I have been working in a creative field in music, entertainment, and for the last ~20 years, tech (content creation mostly), nearly 30 years total. Thankfully the work has been good to me, but my job description is very niche/specific. I'm a hair over 50 and the current job market feels like it's in bad shape with a lot of people in the industry going through the same thing. This last layoff felt kind of like the last straw, especially how it was handled.
I've always enjoyed working with my hands, be it small projects in the garage or doing things to the cars, motorcycle or our house. So I am kind of weighing the idea of attending some sort of trade school/course for something such as HVAC, welding, etc. I realize the money won't be as good, but I am tired of being the victim of some corporate accountant improving the 'bottom line'.
I was the breadwinner for the family mostly due to having kids a bit later in life, my wife could return to working pretty easily because she taught elementary school. Our kids are 5 (kindergarten) and 1.5 years old. The youngest will be in preschool as soon as she's eligible, so maybe we'll be a 2 income household again in the next 2-3 years.
Unemployment assistance will kick in soon, and we aren't in financial dire straits either, thankfully. I am looking at some training programs at a local community college and a workforce program that seems like it's run by the county. Are these good avenues to explore or a waste of time?
I've been recommended to look at the Post Office too, but after talking to my mailman (we already shoot the shit anyway) that doesn't sound like a decent place to work. Fed Ex or UPS driver? I am open to other ideas...
P.S. I am still looking and applying to jobs in my current field.