Odds of Hanging On
It's nice work if you can get it, and you can get it if you try. You may really have to pound the pavement, but there are more than enough options out there for plumbers to remain gainfully employed. Your odds are better if you join the union—the UA (deep breath..."United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada"...whew!). You're likely to earn more money and have better job security if you hook up with these guys.