This essay is based on a conversation with Bailey Frankovich, a 23-year-old HVAC service technician based in Reno, Nevada. Edited for length and clarity.
As I was preparing to graduate high school with no formal career plans, I got a call from my dad. “If you want to join the family air conditioning business, now is your chance.”
I was hesitant because working in HVAC was not considered a career path for me. I wondered if I would be strong enough, if I could hold my own among men, or if I would even want to dedicate my life to it. So I thought, “How will I know if I don’t try?”
That summer, about four years ago, I started working for my dad and enrolled in a nine-month trade school program. I currently work full time as an HVAC service technician, which is great.
I feel like I have more power if I don’t go to a four-year university.
Trade school was much more affordable than a traditional four-year college degree, costing about $15,000 and taking nine months. My classes were from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, so I was able to continue working full time at my family business and another HVAC company.
The best thing for me was that I was able to learn while actually working while attending school. I was able to work with my hands, observe the system, and solve problems in real time.
There were moments when I lost confidence in myself because I was the only woman in my class at vocational school.
As the only woman in my class, there were times when I doubted whether I would be able to do this job. I’m very small at 5’2″ and about 100 pounds, so I can’t lift all the equipment.
When I first started, I had to say, “Hey, I can’t lift this yet. Can you help me?” Now I’m lifting a 60 pound compressor.
Unfortunately, when I asked for help, it sometimes felt like one of the instructors would shut down my thoughts and opinions and act on my behalf. I’ve learned to just sit back and let him do what he wants. Because at the end of the day, I’m going to win and keep learning.
The students were very welcoming and we all had a great time together.
I got my first job through connections, but I think networking is necessary.
Immediately after graduating from vocational school, I started looking for other companies to work for, as my family’s duct cleaning focused business was not what I wanted to do. I wanted to work in the service industry, a job that really required my brain.
Fortunately, I had previously connected with someone in the field when I worked for my father. I applied to the company he worked for, and my connections opened the door for me. Networking is very important in this industry. If you know someone, they may be able to help you.
When it comes to raises, there are no limits. My starting salary was $35,000 and now it’s about $60,000. My plan is to stay in a service job, but in case of an emergency, I will return to the family business.
Every day looks different and working in HVAC gives you a lot of freedom.
It’s really intimidating for a lot of women to join this industry because it’s a male-dominated industry, but for the most part everyone I’ve worked with has been very welcoming.
On a typical day, I arrive at my first job site at 8am. Sometimes there are only two calls a day, and sometimes there are five.
Every day brings new problems to solve. One day I was working in a very large industrial warehouse and the next day I was working in a residential building. One of my favorite things about this job is that I have the freedom to go up on the roof and enjoy the view from a distance.
I have a lot of outdoor hobbies, so if I finish work before sunset, I like to ride my dirt bike or go fishing. When you get home, you can enjoy time with your family and not have to worry about more work and the phone ringing.
I have some difficulties at work
The only thing I don’t like about HVAC is that there are some tight spots it has to navigate, such as crawl spaces and attics. Attics can get very hot in the summer, reaching up to 135 degrees, but with the right equipment you can survive.
Roofs get very hot because UV rays reflect back onto them. It can be very cold and you may have to work in the rain or snow.
I’m currently working about 40 hours a week since it’s low season, but when the economy picks up in June, I’ll be working a lot of overtime, which will be about 60 hours a week. And it’s definitely worth it.
You don’t have to worry about losing your job to AI or the price of gas.
I think there are many people who are worried that their jobs will be taken over by AI, but I believe that this is a job that AI will never be able to take over. AI can’t walk into someone’s home, look at their air conditioner, and figure out everything that’s going on with their air conditioner.
Another thing that a lot of people are worried about right now is gas prices, but I have a company car so thankfully my gas is paid for.
My company is very easy-going, and if you need to stop at a supermarket or something on the way home, you’re welcome. Additionally, if you don’t have time, you can also stop by a car wash and get paid while your car is being washed.
My advice for installing HVAC
If you want to participate in trading, make as many connections as possible. Even if it’s just talking to someone at your local hardware store or joining a Facebook group. Networking helps you make connections that lead to jobs.
Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s part of the business to mess up jobs. As long as you approach each day with a positive attitude, that’s all you need.
Do you have a story to share about working in the trade industry? If so, please contact our reporter at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com.