Machining is a lot of learning, but it's real, tangible work that gives more satisfaction than anything I did in corporate IT.

Moreover, even though the welding side can be a bit 'blokey' (macho?) you'll find places fall into either horribly sexist (you'll know within a few meters of walking in...) or millennials/onward that don't mind who you are.

Machining side even the old men don't care who you are, as long as you do a good job and don't skimp on calibration.

It's sexism in its own right, but a few of the older men prefer me doing the calibrations since they assume women=dexterous.