34-Year-Old Electrician Earns $43K After Leaving Design School

Zen Stewart found success in the trades after cycling through various jobs and studies.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Zen Stewart, a 34-year-old electrician in Raleigh, North Carolina, made around $43,000 last year. After graduating high school, Stewart pursued several fields of study, including interior design, graphic design, and business, but none felt right. She eventually landed on electrical work, drawn to the many pathways for advancement and the chance to work with her hands while still being creative. Stewart joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2025 and is currently preparing for her exam to become a union apprentice.

Why it matters

Stewart's story highlights the potential for rewarding careers in the skilled trades, even for those who may not have initially considered that path. Her experience challenges the perception that trades work is a fallback option and demonstrates how a non-linear career journey can lead to fulfilling work.

The details

After being laid off from a job scheduling routes for health workers, Stewart began researching careers that wouldn't be replaced by AI anytime soon. She landed on electrical work because it offered many ways to move up and pathways that paid well, and because it allowed her to work with her hands and still be creative. Stewart joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2025, citing benefits like good health insurance, tuition assistance, and ease of finding work.

  • In 2025, Stewart made roughly $43,000 from electrical work, in addition to some income from her social media.
  • Stewart joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in August 2025.

The players

Zen Stewart

A 34-year-old electrician in Raleigh, North Carolina, who previously pursued various fields of study, including interior design, graphic design, and business, before finding success in the skilled trades.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I knew in my core that something else was out there for me.”

— Zen Stewart (CNBC Make It)

“I figured I'd be able to handle that.”

— Zen Stewart (CNBC Make It)

“It's okay, I've got it. Like, I can do it myself.”

— Zen Stewart (CNBC Make It)

What’s next

Stewart is currently preparing for her exam to become a union apprentice. After a multi-year apprenticeship, she hopes to get her journeyman's license, which would allow her to work across residential, industrial, and commercial settings without supervision.

The takeaway

Zen Stewart's story demonstrates that career paths don't have to be linear, and that skilled trades can offer rewarding and lucrative opportunities, even for those who may not have initially considered that path. Her experience challenges preconceptions about trades work and shows how a non-traditional journey can lead to fulfilling work.