I see it as, work hard and learn whatever skill set you actually enjoy. Yes, it’s hard work day in and day out, but you almost control how much you make. I say this because most guys start low, lightly learn the trade, and then jump around different companies all while making a few bucks more an hour here and there. Here’s the move though (this was my path, but there’s plenty of other trades), I focused on electrical work (wiring residential/commercial buildings, pulling wire, installing transformers/panels, conduit work, basic theory, etc), got my certs, and then started applying for big companies as a maintenance technician or specialized positions like an electrician. I did construction sites and residential work for about 4yrs and jumped to the aerospace sector. So many openings and possibilities. Now I’m making 6 figures a year, benefits, pto accrual, 401k, work 4/10s (I love my 3 day weekends), barely work hard, mostly do basic maintenance, and have the opportunity to go back to school for free. It’s really what you make of it. It’s hard on the body and there are definitely days that suck, but if you have a goal or destination it makes time fly. Doing construction just to do construction will burn you out, I’m sure those of us that have been around it long enough have seen the old timers with leather necks and busted *** hands. And if you’re going to really take it seriously, invest in yourself. GOOD TOOLS is a must, tough durable clothes that you don’t give an f about, and GOOD BOOTS! Remember, you’re standing or on a ladder most of the day, take care of your feet. My only regret is not understanding at a younger age that skilled labor doesn’t just pigeon hole you into construction, there’s plenty of other fields that require skilled laborers on site to keep a company running. The only downside to all of this is I can’t wear my sneakers to work.
