My grandfather and dad were both mechanics. I'm jealous of anyone who can leave something built and better at the end of the day, whereas I stare a glowing box

My grandfather and dad were both mechanics. I'm jealous of anyone who can leave something built and better at the end of the day, whereas I stare a glowing box pushing electrons around. I'm not jealous of the toll it takes on the body. The mechanical and construction trades are definitely riskier than office work in injuries, both chronic and episodic. What makes good money is specialized workers in high-demand areas. My dad was an electrical and A/C automotive mechanic, and most mechanics hate electrical problems. My consolation prizes are an EE/CS degree and can restore a VW, run plenum wiring, recycle desk IoT lamps into Alexa-controlled wall lamps, and shop for SBCs from global suppliers. There's dignity in whatever is useful and customers are willing to pay for. Title is often narcissistic and résumé pomposity. Usually what pays best is what requires specialized skills, is least sexy, and what most others find excruciatingly painful or impossible to do themselves. I know a guy who has a niche business doing all things related to large flat screen TV installs. That's the kind of ingenuity and market awareness that paves the way for success.