I got certified as a welder but never could find a welding job afterward that paid good, so I went in a totally different career path. But I've always enjoyed welding and still work on my own projects while I'm home. Its a great skill to have in my opinion.

Combine it with something like rope access and if you don't mind shifts and short contract work the money's great, I'm time served with certs in mma, gsfcaw and ssfcaw, in 6gr from a rig based apprenticeship, but now earn better as an having mechanic, but my brother is on more for short contract, often has 2-4 weeks with no work and still takes up to twice my yearly!

I'm in high school still so haven't got that far yet. Right now I'm primarily a wire welder.