When Part 4 begins, both Dobie and his younger brother Mikie are working in the steel mills on apprenticeships. Dobie wants to move to Detroit, and Mikie wants to come along, but Dobie advises his younger brother to stay and finish out his apprenticeship. After the three remaining years, he can then go where he wants with a real skillset under his belt.

Mary’s death in the sanitarium means that Dobie and Anna are entitled to insurance money. The family must then decide who will take on the task of raising the younger children. Anna eventually agrees to take on Agnes while Dobie takes Mikie to Alice’s place. When Dobie finishes his apprenticeship the same year, he informs his family that he will indeed be leaving for Detroit, as there are no decent paying jobs in Braddock. He remains in Detroit for five years. Detroit is a stark contrast to Braddock. It is a place filled with young men who want to make something more of their lives. Dobie finds work with the Chrysler plant, in addition to other jobs. He makes good money, though he tends to spend it while having fun. One day, he and the other workers notice that there is a shortage in their checks.