“Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.” We’ve all heard this advice, but it can seem unrealistic and unattainable. After all, how many people you know actually love their job? Likely, very few.
But ask around the building trades, and you’ll find countless people who truly love their jobs!
Why? Here are just 10 of the thousands of reasons:
1. Work to be Proud Of
Work in the building trades is real, lasting, meaningful work. Every day that you show up at work, you get to build new things - things that didn’t exist before, that will last for years, and maybe even for generations, to come. There’s a special pride that comes with being able to point at something in your community, that serves your community, and say, “I helped build that!”
2. Great Pay
Did you know that many tradespeople earn high five-figure salaries, and even six-figure salaries as they progress in their career? That’s not a good living, that’s a great living! And the best part is, you don't need a college degree (and the debt that goes along with it) to earn these high salaries!
3. Skilled Trades Workers are in High Demand
Construction is thriving, and with the Boomer generation rapidly retiring, there’s more work to be done than there are skilled workers to do it. This heightened demand, along with a thriving building market, provides a ton of opportunity for tradespeople and a significant level of job stability and security.
4. Limitless Opportunity
In the trades, the sky's the limit. Through hard work and dedication, many tradespeople have risen through the ranks and found themselves in positions they thought they could only dream of. The opportunities for upward mobility are endless, especially given the high demand for skilled workers.
5. Amazing Benefits
In the construction trades, the benefits are bountiful! Tradesmen and women have access to great health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, unemployment insurance, job security, and so much more! Not to mention the intangible benefits that contribute to mental health and happiness, such as high job satisfaction rates, financial security, and a sense of belonging and purpose.
6. Work-Life Balance
Unlike many professionals who take work home most nights, tradespeople complete their tasks solely on the job site. This means that when they leave work, they can fully devote their time and attention to family, friends, and hobbies. Additionally, tradespeople usually have well-defined work hours as per their contract, which considerably reduces the likelihood of unpaid overtime.
7. High Job Satisfaction
Year after year, skilled trades report higher job satisfaction than other professions. It’s no wonder - trades work provides real-world solutions to problems, and the results are tangible and tactile. Look around your city and town; tradesmen and women built your home, office building, school, roads, hospitals, museums, and so much more! Tradesmen and women have great pride in what they do and what they contribute to our communities!
8. Creative, Engaging Work
No two days on a job site are ever the same, and no two job sites are the same, either. A construction career is full of fascinating challenges with a lot of room for creativity and innovation. The construction industry is also constantly evolving, using and experimenting with new techniques, materials, tools, and technologies. There’s a lot to learn, and it’s guaranteed that you’ll never be bored!
9. Job Security
The building trades are a stable industry with good job security. Tradespeople work on the infrastructure that is critical for the basic functioning of society - roads, bridges, electricity, plumbing, etc. Even during a severe economic downturn, there will always be a need for skilled workers who possess expertise in these areas.
10. Respect from the Community
Trades workers enjoy a deep connection to, and respect from, their community. They build the roads and spaces that bring us together, both literally and figuratively - homes, schools, churches, parks, museums, office buildings, community centers, and more. The work they do enhances the quality of life for everyone around them, and doesn’t go unnoticed. They lay (and are!) the cornerstones of their communities.
As you can see, there’s a lot to love! If you're looking for a rewarding and challenging career - one you truly love - the building trades may be the perfect fit for you. Learn more and get started on a great career path in the trades today!
