Blue collar vs White collar careers (credit, degrees, percentage, degree)

[Union Proud]

Why is their a stigma against blue collar workers? Why do people quick to judge us from the work that we do? A skilled trade journeyman can earn more money than a person who earn post graduate degrees.Society will still give the person with the degree credit,but look down on the person who realize he didn't need college to be successful.Their are unskilled workers who also bring in nice incomes a year.It seems that some people who hold degrees just hate the fact that a skilled or unskilled worker can make a living wage.People need to realize having a degree doesn't always promise you a bright future.Those whom achieve a higher education ,congrats job well done,but don't put down those who didn't.I for one like being a blue collar worker.I cant see myself working behind a desk or staring at a monitor all day.I usually don't have a problem with a white collar worker unless i have been verbally assaulted or when someone tell me i'm making too much money.I get paid for the job i do period.They both can be rewarding. They both can earn a living wage.It seems like the blue collar wages are rising.

The differences between the collars.I'll start with the blue collar.Its usually a labor job.The environment can be hazardous and dangerous.The pay is usally lower.Its hourly base and you be compensated for overtime.When you punch out,your job is done for the day.

The white collar.Nicer working condition i guess.Usually salary,but some get compensated for overtime.Some jobs require you to take your job home with you.They require an higher education.

Both coat have its ups and downs.

[Fnix]

I would like to see a white collar worker frown upon a union Steel Worker, Train Conductor, Truck Driver, Longshoremen. All of whom need 0 college (time wasted and money) and can start off at $50,000 and peak above $100,000, always have a stable job and pensions.

[scootertrash61]

i'm a 23 year journeyman tradesman, with most of my experience being in the service/repair end of the trade, so i've had alot of contact with white collar customers over the years. although i've run into some bias. overall i'd say a VERY small percentage. most white collar folk have no mechanical aptitude whatsoever and they know it. they just appreciate getting their problem fixed and having respect shown to their home/business.

where i've run into more "tude" is from some general contractors. they think they can do it all. i can't tell you how many times over the years ive been hired to come in behind "hack" general contractors to completely redo their egregiously incompetent work. often after there's been substantial damage done to the structure. these hacks give all the trades a bad name!!!!!

[littleword]

i have an old saying, "whatever pays the bills."

[questioner2]

Because many Blue Collar workers seem to have less polish and intelligence than some white collar workers. They are more likely to no match the persona that our media shows as a good American. Is this always true, NO, but is true the majority of the time. White collar people tend to pay more attention to education and their appearance. Their diction and grammar is better and look the part of how America would like to see themselves.

[RedNC]

Originally Posted by questioner2

Because many Blue Collar workers seem to have less polish and intelligence than some white collar workers. They are more likely to no match the persona that our media shows as a good American. Is this always true, NO, but is true the majority of the time. White collar people tend to pay more attention to education and their appearance. Their diction and grammar is better and look the part of how America would like to see themselves.

You can put anyone in a “monkey suit” and they will look “polished” and “intelligent” by your standards.
I have met more college professors that look like Jerry Garcia Jerry Garcia: jerrygarcia.com (broken link) than I have that look like a typical bank president.

There are a lot of politicians that are polished, dress well, say the right things, but have questionable intelligence.

That being said, if looks are all that matters then by all means get that suit dry cleaned so you look good when that “blue collar” repair man comes to bend you over because you are too caught up in looking smart, to learn fix your own leaky faucet.

[HighPlainsDrifter73]

I am a white collar worker, but in a next life I would like to be a blue collar worker. I find that most blue collar workers seem to possess more common sense than white collar workers. Most all my friends outside of work are blue collar. I would not trade their friendship for white collar friendship. They are much more down to earth people. Outside of work, my interests and hobbies are much more blue collar than white collar.

[BabyBoomers2]

I started my "working career" years ago as a Blue Collar worker. I worked in a warehouse/stockroom/Shipping/Receiving doing all of the usual labor type things and getting dirty. I even worked as a Drill Press Operator for a while and most always came home smelling like oil and somewhat dirty. Then I got a job where I had my own office/computer and business cards. I never realized that I was "more, much more" cut out for the White Collar type job. I thought to myself, "Now this is VERY COOL". I really enjoyed putting on "office clothes" (no tie) and taking a brief case to work. I spent years doing "labor" work and was darn glad to finally, at age 52, to have a nice office. Oh, I'd go out into the warehouse and help at times, but I knew what my "real" job was (data entry, Purchasing, Inventory Management) and was glad to set back down at my desk. I don't have a Degree, but sure wish that I did! My wife has three Degrees, getting her BA at age 49. She is like me, loves the office environment (she's an Accountant).
Now, do I think that I'm "better" than a Blue Collar work......yes and no. I'm always looking for a new course to take in Logistics or Inventory Control while most Blue Collar workers care less about further education. I got paid quite a bit more taking the office job (hourly wage). I wasn't even a Manager, but I had numerous people coming to my desk and asking me questions about product and our warehouse. I loved it!! I would never go back to the Blue Collar working society, NEVER. Heck, I wouldn't even mind wearing a sport coat and tie to work now.

[Crew Chief]

I drive a truck. I truly enjoy driving a truck. Sure, there are other things I can do well. I can write/speak reasonably well. But I'm definitely NOT the office or production work kind of guy. Just like most people, nobody knows what a job is truly like until they've done it. I take pride in what I do and want to be a good example for people that think they know what the "stereotypical" trucker is like. Sadly, I suprise more than a few. But I feel sorry for those that judge based on someone's occupation.

[ESFP]

Absolutely! I drove a truck and people discarded giving the time of day to me. However, I loved it, and made around $80,000 annually. One of our family friends is a coal miner, earning over $60,000. Beat that, college-boys!