Well I’ve stayed away from it for … ever. With the sub prime issue in full force, I’ve formally decided to join the ranks of the unemployed (not a proud day). I don’t even know what to do. In the 18 years that Ive been in the concrete trade I have never had a day off that I didn’t want. Now I have all the days off I don’t want.
There seems to be no hope in site for us construction folk. What will we all do, many of us only know this line of work (including me), that does not leave very many options for employment. The other day I saw where online colleges were having a banner year. Maybe that’s the thing to do, go to school? Is this a good idea? Most of us are the ones in school voted least likely to succeed or dropped out. Which Doesn’t help with getting into a college.
Another query, how do we pay for this higher learning? It’s hard enough just to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, and shoes on our feet. What about learning? Most of us were never good at that anyway. We have been doing the same thing for so long that learning is a thing of the past. Most have become teacher’s of their trade to the next batch of class clowns that decided not to go to college. What a transition that would be, from teacher to student.
The worst part of this whole thing (in my view) is that our trades do not help us in finding a new career. I mean, can a framer’s skills help a network marketing company make money. Also, we for the most part like it outside, in the weather. We make fun of the newcomers when they wimper about the cold, heat, rain, snow, crazy hours, and hard work. We are proud that we can handle this kind of work environment day in and day out. Can we handle being shackled to a desk, inside? Will it make us sick or worse, make us weak? Will they, the desk workers make fun of us when we wine? These are very chilling thoughts.
Those of us that have been building for more than a decade or so are at a loss of what to do. How do you prove self worth when your getting a government hand out. It’s hard to sit at home and do nothing. We are probably responsible for the jump in alcohol sales. It’s not easy going from working your guts out to doing nothing. Some may have found a way to cope with this mighty change in lifestyle ( I started a blog). Some will not.
My hope for all of us is that we can go back to work before long and prove our self worth to our family, friends and ourselves.
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{ 4 comments }
Just remember dear friend,
Everything happens for a reason. You are an intelligent, skilled, proud individual….it comes through very obviously in your writing.
We all need money right now and it will come. Your self worth is not based on your job, although it is definitely important to have one. Before I started working from home, i would put on business clothes and just drive around until I saw a place that I could say, “Hey, I want to work there.” Don’t scan the newspapers for openings, just relax and exactly what you need will arrive at the right time….or we could all live in a commune together. That would at least be entertaining…..lol! Great post!
thank you
I’ve recently joined the ranks of the unemployed and I hate it. So like most I signed up to further my education, then thought “WAIT! That costs money…” So there goes that. I guess we just have to be patient and stay positive. CHEERS!
Nice post
Like Robinana I also wanted to say how candid and refreshing your writing is. Through your writing you can help others in a similar situation as they too find themselves in “alien” territory. Each of us has our own way of growing through these experiences and emerging stronger, although it may not seem anything close to positive when you take those first hesitant steps. All the best to you and your family.
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