Apprenticeship Vs Work Scenario

[tomfisher369]

So I'm 20 years old and need guidance.

I have a very well paid job at the moment working in a mill doing shift work, Ive pretty much learnt the jobs I have done so far besides the more complex things, but I'm unhappy with the hours I'm doing: For example I am working a 68 hour week this week, and I have been offered a job that's 5 days a week and 12pm till 9pm. I don't like the idea of this at my age but I need the money to pay my car off and pay parents monthly etc. I've also been frustrated due to my contract ending tomorrow, and it was only extended yesterday, last minute so I was almost out of a job anyway.

But I have been contemplating leaving and doing an apprenticeship in welding and fabricating, obviously it's going to be less money, about 3.5 times less an hour, and I'd be going into something I have no experience in whatsoever and I'm unsure if I will be any good at it therefore I could leave and ruin everything, however the pay off could be huge if I manage to complete it. I feel like I'm a good learner and I want to be given an opportunity but I'm just so unsure on what to do.

Can anyone give me any tips please as this is one of the biggest decisions in my life so far, if not the biggest. It's pretty much play it safe for money and be unhappy, or risk the apprenticeship.

Thanks in advance if anyone can give me tips

[Canary42]

I would recommend going for it - you're still very young and in a reasonably good position to change again if it turns out bad.

Have you discussed it with your parents - they will no doubt find it hard to be impartial, but it's worth doing nevertheless.

Good luck, whatever you decide.