First, I want to say I have an amazing amount of respect for the skilled plumbers, electricians, mechanics, etc. I had to use someone's service recently and I h

First, I want to say I have an amazing amount of respect for the skilled plumbers, electricians, mechanics, etc. I had to use someone's service recently and I had to tell him ... "I have a PhD but I am in awe of the total mastery you have of your craft. My skill in my field cannot compare to yours." He told how he'd been doing the same thing for 35 years and had seen every possible situation under the sun for that job. He also told me that he has a lot of physical pain to get over in his line of work. Anyways ... hats off! One problem with both occupations is lack of enforced regulation. My impression (but don't have any supporting data) is that these occupations have a number of immigrants who may not be legal working in them. I've also heard of "cash discounts", which might mean taxes are not being paid. As a straight and narrow guy, I would hate working in such a profession - it would be impossible to compete.