As a retired lineman, I prefer to be called trailer park deplorable trash. Which places me several notches above politicians. Just thought I`d clear that up. Thanks, TPDT
Hey, how old is too old to start becoming a Lineman? Does being (red/green) colorblind rule me out? Its ruled me out of a few things I would have liked to have tried.
I've been doing plumbing for 10 years and I KNOW blue collar workers get no love. I can show up to a house at 10 at night and the customer will still give me attitude instead of being grateful.
Absolutely. While towing I saw this a lot. I'd show up to tow a Mercedes and they'd talk to me like I couldn't understand words with more than one syllable. IM HERE TO HELP!
I sure appreciate guys who come out, especially in bad weather and at odd hours. Not to mention the physical nature of the work they do. I make sure to express my gratitude, offer them some coffee or what not, even offer to help if it's needed. Or stay out of their hair as I read the situation to be. I learned some basic copper pipe repair from a plumber who has come out to my house several times for leaks. I made sure to go in the crawl space and watch him do it. I considered myself an apprentice of his kind of. Not that I am white collar exactly (restaurant worker mostly), but I sure struggle with things mechanical/construction. I got these little hands and the build of a 13 year old, besides for my pot belly!
That’s when you slap the a%&hole tax em! The couple who make me a cup of coffee, and appreciates/understands I’m on my 15th hour today... they get a price break.
@@trevorjarvis3050 from the customers experience. You get these guys that want $100 for a estimate. You got these guys that come in and talk to you like your a total ignorant asshole that has no idea what the job entails or what the ballpark price should be. At times I've had an attitude, really try not to show it. If it came out, truly sorry. All that said once I hire someone, there's a fresh pot of coffee, cold drinks, lunches are usually offered. I've even invited guys to stay for supper or offer a to go bag. Come to my home do a good job, charge reasonable rates, I'm gonna show appreciation. Oh and yes you can use the toilet, come inside to cool off on a hot day, etc.
@@johndoe-wv3nu yeah I do know what you mean. I’m a remodeling biz owner, I make about 1.2 mil a year gross income (240,000 my avg personal profit after all expenses). There’s some construction workers that give us a bad name, some act gruff or ignorantly. But I’ve also had a rude attitude from a surgeon- when I was his customer!- as well. And obviously he’s got a degree, but everything I predicted was wrong with my sinuses was actually correct. He treated me like I was done at first, but to his credit, the more we talked and the more he heard me speak, overtime by the second meeting he realized I was actually pretty intelligent. (My IQ is 147) I ended up having the surgery for all four things, and now my sinuses feel great and I can scuba dive again. Fyi I’m also (for fun/hobby) a certified rescue and advanced scuba diver, and a full-cave diver. Which is why having clear sinuses that I can equalize, is so important
@Christian Rolls I would imagine an engineer should know more or have more specialized knowledge than technicians, electricians, etc. Why else would it need a 4+ year degree? Acting superior is on that person though. A truly superior person doesn't need to show his superiority off. Jeff Bezos doesn't need to tell you he's wealthy; he just is.
@@hydroaegis6658 an engineer has a different type of knowledge than the tradesman. Yes they have more hours spent in a classroom, and do calculations that the tradesman wouldn't be able to do. However they don't have the specialized training to do the hands on work that the tradesman does. The wages aren't that far apart often, with the engineer often earning a bit more, although the tradesman may make more if he has OT available. I would not say that an engineer is completely superior to a good competent tradesman. The two compliment each other.
@@chrisburns5691 not true, I am a senior engineer at rolls Royce defence aerospace I am an electrician by trade, I bet my salary compared to yours is a lot more I can also do cable calculations design work manage in high performance culture environments design and fault find.
@@southwest3369 ok that's great, and has absolutely nothing to do with the work I do day in and day out. Let's just say that I make/charge enough that my customers don't feel need to give a tip lol.. In my line of work, engineers put onto paper structural details for a certain build. They will do certain load calculations that I don't do, and they also take on the liability for it working properly. However they won't have the hands on skills for fine craftsmanship, unless they happen to have a background in it, most don't. Like I said, the two compliment each other. And I know plenty of examples of industrial work where a tradesman making good OT will out earn the salaried engineers on site. Your personal experience is great, but doesn't always hold true.
I will give you props as a doctor. You have nearly an impossible job to heal the sick; with a bar set at the miracles of Jesus if you believe that sort of thing. Not easy, but you have an important role in society. Many people do. It's just that the importance of the function they contribute is not obvious until it's not there. Your blue collar consideration is appreciated as well as your medical accomplishments. Your ilk just patched up a broken leg of mine from my work. I would be happy to fix the electrical on your MRI or the head gasket on the car you drive to work.👍
@@bearsendproductions1843 You shouldn't point out how the blue collar aren't appreciated and then turn around and bad-mouth the white collar. It's just hypocritical. Apparently you're not the same guy that worked on my transmission...
@@joeblow407 no the truth is doctors are not in general make very good strides in the human health arena. Look around you we are the most unhealthy people ever. Cancer diabetes heart attacks every form of chronic disease off the charts by orders of magnitude compared to just 50 years ago. I am simply pointing out the idea that if your car was 5000 times less reliable or efficient then a 1950s model you and I would say the automotive industry had collapsed but some how white coat gods get a pass. My industry would never ever put up with those outcomes not for one second let alone 50 years verifiable failure.
@@bearsendproductions1843 Yes we'll again, it's apples and oranges you compare. Working on a car is much easier than operating on a human body. That's why trade school is not the same as medical school. You just make yourself sound like someone who is trying to convince themselves that they are as worthy as "white collars" than actually believing it. You commit the same sin as the white collar comments made to the tradesman in the same breath you argue against it. Once you really believe that and are content in your own position, you won't feel the need to criticize the " proffesionals" without warrant. Why, because the blue collar have a lot to learn from the white collar AND visa versa.
Agree, I’m 19 and have been working in blue collar industries since the age of 12, I take pride in that fact, and stand tall In front of any man because of it. These jobs, all though not always great have helped me and my father put food on the table everyday for my family. This is where I get my pride, humility and my balls.
@@meechp6ralt498 your the kind of son a father would be proud of. I've raised two and have 4 grandsons all have moxie and know where they came from. Do well young man. Regards from Maine.
Working in blue collared jobs is where I've made most of my meaningful connections. I started roofing at 17 until I turned 20 and started working at a foundry on my 21st birthday of this year. My dad and his dad are carpenters and they taught me many tricks to the trade. I was raised to work my ass off and provide While most people my age couldn't tell you what an iron foundry is.
@@grave7gaming846 Welder here. I weld sheet metal into dumpsters at a fab shop. Hopefully I will go to their dump body department soon. But i gotta earn that right. Hard ass hot work, and we don't owe any snob a damned explanation or a clean outer apparance. If we do, it's a privilege for them to see us like that, because we've taken our tired asses one more step to appeal to their sissy ass senses. God help this world.
Blue Collar work is highly masculine and seems to have the comradery that is often missing from the office environment. All the respect to the blue collar worker.
Yep. I used to work at a farm and I miss the trash talk me and the guys used to talk. The joking and the comradery, as you mentioned. It was fun, socially.
