One Thousand Ways to Make a Living; or, An Encyclopædia of Plans to Make Money

by Harold Morse Dunphy

Electric light and power companies.

Electric railway companies.

Telephone companies.

Steam railroads.

The desirability of some theoretical training for electrical workers should be appreciated. A soldier who is returning to civil life may be able to obtain work at some electrical vocation whether or not he has had previous experience in this line, and may be able to earn a good living. But any man who has not had theoretical training, whether or not he has had electrical experience, can increase very materially his future prospects and earning capacity by taking such training before he begins practical work.

The probable tendency of the average man will be to get a job as soon as possible. He should think carefully before he does this. Why? Because statistics show that men who have had some theoretical training earn considerably more in the long run than those who have not. This is true particularly in electrical work. Electrical constructions and operations appear very complicated to one who does not understand the fundamentals, but to one who does, these things are relatively simple. Some theoretical knowledge enables an individual to proceed independently, without detailed supervision, and his earning capacity is increased accordingly. The man who has had theoretical training will not only earn more money, but he will have more agreeable work, and the probability of his being promoted to responsible jobs, such as foremanships, are much greater.

Endeavor to select a specialty and to become proficient in some field which is not overcrowded, and in which the demand for trained men will probably increase. There is always a call for men who are better equipped, as to experience and training, than the average fellow, and specialists in lines which are not overcrowded earn good wages.

A most effective arrangement under which a man may receive his theoretical training is one whereby he spends alternately part of his time in a school, and part doing actual work in the industry at the vocation which he has selected. Thus he receives simultaneously theoretical instruction and practical experience. Probably, a real working knowledge is acquired more rapidly in this way than in any other. Several of the Federal Board schools are equipped to provide instructional training of this character.

The rates of pay in public-utility work are often not as high as in manufacturing or certain other lines of endeavor. But to offset this the employment is very steady. Furthermore, the working conditions are often more satisfactory than in other companies. It is an established policy of practically all utility companies to “take good care” of their employees. Many such companies maintain sickness and death benefit associations for employees. Some companies assume the entire expense of such associations while in others each employee contributes regularly small dues and the company also contributes. Many utilities pay pensions to their older men, and frequently free medical attendance and legal advice are provided. Some concerns maintain building and loan associations. Others operate profit-sharing plans, or sell stock at low rates and on the installment plan to their people.

Employment managers are now found in all large organizations. Their function is to hire the right men for the right jobs. Returned soldiers who are familiar with the industry but are physically disqualified from pursuing their old vocation may qualify for this service. It requires practically no physical exertion but much head work. (See monograph on “[Employment Management]”.)