>A year or 2 ago it was revealed in the UK that plumbers, perhaps unsurprisingly, were earning far more money than graduates in their traditional roles. Consequently there was a great "goldrush" of graduates, et al, training to be plumbers. Recently it was revealed that the plumbing trade is now totally over-subscribed.
>
>It may seem a good earner but the prospect of spending one's time on the knees, under someone's kitchen sink, with the body contorted, while reaching up and straining to release a seized nut is not how I'd like to spend my last couple of decades to retirement.

I think it's a good idea to know a trade skill. I was a journeyman roofer before I hired in to the Sheriff's Office and learned to build houses afterward. Besides, you could save money on plumbing costs.