I live in the suburbs surrounded by white collar men. I make small talk and be civil but have no desire to be friends with them. The majority of them act extremely effeminate and embrace being weak (in terms of physicality, health, intellectually, etc). Can't wait to move.
@@marybell2002 I think there is a completely different way of interacting compared to in white collar environments. To simplify it as far as I can, I would imagine white collar environments to be more, I suppose subtle in their dealings with one another. Things like who extra you CC in emails, the wording you use, etc. Viewed from a negative perspective, the less appealing people would be manipulative, although of course this can be found everywhere. Blue collar on the other hand, most of us develop somewhat of a thick skin from how we're viewed, and just from the social interactions at work. Depending on the setting, there can be a lot of banter, and to an outsider, it can sound a bit merciless. Thing is though, as a seasoned worker in that environment, what sounds harsh to the outsider often is actually just fun socialising, and building camaraderie. Don't get me wrong, there are wankers out there, but a lot of good people too. I've struck a very soft spoken painter who was hurt by the builders comments before. They are both great guys, but the builder was certainly more......macho I guess? His joking around was not the painters idea of joking around, yet I got on great with both. I feel like in a white collar environment, someone unappealing might be more likely to gossip about you, whereas a blue collar equivalent would trash talk you directly, or both.
I worked at a factory in Vienna building trains and one time a suit guy on the Subway commented on my blue workwear, saying something Like:"Dont stand here with your dirty clothing" and then I remarked that if I werent dirty, he wouldnt have a train to get hin to his Job.
I worked 41 years as a conductor for CSX , Most of the time it was dirty work ,, Never had a problem with the way I looked didn't care . My daddy before me and his daddy before him all worked out of the same place... God bless the working man ,we RUN this country...
Having worked in construction, I've had ppl give me disguisted looks while on line at stores. I usually don't care much, but I am aware of these simple minded folks.
I worked for a guy doing plumbing about 6 years ago. He used to love turning up to the local cafe for a morning coffee. He'd have been doing drain laying, so obviously pretty dirty. All the white collar types would give him disgusted looks and pay by credit card. He would smile back and pay with $100 cash note. He got great satisfaction from that.
I have an American friend who has two career backgrounds that he can count on. He is a mechanical engineer and a MASTER MACHINISTS which is definitely blue collar job. But he just simply say to American women he works in a sewer plant and septic plant and goes inside sewage pipes! LOL! You can only imagine the hidden revulsion of these feminists-feminazis derangedly insane women of today in their 20s and 30s! LOL! He even buys and lives in a small house that is decent and clean but totally frugal but utilitarian. The same American friend told me that if a woman ask how much he makes, he just simply says about $75 to $100 above poverty level. LOL! While she does not knows that he is making a net income of 6 figures! LOL! Being a MASTER MACHINISTS who works inside an argon filled-room machining titanium parts and super alloy parts and hyper alloy parts for all kinds of high tech manufacturing machineries and military machineries makes tons of money, especially when working for a lot of hush, hush, hush jobs for Uncle Sam! Be a master machinist that can turn a steel ingot into anything useful for society. From faucets to components of a critical hospital surgical tools to nuclear components for a nuclear power plants to components for the next generation of airplanes and space shuttles. A master machinists is the key critical key link personel that stands between a blue print and a working prototype model for he can transform an engineering blue print into a new technological product. Master machinists are also masters of PRECISION ENGINEERING MACHINING in making the mechanical components of all scientific laboratory instruments as well as the STEPPER IC CHIP MAKING MANUFACTURING MACHINERIES.
@@jarrodheley7879 I have an American friend who has two career backgrounds that he can count on. He is a mechanical engineer and a MASTER MACHINISTS which is definitely blue collar job. But he just simply say to American women he works in a sewer plant and septic plant and goes inside sewage pipes! LOL! You can only imagine the hidden revulsion of these feminists-feminazis derangedly insane women of today in their 20s and 30s! LOL! He even buys and lives in a small house that is decent and clean but totally frugal but utilitarian. The same American friend told me that if a woman ask how much he makes, he just simply says about $75 to $100 above poverty level. LOL! While she does not knows that he is making a net income of 6 figures! LOL! Being a MASTER MACHINISTS who works inside an argon filled-room machining titanium parts and super alloy parts and hyper alloy parts for all kinds of high tech manufacturing machineries and military machineries makes tons of money, especially when working for a lot of hush, hush, hush jobs for Uncle Sam! Be a master machinist that can turn a steel ingot into anything useful for society. From faucets to components of a critical hospital surgical tools to nuclear components for a nuclear power plants to components for the next generation of airplanes and space shuttles. A master machinists is the key critical key link personel that stands between a blue print and a working prototype model for he can transform an engineering blue print into a new technological product. Master machinists are also masters of PRECISION ENGINEERING MACHINING in making the mechanical components of all scientific laboratory instruments as well as the STEPPER IC CHIP MAKING MANUFACTURING MACHINERIES.
Local 47 Journeyman Lineman with no college degree...boy it feels good making over 300k a year in beautiful socal weather. Don’t listen to anybody who ever tells you college is the only way to make money.
If someone looks down on you, just tell them " I may not look like a million bucks, but I bet you'd pay that if I disappeared and shit stopped getting done ".
Thanks to my blue collar job, I'm still employed and earning a living during the mass covid-19 shutdowns. Not sitting by the mailbox waiting for that stimulus check like a good portion of the USA.
The teachers do it too. I can’t count the amount of times I didn’t do good on a test and my teacher saying some bs about being a plumber or a construction worker for the rest of my life.
I used to manage a convenience store and I have to say the construction workers were my favorite customers. Always respectful and knew what they wanted.
I’ve sailed in the Merchant Marine for over 25 years. In that time I’ve met/worked with some of the dirtiest, craziest, sketchiest bunch of dirtbags in the world. That being said, in that group are also some of the most intelligent/interesting/giving people I’ve ever come across.
After joining the construction industry… I can’t communicate enough how many gentlemen I’ve meet who have character, quiet strength, handle stressful situations with ease, live an honest life, and have plenty of hard learned lessons and wisdom to give back to the next generation. Great video, Carl. 👍🏼
Im an IBEW Electrician. Been in the trade for less than 5 years and I would like to share two of my experiences of second class citizenship. A- I was doing non union electric for an office building that allowed us to us their restrooms. One day the GC approached us during our daily morning safety talk and told us we could still us the restrooms to take a leak but could no longer us the facility to take a dump. No reason was ever given. All men on the site were clean & never dirtied the restrooms. B- this past year in July alot of people were not working due to Covid. Luckily for me, I am on a hospital job and considered an essential worker. I was checking out a fire alarm panel to silence notifications. The FA panel was located one the main floor of the hospital near the entrance. A father and his young son were proceeding to leave the building until the father saw me & pointed at me while saying to his son "See son, isnt that what you wanna be? Pushing a button all day & making $60/hr. While daddys out of work." I smiled, nodded, & waved to his son.
Just curious , What is the Ibew 's pension -had a good friend 30 years ago who was a union electrician , lost contact with him 20 years ago , we are now at or near retirement , I get 50k a year retired ,is my friend around that mark?
@@markrenzella2825 From what I understand (I'm a steamfitter so don't quote me on this), but all the locals have differing packages, therefore differing pensions based on where each local votes to put their money.
