I was very much thinking about getting into plumbing or wiring as a retirement job, but then I saw the specs on what it takes through apprenticeship. Young man's job. I'd still like to know how to do the work right for my own home repair though. Wish there was a community college path for that kind of thing versus just apprentice-channels.

Have always done my own plumbing over 44 years of renovating older houses and building new houses- its dirty work sometimes but not rocket science. 
Modern systems are relatively simple and easy to install.

I used to do my own plumbing too - still do it for friends from time to time. But this one was a step too far.

optimism

Ow. Plumbers and electricians. Plumbers are worse though because they have to deal with shit (and I can mostly do my own electrical).