PLUMBER

What are the perks of this profession? “There is a lot of gratification and a feeling that you have performed a necessary service for people,” says Noble, when asked how he feels about being a plumber. Also, if you like to build things, getting a kitchen or bathroom in working order is a form of building something. By planning ahead and using the proper tools and their knowledge of plumbing, plumbers work to create something that functions.

But there are downsides to being a plumber as well. “It can be very physically draining at times. Sometimes you have to take a 350-pound bathtub up a flight of stairs,” says Noble. Plumbers work on their feet; they don't get a lot of time to rest or sit down. If you become a plumber, you'll be required to carry your equipment with you, and many plumbing supplies, such as water heaters and metal pipes, are heavy. Because of this, it is essential for you to be in good physical condition, able to lift heavy objects, and able to withstand long hours of hard work.

If a plumber is self-employed in this industry, he or she has to make contacts and have business associates to get work. An outgoing personality helps a plumber meet and stay in contact with people who may know about opportunities for work. It can't hurt to have friends in this industry.

If you're the kind of person who enjoys seeing physical proof of a completed task, then this just might be the career for you. Noble says, “The best part is being able to see the end product of your labor, in the form of a new bathroom or kitchen.”