@@markrenzella2825 Local 20 here, we get 10% on our annuity, and the pension as of right now is $37ish per year of service. That being said, you are right each local has huge benefit differences, mainly due to each local market power. Here in local 20, we only control 8% of the market so our presence and power is considerably low.
Being that I am Hispanic and my dad is considerably darker in skin tone than I am, we regularly encounter people at fairs that tell me what a great job we are doing at maintaining the porta potties only to speak Spanish to my dad as a testament to their understanding of world culture. It is hilarious to me considering that he is a retired teacher who has owned the business for over twenty years. Perceptions of those with limited points of reference are the best entertainment in life.
I have a white collar job and blue collar jobs look more creative to me. You should not allowe anyone to make you feel like crap just because you choose a different path. Just enjoy your life. Cheers
Dude the medical field is more blue collar than blue collar jobs lolol!!!!! Dealing with people who have aids wiping butts drawings blood lolol more blue collar than construction welding or cDl
I have been working with my hands for 24 years. For the past 10 1/2 years I have owned my own business installing and serving commercial doors. We work on hospitals, schools, military installations..etc. I have men that work for me but often I go out to the job site myself and work along side these guys. I have often thought that it is the way you present yourself, dress and grooming. Just because we work on job sites does not mean that we have to look trashy. I have been told on numerous occasions that I was probably the best dressed guy on the job site. I invested in good boots, Red Wing or Thorogood. Clean jeans or work pants and a polo or a button down work shirt. I am a bald brown guy with a lot of tattoos, but you will not hear me raise my voice or use profanity. I am a professional and I have always conducted myself as such. Carl your video just hit me like a ton of bricks. I am happy to see you call people out and make blue collar workers accountable. Thank you for the great video, and videos. Keep it up Carl and best wishes on your continued success!
I am an inspector for Fiber optics installation. When I interact with the customer/client I have clean jeans, good boots, and a shirt that is nice polo or tee shirt with the company name on it, appearance is professional and when talking to the client I am respected.
I work for a 69 year old roofer. The only reason he hired me was because I was well spoken and presentable. He said that things were very different when he started working in the 60s. I try to meet his standard every time. Being a roofer changed my life, and I have a new respect for blue collar workers.
White-collar workers looking down on blue-collar folks is downright inhumane. I have been working as an Engineer (Electrical and now Software) so I am probably white-collar but my Dad (rest in peace) worked on a farm and Mom helped him so they were blue-collar. If I make fun of blue-collar workers I would be insulting my own parents.
It's all about respect. Respect for everyone no matter what they do for a living and respect for yourself. I grew up in a blue collar family and did blue collar work until I got my degree in engineering, but I have never forgotten that no matter what everyone deserves respect and so many times it is those that get their hands dirty have great ideas.
I don’t work in the trades anymore because I do taxes and work in insurance now, but I was a cable technician, an electrical apprentice, and I loved working with those men. I love my people, that is my tribe. I am well rounded because of my blue collar lifestyle.
Definitely can relate to this. Im a 2nd season wildland firefighter in southern Oregon. We are hidden out in the back woods for months. And when we do get out.... Some of my peers have no idea how to act in public. And trust me when i came back to Chicago this fall to visit my family i felt extremely out of place in our upper middle class neighborhood. The way i dressed changed, the way i talked change and i was not use to being around white collar people anymore.
When I was a young man quite a while back, a coworker wore a dust mask when working in the sawmill. No one else did, but a good portion of the crew made fun of him for the mask. They even drew a nipple on it, but the guy wearing the mask didn't let it bother him. Now many of that crew are old and coughing up blood from chronic dust exposure. That guy who religiously wore a mask could be having the last laugh, but I bet he is still classy enough to act like a professional. He was a role model for me although I didn't realize it at the time. That helped me to have a more disciplined masculinity rather than the crude, hazing type.
I work in logging running an open cab skidder and I wear dust masks. Other guys rarely wear masks, they have kinda poked fun at me for using them religiously. But I think it's basic common sense that breathing dust into your lungs all day is definitely not good for you. A little bit here and there doesn't bother me, but when it's all day every day like what I deal with, I absolutely refuse to breath that into my lungs. Trying to find something else for work where I don't have to be around dust all day because I hate wearing the masks, and running skidder is a rough job with all the bouncing around, looking back, and lack of physical exercise.
I spent 20 years as a blue collar worker, and the last 20 as a white collar worker. There is a great divide between the two, yet both group need each other to lives their lives in comfort.
@@notastone4832 they don’t always have to be direct interactions, a white collar worker has benefited you at some point and time in your life, whether you know it or not. Saying this as a blue collar worker.
I've lived in both worlds. I've had jobs where I wore bib overalls to work and where I wore a suit and tie to work. This stereotype dichotomy has been around for a long time. Yes, it is time to break down the prejudice and bias that society has indoctrinated upon us. This is why I listen to this RUclips channel. Keep up the good work Carl.
I drove tractor trailer over the road for 12 years and have been a commercial electrician for 15. I get treated way better as a tradesman then as a truck driver. People go out of their way to dump on truck drivers. The companies, the shippers/receivers and law enforcement all treated me terribly when I was on the road. Even the truck stop workers were rude. Most of the truck drivers I encountered were good law abiding family men busting their butts out there on the road to earn a living. It never made sense to me. It’s such a tough job with massive risks and responsibilities, yet society treats them like dirt.
I started my first job as a construction worker. I now work in corporate and I do hate it. I may have hated construction just as much as a do corporate life but who knows. I do value my time in construction, I learned many life lessons that I still use in my life today!
@ramona8136 I worked construction very young so I was able to cross over and go to school, it would be harder as you get further in any career to just stop and go
This is interesting. I live in Mexico and here is absolute the opposite, you get a lot of respect if you have a blue collar job in a medium or huge company because everyone knows you're are doing something that can be risky. Maybe, the only exception are the independent and not necessarily qualified workers called albañiles.
That’s very interesting! I’m happy to hear that this may be an American problem, though I don’t know how guys work in Mexican heat! I remember watching roofers work when I was in Mexico, and they’d start really early in the morning to beat the sun.
@@CarlMurawski I have a feeling it may be just an American issue, here in Australia, all trades are treated with respect and looked upon as people who keep shit going, and as they say, ' tradies get the ladies'
I’ve been doing landscaping since I was 19. I’m almost 28 now and looking back on it I learned more from working and reading books than I ever did in school
I’m in construction too. I’m covered in tattoos, I fight for sport, I drink my bourbon room temp straight from the bottle, and curse like a fuckin sailor. I like classical orchestra, I love watching Disney movies with my kids, and reading books about espionage. In fact, I’m pretty much the “I’ve Got a Dream” scene from Tangled. Fuck em
I've worked many a blue collar job; started as a ten year old on my uncle's farm, dishwasher, tree work now landscaping, damn good at it too, hand sew patches on my jeans, keep my hair in a pony tail under a bandana, study history, listen to symphonies while I draw birds in the off-season ( color pencil on paper), yes I'm a knuckle dragging Neanderthal
I’m an automotive mechanic, I fix cars for a living, i have lots of tattoos, i love guns and cars, i listen to jazz music and read classic novels like Dostoevsky, I go hiking and snowboarding with my wife, go to church on Sunday, and my favorite podcast is the Art of Manliness. Im a very well rounded man.
