My dad learned a trade at BIW in the 80s and worked there until retirement a few years ago. My impression is that he really hated it. He felt so disrespected and disregarded by his management, and he felt so out of place among his coworkers - people who were generally crude and cruel to him and thoughtless. And probably most of all it thoroughly wrecked his body. He has been dealing with chronic, untreatable pain as a direct result of his work there since at least the 90s.

I am a white collar professional also struggling with my career options, but after seeing his experience, whatever else happens to me, I will NEVER take that path.