In a recent post in the Blokes Advice private group, a bloke called James asked professionals to give that one piece of advice they wished more people knew.
This is not your average, dry career advice. This is all about industry secrets or tips that either help you deal with those industries, or things you should know before heading into it yourself… or they’re just funny.
FIFO Diesel Fitter: Great money & everyone wants it, but when it's 45 ° + and you're in the pit trying to fix a hot, broken down machine you realise you've made some poor life choices.
BBQ Guy: BBQ is actually really easy but where people go wrong is they overthink it combined with lots of bad information on social media and perpetuated myths.
Accountant: Don't lease a vehicle; you only save on GST and most people overpay because they think they're getting a bargain. You're not. The loopholes on vehicle leases were closed 10 years ago. Also, start investing early, even if it's a small amount, and don't borrow to buy your first car if you can avoid it. Also, tax deductions only save you your tax rate; you're not getting it for free. Also, negative gearing means you are losing money; weigh up how much you will spend interest and other expenses vs what the capital gain will be before you buy and investment property.
Truck Sales: If you want one now you should have ordered 18 months ago.
Wind Plumber: Make sure you've checked its the right mode (heating or cooling) before making a service call and clean your fkn filters.
IT: For computers please click restart. Shutdown doesn't work how it used to and doesn't actually reset anything.
Parts Interpreter: People would be surprised at how many insurance companies dictate second hand parts have to be used in smash repair jobs. 18 month old cars getting second hand gear put back into them because the insurance companies want to do it as cheaply as possible.
Concreter: Don’t do it
Payments Guy: Use your Visa or Mastercard for all major purchases and large ticket items. You are protected by the card schemes guarantee and can process a charge back through your bank for ANY non-delivery of service or product. It’s effectively consumer insurance for anything you pay for.
Workshop Owner: Don’t buy a euro.
Maintenance at Aged Care Facilities: 90% of residents don't have family that visit them and are ever so happy just to have a little chat.
Horticulturalist Trade: Don't bother. Hard study only to compete with untrained yobbos while clients rarely care about the benefits of a job done right. Just do your arborist ticket and read the tags at Bunnings.
Prison Officer: Look through the little perspex window before you open the door.
Counsellor: Where you can, be proactive instead of reactive. Don’t wait until life has completely kicked you in the ass and you feel like there’s no hope to reach out.
Teacher: Jonah from Tonga is more fact than fiction.
Auto Electrician: YouTube is not a diagnostic tool, if you don’t know what you're doing please just don't do it
Pilot: Constant study and your job is on the line every six months being checked . Great office though. Also, if the planes delayed there's usually a good reason.
Recruiter: When you’re putting a resume together most HR teams won’t want to see hobbies and personal details on there - keep it tight with your (relevant) skills, training/education, and related work history.
Agricultural Machine Operator: Double check your vehicle is indeed in neutral before turning that key.
Firefighter: Don't leave any batteries on charge unattended and definitely don't charge lithium batteries of unknown quality (in devices such as Chinese made electric scooters) inside your house at all.
FIFO Miner: No I can’t get you a job as a dump truck driver & don’t expect $180k 7-7 straight up.
Mechanic: Don’t put your fingers anywhere your wouldn’t put your dick.
Panel Beater: Make sure you have choice of repairer on your insurance otherwise your sent to high volume, low quality repair centre
You should consider if this information is right for you and seek advice from professional services if necessary. Blokes Advice Co Pty Ltd does not accept legal liability or responsibility for the content of the advice or information or any consequences arising from its use.