I grew up around blue collar men. Our neighbors, my dads best friends, and my dad himself, they all raised me up to be a girl who has maximum respect for a greasy man in work boots. I realize some of them can be vulgar and rough around the edges, but I'd much rather hang around guys like that rather than a snobby rich guy.
I remember when I was indentured a few years ago, I wore dress pants, a button up shirt, tie, and a vest. Walking in some guy said something along the lines of, "What are you going to a wedding after this?". I said, "No, they told us to dress nice, so I dressed nice". He didn't really ave anything to say so settled for, "Yeah but you don't need to wear a vest". The disdain for me looking good, from a younger journey man, who appeared as if he was trying to show off in front of the other guys and push around an apprentice, only struck me as pathetic. People are going to always be insecure about something. But as they say, "If you've got a problem, then it's your problem; not mine".
I understand what you are saying. But, I can tell you with a great deal of experience and insight that the standing of those in the skilled trades is high and growing. The rest of the US is finally getting it. Anyone who has looked for a electrician, carpenter, plumber, welder, painter, mechanic, truck driver, etc understands how rare and valuable these skills are.
Custodian here, I was embarrassed at first. Now I’m proud, and respected well at my school, colleagues, and friends. I definitely take pride in my work and go home happy everyday.
I worked as a custodian for the school district. If a kid got out of hand the principle would tell them if they didn't straighten up he would report him to the janitors. We had the ultimate power. Access to The Hole. (the boiler room where we took our breaks.)
As General Contractor being in the Construction trades since a kid and Carl had a lot of right about your 'dress code'. One thing I can tell is, being lazy, non presentable and anti-hygienic is part of your personal values. I know a lot of blue collars who bring cheap clothes but always look impeccable! This guarantee the job they will perform. If you can't take seriously a shower, shave and bring clean clothes , how you expect people to take you seriously? Personally I can say that I trust those who respect itselfs, but out there still people that don't get the point
As a welder, I have to say that it's not good to wear clothes to work that need to be thrown away because theyv been past saving due to the nature of the job: hot mtal spatter, jagged metal corners that tear your pants and t-shirt. And yes, a shave is a good thing according to your face hair personal preferences. But after work, when I'm beat to shit, the world is going to have to understand that I don't owe them any clan and kept tidy outaward apparance obligations if i have to stop and get gas and pay inside, or hit some other line somewhere.
That doesn't really matter as long as there aren't holes in the clothes. Your going to get dirty working construction. I'm not saying be a slob but some things aren't avoidable. I'm a duct guy and it's damn near impossible not to have some 'pookie' on your shirt and pants.
Dude and we get paid Most of us usually have daughters or old lady’s that are dime pieces. Like do you really wanna date a guy who spends 100$ on a pair of princess air Jordan’s shoes & skinny jeans? Or who is worried about their hair
I cook in the restaurant industry which doesnt lend many opportunities to dress and present myself well. Thanks for pushing me to do so regardless and opening up this whole world!
If you are wearing your kitchen whites, and change your apron a few times and in the kitchens I worked at we wore a neckerchief and a proper chef hat. This is not only traditional but also shows your pride in what you do. As a former chef and current Electrician, I got more respect as a chef, but I am still a proud tradesman. Remember from your culinary training that applies to all walks of work.......Presentation is everything.
As a nurse of 30 years and a Midwife of 12, I greatly appreciate those who work hard and make my job possible. Hold your head high and know you are capable of so much more than the average person.
Might be different depending on country, but isn't nurse also closely related to blue collar professions? I mean it's stressful, high tempo and you work with your body a lot. Now yes, nursing requires an education, but so do certain blue collar professions.
Preach it. If I had a nickle for every time I told someone what I do, and their eyes went wide and they said, "but you don't look/ sound like a truck driver!" well, I might not be able to retire, but I'd sure have a whole lot of nickles.
Anyone who looks down on others due to their chosen profession is a classless douche. And for what it's worth, I'm an attorney. I have a lot of respect for the guys who do the hard real work. I just push paper around for my check.
Absolutely spot on. Many guys don't try at all to look presentable, act well in front of customers, or work in a professional manner such as keeping their work area clean. Easy steps to improve - throw away torn clothes and boots with holes in them, groom yourself, assume customers don't cuss or want to hear cussing until they let you know they do, clean up during the day if possible and ALWAYS at the end of the day, and pick up your damn cigarette butts and empty your chew containers on job sites. Simple.
I'm an independent truck driver with 3 rigs. I live on 2 acres that thanks to my blue collar job was able to pay cash for and I live in a trailer but it's an Airstream so I am upper class trailer trash. WOO HOO!
I've been on both sides of the job spectrum. I started off in accounting, became a cost analyst and eventually a controller. I've been a warehouse supervisor and an assistant plant manager. After a divorce and getting custody of my son, I switched gears to have more controllable time for parenting purposes. I since have been a hvac technician, eventually owned my own business, and now teach in the evenings. Even though I have a 140+ IQ my dress and station in Life isn't impressive for the casual outside observer. I've noticed first hand how differently I have been treated and respected throughout my life. Never judge a book by its cover.
I honor your 22 years in the field, can’t wait till I have just as many…this really motivated me and just yesterday I cleaned up my dirty construction worker image. You made my day thanx.
Eight or so years ago I remember stopping at Walmarts across the country to buy my groceries throughout the week. I will never forget around city areas or the nice suburbs around the city Walmart actually had signs up inside the stores that truck drivers weren't welcome. The rural areas always welcomed us drivers back then and currently.
Driver- delivering supplies to Walmart -sees signs saying "do drivers allowed" -shrugs and keeps driving I'm sure they'd welcome you back after a few missed deliveries🤣
The horror of seeing a construction worker in line at a hospital DD!! LOL. I'm a teacher but have my own handyman business during the summer and Saturdays and I love it. Best of both worlds. I often wonder why some construction workers feel the need to curse all day. I guess they think it makes them more of a man but it has the opposite effect.
I worked on the line in a 4-star kitchen, and we ALL swore like sailors. Not because it was cool or manly, but because we were always mad and stressed, and sweltering hot/sweaty, so we'd just constantly vent our frustrations by swearing. Lol. Example, Me: "We just got a fking ticket in for 3 buttermilk chicken, 2 fking fried haddock, and god damned medium-well steak. What the fk is wrong with these arseholes ordering a hockey puck steak.?!" My crew: "Heard! And FK THAT GUY for killing his fking steak like that!" Yeah, we basically did that to any ticket that came in. It could've been one of our own mother's orders and we'd still do that. Don't get me started in going outside to finally have a cig and take a breather and you hear the ticket printer as your about to open the back door.
I'm a retired Nurse. I work a part time job as a janitor for my mental and physical health. I love it. It's great. Nobody micromanages me and I don't have to deal with egotistical doctors, unreasonable families, demented patients or lazy and neglectful CNA's. It's so relaxing.
My job is labor intensive, so to your point about improving one's self: I have had to learn to have pride in what I do, while at the same time appreciating what the CEO does. It's not all fun and games in the front office, so I try to think of them as teammates, and not the enemy. It improves your self-esteem, as well as others' impression of you.
society is built on blue collar. i work in construction and those guys are the toughest dudes i met, working from sunup to sundown, and wont go complaining to boss if they get a splinter. and yes...... getting dirty................ its part of the job and its satisfying coming home from work dirty.
