From White Collar to Blue Collar

[hellothisismyname]

Originally Posted by andywire

Not to mention it's rather difficult to walk into a union job these days. Electricians were hit rather hard during the recession, and many spent months waiting for work. Many locals are probably not accepting apprentices at the moment. The union electrician worker's bread and butter is new construction, so that largely explains the difficulty they are still facing. Residential electrician work simply doesn't pay enough to support union wages.

But if you think blue collar work is any less stressful, you're mistaken. I can't speak for electricians, but my trade often features plenty of stress. Not everything runs smoothly, and it's up to the workers to bash their heads together and figure out a way to solve the inevitable problems. Shouting matches do occur from time to time. Bosses get mad and workers are often in the line of fire. At the end of the week though, everyone puts it all behind them and life goes on.

At least in my trade, stress management can dictate success or failure. For obvious reasons, many guys end up self medicating and becoming alcoholics. A lot of others wish they would have never entered the occupations all together. I love the work though and am quite happy with my occupation. I would go crazy in a white collar role.

what's your line of work?

[andywire]

Originally Posted by hellothisismyname

what's your line of work?

Tool maker/machinist.

[Truth11]

Originally Posted by Sasha08

Has anyone had any success in changing careers from a white collar to a blue collar one?

Somewhat,depending on what you consider blue collar. I haven't been seeing any of the office jobs available that I used to get offered not too many years ago,so I've been having to search for other things. Currently am doing some work as a driver,though it's not really a blue collar trade it certainly doesn't seem like office work to me

[UrbanAdventurer]

Originally Posted by Guineas

You only do 80 hr weeks in residency. Out of residency, you work about 50-60 hours, which is typical of most professional jobs in America. The only exception are neurosurgeons, who generally still work more than 70 hours after residency since their cases are so damn long. But neurosurgeons also make $700k.

Lifestyle in medicine is tough, but so is truck driving, and the latter could never make 6 figures.

Some drivers make $100k+, no foolin'.

Not typical, mind you, but some line haul drivers for UPS and the big freight companies like ABF and Conway who've hit the top of the pay scale and work lots of OT can do it. You got to put your time in though. Big difference between those guys and 1st or 2nd year rookies.