My Story: Riding the Winds of Change
Building on his skills as an auto mechanic, Sibere Stewart switched careers and moved to the booming renewable-energy industry.
What did you do as an auto mechanic? I worked for a Chrysler dealership, where I specialized in engine tear-down and overhaul. I worked a lot of overtime; 12-hour days were normal for me.
Why did you leave? After three years, I got bored with working on cars. In 2007, I was at a job fair and learned of turbine manufacturer Gamesa. It sparked my curiosity. I knew nothing about wind turbines, but there was a lot of talk about green energy, and I thought building them would be cool.
Was it difficult to move from car engines to wind turbines? The skills I learned in the auto industry -- reading schematic diagrams, repairing wiring, and working hard, fast and efficiently -- helped me excel at building wind turbines. I started at Gamesa as a mechanical assembler, and six months later I was promoted. Today I'm in charge of a group that builds the hubs that turbine blades are bolted onto.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How did you manage to get promoted in just six months? The company noticed that I was a good problem solver and leader. My mother was a single mom who raised four kids, and I saw how hard she worked. I've taken that with me to every job. My first job was at a Burger King, and I was told that I made the sandwiches faster and neater than anyone else.
How's business? For the most part, business is steady, though we're not working as much overtime as we did a year ago.
Do you feel moving to the green-energy industry was the right decision? Definitely. The more energy people need, the more I'm needed for my skills and expertise. That's good news, especially given the auto industry's problems. I make about $50,000 annually now, or $5,000 more than I did as an auto mechanic with much less overtime.
Is your lifestyle more eco-friendly now? I recycle more, and I carpool to work with three of my colleagues.
Has living green had an impact on your wallet? Yes. It costs me $10 a week to carpool with the guys instead of the $30 I would pay to drive by myself. Now I'm looking to buy a house that's closer to work.
-
Strategies to Optimize Your Social Security Benefits
To maximize what you can collect, it’s crucial to know when you can file, how delaying filing affects your checks and the income limit if you’re still working.
By Jason “JB” Beckett Published
-
Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray Divorce
Some states automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary on some accounts. Waivers can be used, too. Best not to leave it up to your state, though.
By Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties
Making Your Money Last Wondering how to find foreclosed homes for sale for your next residence or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate-owned properties to buy.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel Procrastinator? No matter. You can pull off a fun and memorable getaway on a moment's notice — without breaking the bank.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published