The only thing I hate about doing Tile setting is being swarmed by cancer causing silica dust 24 7. And I get made fun of for wearing a respirator. Starting to realize that it’s mostly ex-convicts and felons in this line of work. Need to get out before it’s too late.
That's crazy the hospital told you, you couldn't patronize the Dunkin' Donuts on site. I thought places like that were for everyone from all walks of life who was willing to spend their hard earned money. So what, if a couple of skilled and unskilled construction workers want to spend their money at a places that happen to be on the job site.
I made the same argument dude, anyone off the street could just go in and get a coffee. Not us though: the ones building the new oncology suite. It was Middlesex Hospital in CT for the record.
@@CarlMurawski Sounds like they have no problem serving a homeless person who is even more dirtier that a construction worker who’s been busting their behind to earn a living and keep this country running. What does it matter how you look, or what you are doing for a living? If you are hungry, thirsty, or tired and have money; they should be happy to sell you some donuts and coffee. The hospital is acting like how White Star Line did with their stokers and trimmers during the days of coal fired ocean liners. They don’t want anyone to see the construction workers in this cases. How do people think building and infrastructure are produced?
I’m married to an HVAC contractor and he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He makes 6 figures, no student debts, we have a paid off condo AND I get to be a stay-at-home mom! On top of that, there’s hardly anything he can’t fix or repair and we save money this way all the time. Additionally, he’s always surfing the internet reading articles on various topics, from pediatrics to technology to politics.
Well I hope he has some very generous customers. Because I don't. I consider myself lucky just to be making 5 figures. But then again I live in an area where there is a surplus of electricians.
@ We are in Southern California and HVAC work is in high demand. It took him 4 years to get priority from warranty companies where he is among the contractors who now gets the most customers and due to years of experience, he has increased his rates. No one is “generous” to anyone in this day and age. Your work is worth what it is worth. Also, if you have your OWN company be prepared to take on extra customers in the hot seasons. There’s LOTS of money in that.
@@SonyaOutThere Well you live in California, where if you are not making 6 figures, you would be living in tent city. Don't get me wrong. We tradesmen are worth every penny we make and then some. He keeps people comfortable. I help keep the lights on.
As a teacher, farmer, and portable toilet technician I can honestly value what you say here. Not only does everyone you meet have something to teach you if you listen, they also have something to say about the way you interact with them. Great impressions are a very cost effective way to advance your career and business.
Grandpa always said eventually the tail becomes the head. When the world finally goes dark, we'll be treated and respected as the heroes for getting things back on track.
I feel proud about my blue collar job because it keeps the mine going. Even the rest of people on the company sometimes thank us for doing what nobody else is capable/wants to do. I do industrial cleaning btw.
My dad, my uncles, my mom, they all work in construction and I have nothing but respect for them. Sometimes construction workers can come off as a little rough around the edges but that’s because they have to be in their line of work, a little respect goes a long way. Great video Carl.
Regardless of what everyone else perceives, us blue collar workers are the heart and soul of this country and I’m damn proud of every single one of us. Some of us may carry ourselves with a higher standard in mind but nevertheless we all should wear that high viz vest and hard hat like a badge of honor. Great video brother.
You contribute to our nation sure, but don't go calling yourselves the heart and soul, as you somehow contribute more than others. Be proud of what you do, but don't flaunt it like you have something others don't.
I wish i could thumbs up this video a million times. As a fellow ibew member (local 915) I wish every electrician would heed this advice because the discrimnation against the the dirty contruction man is rampant.
When I was in high school I remember the teachers subtly talking down about tradesmen. Comments like “study hard or you’ll end up a plumber like that guy.” Funny thing is, that plumber makes way more than you do, miss college debt having teacher.
There you go, young grasshopper! Now just think if you’d bought Bitcoin when it was a few dollars each, it has the intrinsic value of a warm fart trapped in ziplock bag, but think about how much better off you’d be now!😊
@@philvis59 There is a use for crypto, and that use is instantaneous international money transfers that bypass banks and their myriad fees and regulations. To that end, it has value. I can't think of much other use for it though.
I believe I agree with what you're saying here. I'll never apologize for working hard and gettin my hands dirty. But doing rough work is no excuse to not be a gentleman. There's certainly a time and a place for friendly jokes and being guys on the jobsite. But I've met too many tradesworkers who were crass, crude, and unmannerly, and more focused on tearing people down than building them up or acting decently. It's more of a problem with people in general than with the trades, but its more obvious when there's no sugarcoating. If all of us from all walks of life could learn to treat people with more respect (who are deserving of respect) , and to treat others how we want to be treated the world would be a better place.
I completely agree. I always try to treat people how I want to be treated, but then it seems that people view that as a "weakness" or something. I treat people fairly up until they've proven to me that they don't deserve it, and they're treating me like shit for no reason. Then I start showing them MY attitude towards their BS. I can get pretty nasty about it if the situation merits it. People and their little "games" and politics they play are so god damn stupid. I could never understand why people choose to be like that. It's much easier to just get along with people and treat your fellow man with respect in the first place, unless they prove they don't deserve it.
Never choose blue collar work !! At 49 my job went under and thats when the interviews never happened. Im 59 now and the only jobs I can get are janitorial / part time no benefit crap jobs. I loved working with my hands always doing something different. (conveyor belt) But I tell my kids all the time , DO NOT CHOSE BLUE COLLAR WORK !!! The worst part is the idiots in charge want to raise the retirement age to 70. I couldn't even find a "job" at 50 !!!!
@@jm351 thats crazy, I’m over here working as an IBEW electrician already making $40/hr with a 401k. A 3 year apprentice and on my way to get my journeymen license. I could retire in my 40s/50s if I stay on this path.
I can't say I've been disrespected for being blue-collar (at least, where I could hear). I remember people looking away quickly if I made eye contact with them while covered with sawdust and sweat and obviously exhausted but if anything that seemed more respectful, in a way. But yeah, on my days off (I'm still blue-collar but not in construction, thank God) I don't go around in "work brands" of clothes. My profession isn't part of my identity, it's just how I feed myself.
I have a CDL. When I was long haul trucking I always dressed much better than company required. This simple thing lead to my receiving preferential treatment from the company and our customers. It did not, however, gain my favor with coworkers. I had owned my own business for years and am more concerned with doing a great job.
Retired military with a masters degree. Also a welder, diesel mechanic, and have a Class A CDL. Currently drive a tow truck during this pandemic, just to get out of the house. Couldn't be happier and could care less what they think when they see me out and about. I am a professional and conduct myself as such. Best part, is that the Air Force and the GI Bill paid for all that school and training.
