I worked in construction for 8 years, since I was 18 until a month ago. I've worked as a framer, concrete mason, block mason, and underground utilities (pipes). Everybody talks about the pay but if you're not in a union (no one is in FL) the only way you're making 45K+ is by putting in a lot of overtime. Starting a trade job with no experience will net you a pitiful wage for the work you are doing. Here in Florida, they want to pay new guys 10-12 an hour, have them do the brunt of the work and then wonder why guys don't last. You can go to a trade school but for trades such as Electrician or plumbing (e.g. the better-paying ones), you still need years of schooling to be a journeyman and earn a livable wage.
The sun will fuck up your skin and putting on sunscreen every hour is unfeasible, your joints will start to deteriorate 5 years in, some co-workers will be absolutely unpleasant, and advancement takes ages. Most trades become monotonous after a few years when you stop learning new things.
Racism is also very prevalent. I accepted a job at a rather large company and the first thing I noticed was that literally, all the foremen and project leaders were white meanwhile a good 60-70% of the workforce were minorities, I left in three days since there was no point in trying to work my way up (I'm Hispanic). Black guys and Puerto Ricans are automatically assumed to be lazy unless proven otherwise, and Mexican and other immigrants are looked at as cheap work that can be exploited.
I was making 23$ an hour but it was taking its toll on me physically and mentally. I am also a full-time student so working fulltime in construction was leaving me with a scarce amount of time to relax and rest, and I must say I do not regret my decision at all.
The sun will fuck up your skin and putting on sunscreen every hour is unfeasible, your joints will start to deteriorate 5 years in, some co-workers will be absolutely unpleasant, and advancement takes ages. Most trades become monotonous after a few years when you stop learning new things.
Racism is also very prevalent. I accepted a job at a rather large company and the first thing I noticed was that literally, all the foremen and project leaders were white meanwhile a good 60-70% of the workforce were minorities, I left in three days since there was no point in trying to work my way up (I'm Hispanic). Black guys and Puerto Ricans are automatically assumed to be lazy unless proven otherwise, and Mexican and other immigrants are looked at as cheap work that can be exploited.
I was making 23$ an hour but it was taking its toll on me physically and mentally. I am also a full-time student so working fulltime in construction was leaving me with a scarce amount of time to relax and rest, and I must say I do not regret my decision at all.
