Blue Collar and Proud of It: The All-in-One Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside the Cubicle (Paperback)

~ (Author), Bridget Samburg (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

I know Joe Lamacchia and he is the real deal. This book is a great read.
--Stan Davis, author of Future Perfect (Stan Davis )

Product Description

The All-in-One Resource for Infrastructure Jobs, Green Careers, Reliable Blue-Collar Work, and More!

Not everyone is suited to a white-collar career or wants to get the four-year degree
that these jobs typically require. But that doesn't mean you have to turn your back
on a great salary, exciting work, and a profession that commands respect.
Joe Lamacchia is proof. After graduating high school, he said no to college—and found
personal and professional success as the owner of a thriving landscaping company. He also started BlueCollarandProudofIt.com, a resource for people who want to find work in the skilled trades. Blue-collar workers build and maintain our bridges, keep our cars running, fix our plumbing, and provide vital services to every home. That's why Lamacchia
calls these 'necessary jobs.' Most blue-collar work simply cannot be outsourced to foreign
countries and it's often recession-proof. As Baby Boomers retire, blue-collar industries
are experiencing workforce shortages because there aren't enough well-trained
people to fill all of these jobs. That is, until now . . .

Blue Collar and Proud of It gives you the information you need to pursue a stable, enjoyable, well-paying job—one that makes a difference every day in your community.
Whether you're just out of high school, have been a victim of downsizing, or are looking for a new direction, Lamacchia explains all the options, outlines the necessary training, and delivers true stories of people who have made their own way in the blue-collar world. Discover a wealth of opportunities, including:

• carpentry • machinery • roofing • electricians • truck drivers • green construction
• Broadband technicians • welding • ironworkers • solar panel installation
• water conservation

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Product Details

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: HCI; 1 edition (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0757307787
• ISBN-13: 978-0757307782
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #321,717 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good how-to-get-started guide, April 18, 2009

By	Laura (Newton, MA) - See all my reviews

This book is written in a conversational style and encourages you to follow your heart and find a job that you love and that uses your particular strengths. On beautiful spring days, I used to sit in my cubicle and daydream about being a mail carrier. Now I will be thinking about a changing to a blue collar job!
If you are coming from a white-collar background, you have no idea how to get into a trade. What are some of the choices of careers? What are the jobs like and what skills should I have to be good at them? Where could I get training and how much should training cost? Do I have to start young? Blue Collar and Proud of It gives enough information on these topics to help you know how to get started in a trade.
Added to the how-to-get-started information, the author shared the satisfaction that various blue collar workers feel when they see that their work makes a difference in the world. Imagine the pleasure of driving past places you helped build years ago or being a mason working a fireplace made by a mason 250 years ago, and knowing your work will also endure.
As a math enthusiast, I also like that the book makes it clear that you need math for many of the trades. It shared the success of a carpenter who didn't do well with math in school but discovered that when he "stopped taking math and started applying it" he enjoyed math and was good at it.

5.0 out of 5 stars No BS!, October 13, 2009

By	Mark O'leary "Kravist" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have known the author of Blue Collar and Proud of It for nearly 20 years. This book is not some pie-in-the-sky, power-of-positive-thinking nonsense--it is the real thing. Joe speaks with authority on this subject because he has lived it himself. The basic premise is so obvious that many people miss it: not everyone can go to college, or needs to in order to succeed. There are too many people wasting precious resources and time on an "education" that doesn't actually advance their career. The resources available to such people today are greater than they have ever been. This book is one of those resources.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read, August 28, 2009

By	DR "DR" (Ma, USA) - See all my reviews

This book was so refreshing! My husband is an electrician and we found that this book is long over due! Joe's information and knowledge is well worth reading. I have and would recommed this book over and over again. If you are self employed or thinking of a "Blue Collar position" you must buy. Wondering how to get there successfully buy the book.