It's not very easy to start a trade. You have to essentially be hired in your desired trade, and then get your employer to sign the government papers. Most jobs here in Toronto are low wage service and manufacturing.
The influx of immigrants each year is making it really fucking difficult to find employment and keep it.
I went from getting a BA in Arts thinking of entering the work force doing some clerical work, but that shit never happened, and i ended up working continental night shifts in manufacturing doing all kinds of back breaking shit surrounded by Philippino, Indian, and Jamaican immigrants who barely speak english.
Then i started thinking i need to try harder and utilize my skills. Having done various residential construction work in the past i.e. painting, paving, drywall finishing, minor electrical work, i started my own business.
I printed several thousand flyers, handed them out via mail, and door to door, and the response was minimal, with most customers inquiring without serious intention. Also, the level of competition is fucking high. Desperate immigrants would operate in crews, undercutting your prices (major cause of a steady decline in workmanship btw).
Working under someone in construction, you don't get paid much but your work goes towards fattening up the bosses pocket. Now they hire so called "helpers", get them to do most of the work, and then get a certified electrician, plumber etc.. to sign off on the work.
That way subcontractors make more money all the while using and abusing desperate immigrants left and right.
Immigrant abuse is the name of the game here in Toronto. That's why i'm thinking of going out west to Alberta or Saskatchewan where the oil is.
I don't want to be rich, i just want enough to pay the bills and have a little savings at the end. That's proving to be quite the challenge.
...if you have a wife and kids, then you're in for some deep shit. Thank Buddah i don't have those responsibilities.