Most days, I get up before the sun rises to head into work for the day. I grab my lunch pail and fill it with leftovers from last night’s dinner. Make my coffee and pour it into my travel cup, hop in my car, and make the commute to my company’s yard to start my day. From there, it could be a variety of things that I end up doing that day. Eventually, I end up on at least one construction site throughout my day, from high-rise condos to commercial buildings under construction to bridges and hospitals being renovated for the future. Each of these sites has a variety of skilled trades, and each requires unique skills. From the Forming Company pouring the concrete to the iron workers tying the rebar beneath it. Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC, Sheetmetal workers, Tower Crane, and Mobile Crane Operators hoisting all the different trades’ materials to the desired location. It is truly amazing to watch each day. Most of these workers are in the same situation as I am, and possibly as you are. Up early, here to do what it takes to provide for their family. Counting down the hours until they can go home safely to that family.
It’s funny blue-collar workers get the stereotype of being rough around the edges to put it nicely. In some cases that is very true, but in others there are some very well put together gentlemen and ladies in the trades. I once had a co worker who wore the nicest button up shirts and jeans to run heavy equipment. I often run into labourers who look like they are headed out to the club not the job site. This is all surface level stuff, in getting to know these individuals they can be some of the smartest most driven people you meet. Some are taking courses after work to do real estate or mortgage broker work on their spare time. Others are using their on site skills to flip houses or landscape backyards into oasis’. Most are doing all this and more to help build a life for their family. I can’t tell you how many times in talking with all different trade workers it ends up with either them or myself showing pictures of our children to each other off our phones. How often I get asked how my kids are and what are they into now?
Blue-collar workers are the backbone of any country. They are hard-working, resilient, and capable of doing anything. They are also Sons, Fathers, Brothers, and Friends ( yes, I also see you ladies out there) to their loved ones. Being blue collar doesn’t always mean you are a grizzled, miserable barfly. It is a means of making a living, and hopefully you enjoy doing it. I do. It can be very well compensated, and, truth be told, there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople. It can be a place where family members work alongside each other day in and out, passing knowledge from generation to generation. It is incredible. From construction workers to truckers and farmers and everything else in between, it isn’t bad to be blue-collar. It is something to be proud of.
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