Ask HN: What trades can I learn at home?

#1

Post by spacebuffer » Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 6:34 PM UTC

I am a mid level software engineer, currently I am working in SWE but I am worried I'll be out of a job in a few years. I am honing my skills without AI in case the prediction that hiring will pick back up in a few years but I need a plan B.

I am looking to learn a trade job/skill so I can sustain myself in the future. everyone is talking about plumbing but that sounds daunting and I don't know where to start.

Is there something that I can do from home alongside my job to elevate my skills IRL for free or for cheap?

Re: Ask HN: What trades can I learn at home?

#2

Post by ben_w » Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 6:42 PM UTC

Woodworking. Depending on if you're in a house or an apartment (because fire risk is easier to manage if you're not in an apartment), metalworking.

My brother took up hypnotherapy a few years back.

My mum was a part-time gardener when I was a teen.

Re: Ask HN: What trades can I learn at home?

#3

Post by BoredPositron » Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 7:13 PM UTC

I was an electrician by trade before doing SWE and started to do electronic and micro electronic repair in the last two years. It's well suited to do at home but needs a bit of an initial investment ~$1000.

Re: Ask HN: What trades can I learn at home?

#4

Post by toomuchtodo » Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 7:25 PM UTC

Electrician, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC. I learned how to weld (stick "smaw", mig, tig) for <$1000 at my local community college at the time (circa 2008-2009 GFC), and was offered a job (which I luckily did not need to take) after completing the required courses.

Re: Ask HN: What trades can I learn at home?

#5

Post by mmarian » Thu, Apr 02, 2026, 5:56 PM UTC

Depends where you're based. But handymen in the UK get decent money, especially once you start working with businesses.