Secure on a metal work platform, Milton and Jeff spend the day spray-painting the structural steel beams of a bridge spanning a canyon in California. The view is spectacular and the pay is great. Carlotta and John are putting the finishing touches on an historic brick rowhouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The glossy Concord grape color they use is historically accurate, recalling the fashion of 1760. Robin, a painting and decorating contractor, rushes home from work, stores a plastic jug in the refrigerator, and hurries off to make an estimate on a new job. The jug holds paintbrushes awaiting a thorough cleaning at the end of the day.

A few years ago, each of these skilled workers was where you are now, surrounded by career choices, yet confused about the direction to take. None of them wanted to spend more time in a classroom, yet they aspired to the good things in life - work that is productive and interesting, financially rewarding, and offers an upward path to success. Each found answers to career questions in the area of the construction industry known as painting and decorating. In less than five years, Robin has launched a business venture as an independent contractor. If you, too, have dreamed of owning your own company someday, you may want to consider a career as a painting and decorating contractor, or protective coatings applicator.