The Power of a Trade: How Skills Can Fuel Your Wildest Dreams
Many people dream of chasing big goals, whether it is traveling the world or becoming a professional athlete. Often, these dreams feel out of reach because of money or the need for a stable career. But what if you could have both? What if a solid trade skill could actually make your biggest adventures possible? The story of Jesse James shows us how a practical skill, like plumbing, can open doors to an exciting life of action sports and global travel. It proves that getting a trade can be the smartest first step toward living your dream.
The Best Advice: A Foundation for Freedom
Jesse James had a clear vision for his future. He wanted to move to the United States and become a professional wakeboarder. This was a huge dream for a young person. At just 15 years old, he decided to leave school. He told his dad about his plans to go to the States. His father gave him some very important advice. He told Jesse to get a trade skill first. This advice was not meant to stop Jesse from chasing his dream. Instead, it was meant to give him a safety net. His dad wanted him to have something strong to fall back on. This way, Jesse would always have a way to earn money, no matter what happened with his wakeboarding career. Jesse listened to his dad's words. He later said it was the best decision he ever made. This wise advice set him up for a lifetime of adventure and security.
Building a Strong Base with a Trade
Getting a trade is more than just learning a job. It is about building a foundation of valuable skills. For Jesse, that foundation was plumbing. Learning a trade like plumbing means gaining expertise that is always in demand. People will always need skilled tradespeople to fix things, build new structures, and keep essential systems running. This constant need for services means job security. It means that someone with a trade can almost always find work. This kind of stability is often missing when someone jumps straight into a risky dream career.
A trade also provides practical knowledge. You learn how things work. You solve problems every day. These skills go beyond just the specific trade itself. They teach you how to think, plan, and execute tasks. For someone planning to travel or live a flexible lifestyle, these practical skills are priceless. They make you adaptable and ready for whatever comes your way, both in work and in life.
The Value of Having Something to Fall Back On
Jesse's dad understood a key truth: life can be unpredictable. Dreams can change. Plans might not work out exactly as you expect. Having a trade provides a sense of security during these times. It acts as a reliable backup plan. If a dream career doesn't take off, or if someone needs a break, their trade skills are always there. They are ready to be used to earn money and support themselves. This reduces stress and financial worry.
Think about the freedom that comes with knowing you can always support yourself. This peace of mind allows you to take bigger risks. It lets you try new things without the constant fear of being completely broke. Jesse’s story is a perfect example. Because he had plumbing skills, he could pursue his passions with less financial pressure. He knew he could always go back to his trade and earn money when he needed to. This gave him the confidence to explore different paths.
Funding Dreams: Cash from Plumbing Fuels Adventure
After getting his plumbing trade, Jesse finally made the move to the United States. His friends were still there, working hard to achieve their own dreams. But Jesse had a distinct advantage: cash from plumbing. His trade skills meant he had money in his pocket. This financial security was not just a safety net; it was a launchpad. It gave him the resources to start living the adventurous life he wanted.
Beyond Wakeboarding: Exploring New Passions
Jesse’s initial dream was to be a professional wakeboarder. While in the States, his journey took an unexpected turn. With the money he earned as a plumber, he could afford new experiences. He got his skydiving license. This was a big step. It led him to start jumping out of amazing places like helicopters and hot air balloons. He quickly fell in love with the skydiving scene. This newfound passion expanded his world.
His trade did more than just get him to the States. It allowed him to explore new interests. It gave him the freedom to try things he might never have considered otherwise. This highlights a powerful benefit of having a trade: it can fund experiences that broaden your horizons. You might start with one dream, but your financial stability can lead you to discover entirely new ones. Jesse’s story shows how one skill can lead to a diverse and exciting life filled with various action sports.
Traveling the World with Action Sports
Falling in love with skydiving led Jesse to even greater adventures. He started traveling the world, taking part in action sports. This was not just a local hobby; it was a global pursuit. He went to different countries, experienced new cultures, and pushed his limits. His trade skills made all of this possible. He could afford to travel, to buy equipment, and to participate in events.
The ability to travel and pursue high-cost hobbies like skydiving and other action sports is a direct result of having a reliable income source. Without the financial stability from his plumbing trade, such extensive travel and participation in diverse sports would have been much harder, if not impossible. Jesse’s life became a testament to how a practical skill can unlock extraordinary experiences across the globe.
The Flexible Lifestyle: Work Hard, Play Harder
Even after years of traveling and chasing action sports, Jesse never fully left his trade behind. He continues to use his plumbing skills today. This allows him to maintain a unique and flexible lifestyle. He proves that you can have a demanding job and still make plenty of time for adventure. His story is about balance and making your work fit your life, not the other way around.
Finding Balance: Working on the Tools
Jesse found a way to combine his love for action sports with his practical trade. He would work for about six to nine months of the year as a plumber. During this time, he was "on the tools," earning money and using his skills. This period of focused work was essential. It built up his savings and prepared him for his next adventure.
This flexible work schedule is a key advantage of many trades. Unlike traditional 9-to-5 office jobs, some trade work can be seasonal or project-based. This allows for periods of intense work followed by periods of time off. It gives tradespeople more control over their schedules. For someone like Jesse, this flexibility is crucial. It lets him earn a good living while still making ample time for his passions. He never stops being a "tradie," even when he is flying through the air.
Three Months of Adventure: Raging Around America
After working for six to nine months, Jesse would take three months off. This was his time for pure adventure. He would "rage around America," exploring and taking part in his favorite action sports. During these breaks, he was busy skydiving, snowboarding, and surfing. These activities took him to different parts of the country. He experienced various landscapes and pushed his physical limits.
This pattern shows a true work-life balance. He dedicates time to earn money, then dedicates time to enjoy his life. His trade skills give him the power to decide when he works and when he plays. This kind of freedom is a major draw for people considering a trade. It allows them to shape their life according to their own desires, rather than being stuck in a rigid routine. It is a powerful example of how a trade can offer financial independence and lifestyle freedom.
The Enduring Value of Trade Skills
Jesse’s journey from a 15-year-old with a dream to a global action sports enthusiast shows the lasting power of trade skills. He is living proof that a trade is not just a job; it is a lifelong asset. It gives you the foundation, the financial means, and the flexibility to truly live your life on your own terms. His dad's advice was simple, but its impact was profound.
The saying "Once a tradie, always a tradie" holds true for Jesse. No matter how much he travels or how many incredible stunts he performs, his plumbing skills are always there. They are a reliable source of income and security. This story serves as an inspiration for anyone with big dreams. It shows that sometimes, the most practical path can lead to the most extraordinary adventures. A trade gives you the key to unlock a world of possibilities, allowing you to chase your dreams without fear.