As an IBEW electrician I’ve always tried to dress a little bit more professional whether that’s a flannel or a collard shirt, and you definitely come across guys that get offended by your choice to wear something slightly cleaner and nicer, lol cracks me up, I dress for the job I want not the job I have. This video explains that perfectly,
I’m 26. Been doing Tile Setting for 3 years. So many people have told me that’s a great trade, but it’s really not a it fucking sucks. My boss constantly fucks me over on my hours and it’s super unorganized. Breathing constant silica dust and shit ton of other harmful chemicals I used to be proud to be a blue color worker but not anymore it all ex convicts felons and guys who completely stuck
There will be no successful business in the industry without blue collar men's.. Salute to all the hardworking men's in the world who works everyday just to support their Family.. the'y are HERO'S🙏👏🌼❤️
I'm a Carpenter/Handyman and did have the mindset of dressing sloppy and don't care attitude. I guess because i know i was going to work to get dirty any way. But now that i take care of myself it helps me even put more into my work.
I whole heartedly agree. Blue collar guys like us make the world go 'round. I am also a reader, which even sounds foolish. You're right on the money, want to look like a pro, act and dress like a pro. No pajama pants! We can make a difference, and it does get noticed. I take great pride in what I do, and appreciate the efforts of those who do the same. I don't have to drive a truck, I choose to, and I'm damned proud of that! Keep spreading the word my friend!
I'm IBEW mechanic at a utility company! Everyone that knows what I do, and what I make is very jealous. But when I'm not at work I dress well, have a fresh hair cut, and try my very best to not talk like every other mechanic does in public.
Coming from both an educated background (traditional education/science) and a trades background I've gained a unique perspective. Many very intelligent boys are NOT pointed toward education because of ADD or ADHD or simply because they are high testosterone rascals. I saw my 11th grade NYS regents English teacher call Ron Zeh an "ignorant gutter snip". The irony was that Ron had her by at least 30 IQ points. He wore Timberlands, had muscles and preferred shop class over Jane Austen. She assumed that he was stupid. He wasn't. She was. The bell curve is not consistent with the education curve. You get the full spectrum of intelligence in the trades but with a much higher concentration of mechanical aptitude. A lot of very smart practical young men gravitate to the trades and entrepreneurial business. Yes you still have some lug heads but they are not going to prosper beyond menial task labor. To succeed at the trades you have to be smart. Jordan Peterson picked up on this. His ever growing following is surprisingly thick with tradesmen. Peterson's subject matter is dense and intellectual. Yet the blue collar crowd loves it. What he found was that a lot of guys who don't like to read (typical ADD but not an indication of intelligence) are using audio books now. Lots of them. The reading barrier has been broken. The intelligent blue collar crowd is getting educated and hey, they tend to be a lot smarter than their indoctrinated leftist white collar counterparts. Don't let society limit you. You can out think the brainwashed over-credential'd crowd.
Amen brother!, I have been on both side, didn't care much about appearance because my clothes would be ruined as soon as I got work, but I would say I have changed the way I dress and maintain that professional appearance as of the last 5 years for the simple facts that you laid out in this video
I have a respect and a bit of envy for a blue-collar worker. It's nice when the toil one does actually has real feedback rather than always being abstract and negotiation based...and even after the job actually gets boring you can atleast have a pleasant interaction with your co-workers. It feels, human.
Was a mechanic, now an HV lineman. Both my sisters look down on blue-collar when all they managed to do was marry a rich guy & then divorce.. only time they want me around is when they need something moved. Can't choose your family but it does make it easier to ignore them.
I’m happy more light is being shed on this topic because I’m an apprentice electrician and I try my best to come off as educated, well mannered, and well groomed as I possibly can.
As a mom I've taught my kids & grandkids that Any job is honorable & respectable! What ever career path they choose. Do your job with pride to the best of your ability. Respect hard working, conscientious people! regardless of what job they do! Good Manners show you care & respect others! It costs nothing.
Great words brother. Really happy to see people discussing this topic. I’ve felt like an alien for most of my 17 years as a Stonemason. We are professionals, and should act and be treated like them.
Next time another man takes a cheap shot at you for being a tradesman, take a look at his soft, pretty, little hands. And have a big laugh. Great video Carl and timely.
This is a great channel and this video highlights some awful bias against blue collar/manual workers both in the US and here in the UK. The comment about reading hit me hard. My grandad was a carpenter since 1950 (he was 15 when he trained) and he is a huge reader. He’s been called every name under the sun. I’ve never known anyone work harder than my grandad and it pisses me off when people are so snobby about him and other blue collar workers
I almost didn't say anything but I was a fifth year apprentice at a hospital job that got ruined by an insane foreman. But that's another story. I want to comment on how they told us we were parking too close to the hospital and they wanted to make sure we all stay parked in farthest back lot down a hill out of sight. We even got complaints about too many apprentices getting coffee orders so one guy with four milk crates for two dozen workers had to do. That job ruined my back with lifting up and down the stairs all day. Ruined my back.
Excellent point, Carl. Every job is essential, and everyone doing their job deserves respect. As a white-collar worker, I actually admire the skills of blue-collar workers, such as electricians and plumbers. Where would we be without them?
Both in the dark, and in the sh!t, haha. Society is a symbiosis. Blue collar workers provide the foundation for everything. White collars provide all the technology and modern magic that we take for granted. Without either, we would be in for a rude awakening.
I come from a pretty white color family. The bluest we get are engineering directors. They take a lot of pride in being separated from the blue collar careers. I'm not sure if I'm technically a blue collar, but my family was pretty disappointed that I want to pursue an apprenticeship. Better to be poor and educated than rich and stupid is what they'd say. I strongly disagree. Guys should take pride that not many people can use their body these days.
Worked a roofing job to get me through college, the best part was looking like I worked in coal mine from being around hot tar. I would walk in the store and pull out a big wad of cash to buy some stupid random piece of crap/food.
At one hospital I worked at, they didn't want to see debris, tools, or the workers -- anywhere near the hospital including the parking lots. At another in the same city we were welcome to use their cafeteria & restrooms. And it was common for the hospital staff to thank us for the work we were doing, our cleanliness, speed, and quality of the work. Same construction crew, just different hospitals.
As a retired lineman, I prefer to be called trailer park deplorable trash. Which places me several notches above politicians. Just thought I`d clear that up. Thanks, TPDT
“Several notches” damn right.
Why bother posting?
Hey, how old is too old to start becoming a Lineman?
Does being (red/green) colorblind rule me out?
Its ruled me out of a few things I would have liked to have tried.
@@EmilyGloeggler7984 cause it's a comment section?
Agreed; I'd rather be a deplorable; than a degenerate, like most politicians...
I've been doing plumbing for 10 years and I KNOW blue collar workers get no love. I can show up to a house at 10 at night and the customer will still give me attitude instead of being grateful.
Absolutely. While towing I saw this a lot. I'd show up to tow a Mercedes and they'd talk to me like I couldn't understand words with more than one syllable. IM HERE TO HELP!
I sure appreciate guys who come out, especially in bad weather and at odd hours. Not to mention the physical nature of the work they do. I make sure to express my gratitude, offer them some coffee or what not, even offer to help if it's needed. Or stay out of their hair as I read the situation to be. I learned some basic copper pipe repair from a plumber who has come out to my house several times for leaks. I made sure to go in the crawl space and watch him do it. I considered myself an apprentice of his kind of. Not that I am white collar exactly (restaurant worker mostly), but I sure struggle with things mechanical/construction. I got these little hands and the build of a 13 year old, besides for my pot belly!
That’s when you slap the a%&hole tax em! The couple who make me a cup of coffee, and appreciates/understands I’m on my 15th hour today... they get a price break.
