Becoming a general contractor

[Alex Silang]

So I was the typical middle class kid funneled into college to get a white collar office job. 

How does one career change to be a GC? I mean there's a test you can take, but I've read that covers the business fundamentals and not the actual work.

I've never really tried being "handy" so I think I'll start taking classes at home depot and take it from there?
What skillset is required?

[Alfred Edmonds]

Get a laborers job. I would start with a smaller outfit with just a few guys who know what they are doing. I say small because you will likely be taught more and not be stuck just lugging materials and cleaning up. If you work hard and show interest many guys will be happy to show you the trade. Smaller guys are also likely to be doing renovation and additions and such so you get to tear things down, see how they were built and understand how to tie new work into old. You will see all the problems that you would see on a typical flip and what to do about them. A good book that deals with everything from excavation through finish work is Carpentry and Construction by Mark Miller, also get the IRC and IBC code books. Trade schools are good but getting your hands dirty and making mistakes will get you farther and you'll make a little money not to mention you may decide that the blue collar world isn't for you after all and you won't be paying for that knowledge with your white collar job. It is fun and can be financially rewarding but between the physical pain and dealing with some of the characters in the trade you'll either love it or hate it. If you don't live it, it isn't worth it. Good luck!