Employment and Training Woes

Build2Island

Treehouser
Joined
Jan 24, 2026
Messages
3
Location
Washington
Tree service is so fascinating and brings so much passion out of me. However companies aren't hiring in my area. Drove two hours to work for a company outside my local area at the entry level, but due to expenses and complications I had to give notice.

I study hard, mostly ISA material, have built up my own kit to practice techniques and methods in a controlled and low risk environment. But self study is no replacement to proper experience and mentorship, especially to perform at a high level in this profession.

Looking for advice on how to make the best out of my self study, or how to make my resume more attractive to employers. University programs, trainings, and certifications that don't require prior work experience. Should I ask for an unpaid internship? Move to a new area? What did your career growth and start look like, and how can I use that information to help mine?
 
Many moons ago, I looked up at the climber above me, then back down at the rake in my hand. I made the uninformed decision to harass him into putting me in a harness.

Stay humble, and go sell yourself.

Washington state? Y'all got mistletoe up there? Go for a walk in more affluent neighborhoods and give your phone number to folks who have trees that need help. Stay out of poor areas, they ain't got any money for you, and probably ain't thinking about the tree leaning at their kitchen, when they're trying to keep food in the fridge. As a general rule, Liberal/left leaning folks are much more likely to pay out for cosmetic tree work.
 
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  • #10
I live in the north puget sound, I'm not a bot. Should've definitely added more context to my post I apologize.

Posted this thread under climbing because I felt like it was a longer formatted question similar to another in the climbing thread. Still really hopeful to read some stories and advice from you guys thanks for the replies!
 
Ok, sorry we thought you were a bot, Lot of it about.

What is your end goal? What in an ideal world would you be doing in 5 years?
Climbing more of these friendly live oaks and such. Compared to killing conifers, this feels a life worth living.

More than I ever thought, Mariposa is something of a climbers paradise...it's just grand and I am eternally grateful to @CurSedVoyce

Just to interject...
 
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  • #15
Ok, sorry we thought you were a bot, Lot of it about.

What is your end goal? What in an ideal world would you be doing in 5 years?
No worries, it's a fresh account and my first post.

Ideally in 5 years I'd have like to spent almost all of that time working, learning and growing into becoming an actual professional arborist and tree climber. With the skills and knowledge to reliability do the work, safely and efficiently either by myself or as part of a team. After 3 years I'll shoot for some certifications and see if I'm worthy enough. Hopefully to travel and accumulate more knowledge.

My first hurdle is getting an entry level job to build that experience, and to find mentorship.
 

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