@@trevorjarvis3050 from the customers experience. You get these guys that want $100 for a estimate. You got these guys that come in and talk to you like your a total ignorant asshole that has no idea what the job entails or what the ballpark price should be. At times I've had an attitude, really try not to show it. If it came out, truly sorry.
All that said once I hire someone, there's a fresh pot of coffee, cold drinks, lunches are usually offered. I've even invited guys to stay for supper or offer a to go bag. Come to my home do a good job, charge reasonable rates, I'm gonna show appreciation. Oh and yes you can use the toilet, come inside to cool off on a hot day, etc.
@@johndoe-wv3nu yeah I do know what you mean. I’m a remodeling biz owner, I make about 1.2 mil a year gross income (240,000 my avg personal profit after all expenses). There’s some construction workers that give us a bad name, some act gruff or ignorantly. But I’ve also had a rude attitude from a surgeon- when I was his customer!- as well. And obviously he’s got a degree, but everything I predicted was wrong with my sinuses was actually correct. He treated me like I was done at first, but to his credit, the more we talked and the more he heard me speak, overtime by the second meeting he realized I was actually pretty intelligent. (My IQ is 147) I ended up having the surgery for all four things, and now my sinuses feel great and I can scuba dive again.
Fyi I’m also (for fun/hobby) a certified rescue and advanced scuba diver, and a full-cave diver. Which is why having clear sinuses that I can equalize, is so important
Engineer here. I learned pretty early to treat the janitor and the CEO with the same respect.
That's unique. Many engineers have the attitude, toward others, what I know is important, what you know is common.
@Christian Rolls I would imagine an engineer should know more or have more specialized knowledge than technicians, electricians, etc. Why else would it need a 4+ year degree?
Acting superior is on that person though. A truly superior person doesn't need to show his superiority off. Jeff Bezos doesn't need to tell you he's wealthy; he just is.
@@hydroaegis6658 an engineer has a different type of knowledge than the tradesman. Yes they have more hours spent in a classroom, and do calculations that the tradesman wouldn't be able to do. However they don't have the specialized training to do the hands on work that the tradesman does. The wages aren't that far apart often, with the engineer often earning a bit more, although the tradesman may make more if he has OT available. I would not say that an engineer is completely superior to a good competent tradesman. The two compliment each other.
@@chrisburns5691 not true, I am a senior engineer at rolls Royce defence aerospace I am an electrician by trade, I bet my salary compared to yours is a lot more I can also do cable calculations design work manage in high performance culture environments design and fault find.
@@southwest3369 ok that's great, and has absolutely nothing to do with the work I do day in and day out. Let's just say that I make/charge enough that my customers don't feel need to give a tip lol..
In my line of work, engineers put onto paper structural details for a certain build. They will do certain load calculations that I don't do, and they also take on the liability for it working properly. However they won't have the hands on skills for fine craftsmanship, unless they happen to have a background in it, most don't. Like I said, the two compliment each other. And I know plenty of examples of industrial work where a tradesman making good OT will out earn the salaried engineers on site. Your personal experience is great, but doesn't always hold true.
I'm a doctor and I do strongly respect blue-collar workers. The development of society was build on blue-collar.
If we preformed as badly as doctors do society would collapse by noon tomorrow
I will give you props as a doctor. You have nearly an impossible job to heal the sick; with a bar set at the miracles of Jesus if you believe that sort of thing.
Not easy, but you have an important role in society. Many people do.
It's just that the importance of the function they contribute is not obvious until it's not there.
Your blue collar consideration is appreciated as well as your medical accomplishments.
Your ilk just patched up a broken leg of mine from my work. I would be happy to fix the electrical on your MRI or the head gasket on the car you drive to work.👍
@@bearsendproductions1843 You shouldn't point out how the blue collar aren't appreciated and then turn around and bad-mouth the white collar. It's just hypocritical.
Apparently you're not the same guy that worked on my transmission...
@@joeblow407 no the truth is doctors are not in general make very good strides in the human health arena. Look around you we are the most unhealthy people ever. Cancer diabetes heart attacks every form of chronic disease off the charts by orders of magnitude compared to just 50 years ago.
I am simply pointing out the idea that if your car was 5000 times less reliable or efficient then a 1950s model you and I would say the automotive industry had collapsed but some how white coat gods get a pass. My industry would never ever put up with those outcomes not for one second let alone 50 years verifiable failure.
@@bearsendproductions1843 Yes we'll again, it's apples and oranges you compare.
Working on a car is much easier than operating on a human body.
That's why trade school is not the same as medical school.
You just make yourself sound like someone who is trying to convince themselves that they are as worthy as "white collars" than actually believing it.
You commit the same sin as the white collar comments made to the tradesman in the same breath you argue against it.
Once you really believe that and are content in your own position, you won't feel the need to criticize the " proffesionals" without warrant.
Why, because the blue collar have a lot to learn from the white collar AND visa versa.
I've worked as a carpenter since 84 when I got out of the Marines, I've never allowed any one do belittle me neither should any of you.
Agree, I’m 19 and have been working in blue collar industries since the age of 12, I take pride in that fact, and stand tall In front of any man because of it. These jobs, all though not always great have helped me and my father put food on the table everyday for my family. This is where I get my pride, humility and my balls.
@@meechp6ralt498 your the kind of son a father would be proud of. I've raised two and have 4 grandsons all have moxie and know where they came from. Do well young man. Regards from Maine.
Working in blue collared jobs is where I've made most of my meaningful connections. I started roofing at 17 until I turned 20 and started working at a foundry on my 21st birthday of this year. My dad and his dad are carpenters and they taught me many tricks to the trade. I was raised to work my ass off and provide While most people my age couldn't tell you what an iron foundry is.
@@grave7gaming846 Welder here. I weld sheet metal into dumpsters at a fab shop. Hopefully I will go to their dump body department soon. But i gotta earn that right. Hard ass hot work, and we don't owe any snob a damned explanation or a clean outer apparance. If we do, it's a privilege for them to see us like that, because we've taken our tired asses one more step to appeal to their sissy ass senses. God help this world.
Hooah!
Blue Collar work is highly masculine and seems to have the comradery that is often missing from the office environment. All the respect to the blue collar worker.
Yep. I used to work at a farm and I miss the trash talk me and the guys used to talk. The joking and the comradery, as you mentioned. It was fun, socially.
I live in the suburbs surrounded by white collar men. I make small talk and be civil but have no desire to be friends with them. The majority of them act extremely effeminate and embrace being weak (in terms of physicality, health, intellectually, etc). Can't wait to move.
I'm a blue collar technician but I'm teaching myself Python programming in AI/machine learning. I'll try if I can juggle both.
yep
@@marybell2002 I think there is a completely different way of interacting compared to in white collar environments. To simplify it as far as I can, I would imagine white collar environments to be more, I suppose subtle in their dealings with one another. Things like who extra you CC in emails, the wording you use, etc. Viewed from a negative perspective, the less appealing people would be manipulative, although of course this can be found everywhere. Blue collar on the other hand, most of us develop somewhat of a thick skin from how we're viewed, and just from the social interactions at work. Depending on the setting, there can be a lot of banter, and to an outsider, it can sound a bit merciless. Thing is though, as a seasoned worker in that environment, what sounds harsh to the outsider often is actually just fun socialising, and building camaraderie. Don't get me wrong, there are wankers out there, but a lot of good people too. I've struck a very soft spoken painter who was hurt by the builders comments before. They are both great guys, but the builder was certainly more......macho I guess? His joking around was not the painters idea of joking around, yet I got on great with both. I feel like in a white collar environment, someone unappealing might be more likely to gossip about you, whereas a blue collar equivalent would trash talk you directly, or both.
