Apologies for continuing the thread hijack ...

There's nothing at all wrong with an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. I've done all sorts of physical labour -- but to further my education, not to buy shiny stuff.

I think it's important to keep an eye on the medium term prospects as well as short term earnings. Where will this job take you?

A young person with some brains but without the cash/desire to do a lot of post-secondary schooling should get into the trades ASAP and give it all they've got.

Better still, pick a trade that has certifications that are recognized beyond state/provincial boundaries. That means you can go where the work is.

And if the economy demands it, employers will pay to upgrade your skills -- possibly setting you up for a technician/technologist designation.

It's not just mechanics, carpenters, welders and electricians. Locksmiths are in demand (which I would find pretty darn interesting FWIW).