Career change, or post-retirement job?

[MILSPEC]

I'm curious on what the professionals in the septic industry think of someone going into septic tank pumping as a career. (With my present job, I'm earning 65k w/ great benefits and only 8.5 years to go before I can retire.) I will be almost 55 when I do retire, and would like to continue working, but in a different industry. I was considering pumping as that, "post-retirement" job to give me something to do with added income.

I have a CDL w/ tank and hazmat endorsements.

Is this a good career choice after I retire from what I'm doing now?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[MILSPEC]

Any thoughts on this from the people doing it?

I see 171 views (so far) on the topic. Would love to hear an opinion!

Thanks in advance.

[Mackman]

Well i hope your in good shape. Septic tank pumping can take a toll on you. I'm only 25 and been doing it for about 4 years now so it ain't so bad for me. But you have to drag 3" hose up hills in the snow or when it is 100 outside. Also have to dig sometimes maybe a foot to 2 feet in the ground if they tank doesn't have a riser. Then you get the bad septic tanks with a foot thick scam layer on the top. It can be hard at times.

Then other times you pull up to a house and the tank is only 2 hose lengths and the lid is on grade. Some good some bad.

[mallenk]

I would think that you could find something easier that to start pumping tanks at age 55 but if you are not afraid of work and I do mean work, then go for it. Do you homework and figure out what you need and go. The worst thing you could do is nothing after retirement.