I have been working as a plumber for a long time, the work is difficult and interesting. For more than two years I have been running a channel on "Zen". I'm talking about plumbing, construction and summer cottages. Recently I found out how American toilets differ from ours. The consultant for me was Plumber from the USA - Maxim. Thanks to him, my readers and I have replenished our knowledge base.
In order for the channel to develop further, I decided to more fully disclose the topic of working as a plumber outside the former union. So I interviewed him. To make the article more informative, I will retell his answers in text. Getting started:
Questions and answers:
1) From which country did you immigrate to the United States and why?
I migrated from Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek. There he had a plumbing business for 4 years, a car and a house. The idea to leave the country belonged to my wife, I had no particular desire. But thanks to the fact that I managed to win the "green card" the first time, my family moved to the USA, Florida without any problems.
Help: "Green Card"
The residence permit can also be won in a special Internet lottery (Diversification Lottery, DV), which is held every year by the US government. One of the goals of the lottery is to encourage the immigration to the United States of people from countries, immigrants from which are practically not represented in the United States. Over 6.4 million people applied to participate in the lottery in 2008. Considering the family members of the applicants, the total number of participants has reached 10 million
Information from the site - https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki
2) Are you satisfied with the fact that you are working in a "foreign" country?
I am very pleased that I live in America. The work here is calm, "relaxed". Pay by the hour, no races. Therefore, it is a pleasure to work here. Employers are inherently loyal to their employees.
3) What is the average salary for a plumber in the United States?
Roughly speaking in the region of $ 20 per hour. The pay here is very good for processing over 40 hours a week. Overworked hours are paid with a coefficient of 1.5. That is, $ 30 per hour. Under such conditions, you can earn up to 2,000 "Baku". But on average, 800-1000 dollars per week.
4) What surprised you about the plumbing industry in this country?
I was surprised that:
- Almost all joints of polymer pipes are glued. Sewerage and water supply.
- Pipes are embedded in walls and ceilings. Plumbing fixtures in bathrooms are in the walls. Outside, only conclusions. In case of breakdowns, you have to open part of the wall in order to replace the mixer.
- Another surprise was the almost complete absence of removable watering cans in the showers. A dryer is attached to the washing machines, very convenient. The washer is connected directly to cold and hot water. Dishwasher for hot water. Refrigerators must be connected to water so that ice is always available.
5) How Americans view the plumbing profession.
In general, Americans have a positive attitude to any profession. It doesn't matter if you are a janitor or a plumber. If they find out that I work as a plumber, then the Americans say: "OOO Raking money with a shovel." They know that overworking in this specialty pays very well for labor.
6) How much does it cost to rent an apartment for your family.
A one-room apartment, the size of a kopeck piece in Russia, is approximately estimated at $ 1000-1200 per month. But I bought myself a four-room house on a "mortgage", in a good area, I'm paying 1600 bucks for it. Plus additional services and utilities. About 2000 comes out with all accounts. But this is a better option than a rented apartment. The house will remain, but the apartment is rented ...
7) What is the most common material used for water supply, sewerage and heating?
The most common material is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is assembled with glue. PEX is used in houses, on axial fittings. Less commonly UPONOR. And copper piping in commercial buildings.
8) Is polypropylene used in the water supply system?
For all the time I have never met the connection of pipes with an "iron" Plastic pipes only PVC, for glue. Old Americans say that such a "welded" pipe joining system existed in the 1950s. But she has outlived herself. Everything is glued, serves for a long time, holds a good pressure up to 15 atm.
9) What is the approximate cost of your tools and equipment applicable in the work.
The tool is inexpensive in relation to salaries. For $ 150, you can get a good Milwaukee or DeWalt screwdriver with battery. The total cost of all the tools I use is up to 1000 bucks. For the first time, you can buy for 300-400 dollars. It's enough. Heavy industrial tools are acquired by the company. And in order to fully work for yourself, you will have to take the tool for a dozen green ones, at least.
10) Finally, the most popular question. How to leave for the USA and get a job as a plumber
The easiest way to leave is to win a Green Card, but unfortunately this is one chance in a million. I am very lucky. But basically, people do this:
They take a tourist visa, then change the visa to a political one. With the help of a lawyer, whose services are estimated at about $ 10,000. And they change their status, and then they receive a work permit, but not immediately, but within a year, so a decent amount is needed for the first time. I will say right away that it is difficult to get a job as a plumber in a decent organization, because an excellent knowledge of the language is required. Without knowing the language, you will have to work for Russian speakers, and there they pay very little, they cheat. When working with Americans, this is not the case. Knowledge of the language is a must! And then there would be an advertisement for language courses, but the article is not advertising, but informative.
With experience with local engineering systems, it is very easy to find a job. Specialists are worth their weight in gold.
Thanks to Maxim, the author of the YouTube channel"Max Eagle Plumber in the USA"for the interview and the provided photographic material.
This is my first interviewing experience, how did you like it? I want to continue to maintain this format, support the idea of "Thumbs up"
What is the difference between American toilets and ours, read here
