During the “Great Resignation” of 2021, millions of U.S. workers left their jobs. According to data recently released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a record 4.5 million workers in America quit in November 2021 alone. What’s more, 74% of full-time workers say they’re planning on quitting their jobs in 2022. The reason? U.S. workers are citing dissatisfaction with pay and benefits, work life balance, and career advancement, but that’s only part of the story. After 2 years of pandemic life, stress levels are at an all-time high, employee engagement is extremely low (34%), and much of the American workforce is feeling undervalued, overworked, and struggling to find meaning and purpose in their jobs and careers.
The million-dollar question being asked by these millions of people: what jobs do the 34% of engaged, satisfied employees have, and how do I get that job, too?
We’ve got the answer: many of them work in the building trades. A recent report showed that 83% of tradespeople are still highly satisfied in their choice of work, despite all of the hurdles and hardships that the pandemic has imposed on all of us.
What is it that makes a job in the building trades so enjoyable? What do tradespeople have that other American workers are struggling to find?
According to Daniel Pink, the author of the book Drive, there are 3 main things that drive us and give us fulfillment in our work (assuming we are paid fairly, of course): mastery, purpose, and autonomy. Guess what tradespeople love about their careers?
- Their work is meaningful and tangible. The work tradespeople do directly benefits and serves the lives of those around them. They build the houses we call home, the schools our children attend, the hospitals that care for our sick, the power plant that fuels our economy, and on and on. They get to see the direct results of their labor day after day, and will for years and decades to come.
- Mastering a true craft. You’ll often hear tradespeople referred to as craftsmen or craftswomen, and for good reason. Their work requires great skill, knowledge, and mastery, which is developed over time. Their skill didn’t come by accident. Many started as apprentices, began working, and then honed their skills over time through continuing classes, mentoring, and work experience.
- Limitless opportunities for the future. The need for good, skilled labor is higher than ever before. Construction is booming all around the country, and as a large percentage of tradespeople are retiring or looking to retire, demand for highly skilled tradespeople will only increase. Opportunities for learning, growth and advancement are almost limitless!
Not only do tradesmen and women have careers that are fulfilling and rewarding, they earn good wages, have access to rich benefits, and enjoy a great work-life balance, too. So while the rest of the country is soul and job searching, tradespeople have continued on with positive spirits and high job satisfaction.
If you’re one of the many who have resigned in search of a better career and a better life, or are one of the 74% who are about to take the leap, the building trades may be just what you’re looking for, and we’d love to have you join us!
Learn more about the trades and how to get started with an apprenticeship today!
