

                #104404 Reply
                Glenna

                  I wholeheartedly agree with Stef A Knee! Get help from someone with expertise in careers, someone who can provide an outsider view of options!

                  Community colleges, junior colleges are especially useful but any academic institution near you should be able to assist with testing or a referral.

                  #104405 Reply
                  Danielle

                    A lot of electricians, mechanics, plumbers are signing up with online services to provide their expertise online to customers.

                    I’d google that to find out which companies to sign up with as a subject matter resource.

                    A couple of YouTubers I listen to have mentioned it recently.

                    Seems like it has flexibility but opportunity to do pretty well.

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