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Am I too old?

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#61 ·
Old thread, but will throw in personal aging experiences.
Am 76, going on 77
50 years ago could lift a 5T condenser into back of truck by myself, or carry 3 sacks of 94# cement at a time. Now I only get 60# bags of premix to pour a condenser base.
By About age 60, could not lift a condenser by myself.
Was still able to build a small house by myself at 67, might not be able to do the roof work now.
Installed 1600 sq ft of attic insulation of church parsonage 3 years ago, would probably just show some kids how to do itt now.

Did install 2 mini-splits this summer for a food bank and relative's house, did need help putting unit up on the wall even though 'light'.
I can still do any type of troubleshooting and repairs required if no need to manhandle anything bigger than 5T scroll.

So, the op would be 63 YO now, from my perspective, in 4 years will need a helper at a minimum.

Son recently sold a house that needed new furnace and AC to get top $$, hired somebody else vs. asking grandpa to do it <G> They were afraid grandpa might hurt himself not realizing strength limitations.

I still work about 10 hrs a week, but as a consultant and easy jobs like doing Manual J, etc.
 
#62 ·
AT 60 I could still outwork most every one. at 66 I'm pathetic , knees gone, hips gone hand hurt to make a first, I use lifts and hoists or just call my son whos only 40. Whom I've taught almost everything I know he's a pretty competent mechanic himself.
 
#63 ·
In a year, you'll be 77, going on 78.


junkhound said:
Old thread, but will throw in personal aging experiences.
Am 76, going on 77
50 years ago could lift a 5T condenser into back of truck by myself, or carry 3 sacks of 94# cement at a time. Now I only get 60# bags of premix to pour a condenser base.
By About age 60, could not lift a condenser by myself.
Was still able to build a small house by myself at 67, might not be able to do the roof work now.
Installed 1600 sq ft of attic insulation of church parsonage 3 years ago, would probably just show some kids how to do itt now.

Did install 2 mini-splits this summer for a food bank and relative's house, did need help putting unit up on the wall even though 'light'.
I can still do any type of troubleshooting and repairs required if no need to manhandle anything bigger than 5T scroll.

So, the op would be 63 YO now, from my perspective, in 4 years will need a helper at a minimum.

Son recently sold a house that needed new furnace and AC to get top $$, hired somebody else vs. asking grandpa to do it <G> They were afraid grandpa might hurt himself not realizing strength limitations.

I still work about 10 hrs a week, but as a consultant and easy jobs like doing Manual J, etc.
Click to expand...
 
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#64 ·
Cheers you guys. I hope I am still working like this at 70.
If all goes as planned I will retire from work at 95 and have my home paid off a few years later.
 
#66 ·
lzenglish said:
NO, You are Not Too Old! You just need to pass the Physical Requirements (like everyone else):patriot:

LZ....
Click to expand...
"VERY WELL SAID LZ" !! Not all of us age physically at the same rate! AND, with our New Generation of, "I Ain't Got A Clue Workers", ANY Business owner That I Know, "Including Myself", would Be More Than Happy to Give You a Shot !!

Good Luck!,

B-B :cheers:
 
#69 ·
sammyray said:
I'm almost 68 semi retired and still working.
Click to expand...
Hey Sammy, let me give you some secret advice :grin2:. When you get to your age, (I have a couple years on you), and if your feeling sluggish, "Have your Testosterone levels checked" by your doctor. I did this, when i was mid 60s, and found my levels to be very low. My doc put me on testosterone therapy shots, which boosted my levels, and it was/is like the physical hands of time were turned back for me. I feel like a 40 year old again, with all my piss and vinegar back again, and im ready to go each and every morning again/ PS, YES, The Wife Loves it Too.:censored: Lol. Any questions feel fee to ask me.

Take Care,

B-B :eek2::cheers::eek2:
 
#70 ·
Hilt said:
Hi all,

I need your opinions. Please be blunt/truthful.
I am looking to get into the HVAC business. I would like to do residential work...new installs, service, duct work...whatever.

I have 22 years military engineering experience.
I have an HVAC certificate from my local community college. I have my 608 Universal cert.

Here is the kicker...I'm 61.
I am a healthy 61...but still...61.

If I go into an interview for a job with a local shop, am I going to be laughed at or looked at like I'm crazy?

Sincerely,
Hilt
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To be honest I think you are. I'am 69 , but at 61 I was full of it, and was able to hump roofs 100 degrees plus. Craw under Mobleys homes work in tight places. At 69 no more of that for me. A lot happens to your body I think in the 60's I would look at working in a parts house or at least work with a understanding company. I mean I get it you are very capable now . Just start planing for the next 10 years
 
#71 ·
Don’t care about your age! I’m 35 now and when I was 18, it was really hard to find work without any experience. But for example my grandma did it easy at her age. You have much experience so here you go!
 
#72 ·
I really don't have that problem. I'm in better shape than when I was 40. I run about 6 to 7 miles three times a week. I run 5k races and still ride my motorcycle. If the weather is bad I go to gym and workout. I weigh about the same as when I was in high school. I still keep my license up and do service work for a hand full of my old customers.
 
#73 ·
big-bubba said:
Hey Sammy, let me give you some secret advice :grin2:. When you get to your age, (I have a couple years on you), and if your feeling sluggish, "Have your Testosterone levels checked" by your doctor. I did this, when i was mid 60s, and found my levels to be very low. My doc put me on testosterone therapy shots, which boosted my levels, and it was/is like the physical hands of time were turned back for me. I feel like a 40 year old again, with all my piss and vinegar back again, and im ready to go each and every morning again/ PS, YES, The Wife Loves it Too.:censored: Lol. Any questions feel fee to ask me.

Take Care,

B-B :eek2::cheers::eek2:
Click to expand...
I really don't have that problem. I'm in better shape than when I was 40. I run about 6 to 7 miles three times a week. I run 5k races and still ride my motorcycle. If the weather is bad I go to gym and workout. I weigh about the same as when I was in high school. I still keep my license up and do service work for a hand full of my old customers.
 
#76 ·
Today would have been a good day to talk. Had the day off. Unscheduled day off. Kind of rotates due to the season.

Did get some really pain in the ass paper work done this morning, but talking with you after words would have bee really nice !!

Got to remember that for the next day, which will probably be soon.
 
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#78 ·
No Wayne, I was talking to you.

Had an unscheduled day off, so I zero'd in on some pain in the ass paper work. Finished that just before noon.

Should have called you afterwards, we could have spent the usual hour on the phone swapping stories.

For anyone reading this, if you've been in the trade for any length of time, and you have a moment or two, give Wayne a call. Be sure to have a cold beer in hand, the conversation will be great !!
 
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#79 ·
I have really enjoyed talking to you BBeerMe. I have been retired long enough that my stories are from the past but I'll gladly share them with anyone that will listen. I also enjoy you guys stories a lot.
 
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#80 ·
retired

refired

retreading

still do 5 over-hand on door edge chin-ups, and 3 legs straight in front...

aging is in the doing..

age 65; HVAC since 1976- and but the VFD compressor for 4 ton is a lighter 30k spun too fast to 7200 rpm !

5'7" now, just bracing more weight on sides but all pretty well at the joints/ since my small bones and decent muscles and eating like a rabbit-carnivore, (mom Biology teacher fed us very well) - allows regular exercise too / 1ea. week , whether I need it or not
 
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