It's worth noting that these skilled trades (eg plumbers, electricians, carpenters) have wildly different experiences in different countries. In the US they ar

It's worth noting that these skilled trades (eg plumbers, electricians, carpenters) have wildly different experiences in different countries. In the US they aren't actually paid that well, particularly compared to software engineering (in the US). But go to Australia and you'll get a vastly different experience. For one, just being a plumber is strictly government controlled. You need a license that requires a four year apprenticeship. There are pros and cons to this system but you will generally find that the base level of skill and competence of any Australian tradesmen will be far higher than that of many other countries. I had a Australian friend who was a plumber in the UK where you can be a plumber by just calling yourself a plumber. The stories of incompetence he'd tell were shocking. Trades in Australia earn more than software engineers do and will generally have a much better standard of living, straight up. It's one reason why I, as a software engineer, moved from Australia to the US. If you want to be a plumber, you may want to go the other way, assuming you're willing and able to get certified.