I worked at a factory in Vienna building trains and one time a suit guy on the Subway commented on my blue workwear, saying something Like:"Dont stand here with your dirty clothing" and then I remarked that if I werent dirty, he wouldnt have a train to get hin to his Job.
zach
I worked 41 years as a conductor for CSX , Most of the time it was dirty work ,, Never had a problem with the way I looked didn't care . My daddy before me and his daddy before him all worked out of the same place... God bless the working man ,we RUN this country...
Having worked in construction, I've had ppl give me disguisted looks while on line at stores. I usually don't care much, but I am aware of these simple minded folks.
Yeah, it's really a shame. Of course, they dont mind asking our advice at home depot or lowes!
I worked for a guy doing plumbing about 6 years ago. He used to love turning up to the local cafe for a morning coffee. He'd have been doing drain laying, so obviously pretty dirty. All the white collar types would give him disgusted looks and pay by credit card. He would smile back and pay with $100 cash note. He got great satisfaction from that.
I have an American friend who has two career backgrounds that he can count on. He is a mechanical engineer and a MASTER MACHINISTS which is definitely blue collar job. But he just simply say to American women he works in a sewer plant and septic plant and goes inside sewage pipes! LOL! You can only imagine the hidden revulsion of these feminists-feminazis derangedly insane women of today in their 20s and 30s! LOL! He even buys and lives in a small house that is decent and clean but totally frugal but utilitarian.
The same American friend told me that if a woman ask how much he makes, he just simply says about $75 to $100 above poverty level. LOL! While she does not knows that he is making a net income of 6 figures! LOL! Being a MASTER MACHINISTS who works inside an argon filled-room machining titanium parts and super alloy parts and hyper alloy parts for all kinds of high tech manufacturing machineries and military machineries makes tons of money, especially when working for a lot of hush, hush, hush jobs for Uncle Sam!
Be a master machinist that can turn a steel ingot into anything useful for society. From faucets to components of a critical hospital surgical tools to nuclear components for a nuclear power plants to components for the next generation of airplanes and space shuttles. A master machinists is the key critical key link personel that stands between a blue print and a working prototype model for he can transform an engineering blue print into a new technological product. Master machinists are also masters of PRECISION ENGINEERING MACHINING in making the mechanical components of all scientific laboratory instruments as well as the STEPPER IC CHIP MAKING MANUFACTURING MACHINERIES.
@@jarrodheley7879 I have an American friend who has two career backgrounds that he can count on. He is a mechanical engineer and a MASTER MACHINISTS which is definitely blue collar job. But he just simply say to American women he works in a sewer plant and septic plant and goes inside sewage pipes! LOL! You can only imagine the hidden revulsion of these feminists-feminazis derangedly insane women of today in their 20s and 30s! LOL! He even buys and lives in a small house that is decent and clean but totally frugal but utilitarian.
The same American friend told me that if a woman ask how much he makes, he just simply says about $75 to $100 above poverty level. LOL! While she does not knows that he is making a net income of 6 figures! LOL! Being a MASTER MACHINISTS who works inside an argon filled-room machining titanium parts and super alloy parts and hyper alloy parts for all kinds of high tech manufacturing machineries and military machineries makes tons of money, especially when working for a lot of hush, hush, hush jobs for Uncle Sam!
Be a master machinist that can turn a steel ingot into anything useful for society. From faucets to components of a critical hospital surgical tools to nuclear components for a nuclear power plants to components for the next generation of airplanes and space shuttles. A master machinists is the key critical key link personel that stands between a blue print and a working prototype model for he can transform an engineering blue print into a new technological product. Master machinists are also masters of PRECISION ENGINEERING MACHINING in making the mechanical components of all scientific laboratory instruments as well as the STEPPER IC CHIP MAKING MANUFACTURING MACHINERIES.
I do the opposite I respect you guys. My uncle was in construction and he died in an accident.
Local 47 Journeyman Lineman with no college degree...boy it feels good making over 300k a year in beautiful socal weather. Don’t listen to anybody who ever tells you college is the only way to make money.
If someone looks down on you, just tell them " I may not look like a million bucks, but I bet you'd pay that if I disappeared and shit stopped getting done ".
Great comeback!
I can handle my own shit, thanks.
@Heru Jr. Of Kemet He goes about getting used to cold showers!
@@draneym2003 i can handle my own medical diagnosis, my own filing of taxes, and my own teeth cleaning, thanks.
@@draneym2003 nah, you really can't
Thanks to my blue collar job, I'm still employed and earning a living during the mass covid-19 shutdowns. Not sitting by the mailbox waiting for that stimulus check like a good portion of the USA.
Phanbot01 white collars workers are all working from home genius
@@cityslickeroutdoors8306 white collar workers are getting less then half of their hours in a day .... so .... basically not working genius.
@@cityslickeroutdoors8306 white collar workers are getting outsourced to other countries
same here
@@screwedupmystic2597 Than why does China and Mexico have most if not all of our manufacturing jobs 🤨
I think the States put far too much emphasis on going to college and getting a degree. That’s mostly the problem.
And people come out next to useless out of university, especially if they majored in something useless.
Oh boy, and since most people major in bullshit, it’s just a way to get a lot of people to take up debt 💸
Degrees are useless
@@screwedupmystic2597 Some yes. Some no. STEM majors are still good.
The teachers do it too. I can’t count the amount of times I didn’t do good on a test and my teacher saying some bs about being a plumber or a construction worker for the rest of my life.
I used to manage a convenience store and I have to say the construction workers were my favorite customers. Always respectful and knew what they wanted.
I’ve sailed in the Merchant Marine for over 25 years. In that time I’ve met/worked with some of the dirtiest, craziest, sketchiest bunch of dirtbags in the world. That being said, in that group are also some of the most intelligent/interesting/giving people I’ve ever come across.
Nice to hear that. Im also a young guy who is going to make a career in the merchant marine after highschool.
After joining the construction industry… I can’t communicate enough how many gentlemen I’ve meet who have character, quiet strength, handle stressful situations with ease, live an honest life, and have plenty of hard learned lessons and wisdom to give back to the next generation.
Great video, Carl. 👍🏼
Im an IBEW Electrician. Been in the trade for less than 5 years and I would like to share two of my experiences of second class citizenship.
A- I was doing non union electric for an office building that allowed us to us their restrooms. One day the GC approached us during our daily morning safety talk and told us we could still us the restrooms to take a leak but could no longer us the facility to take a dump. No reason was ever given. All men on the site were clean & never dirtied the restrooms.
B- this past year in July alot of people were not working due to Covid. Luckily for me, I am on a hospital job and considered an essential worker. I was checking out a fire alarm panel to silence notifications. The FA panel was located one the main floor of the hospital near the entrance. A father and his young son were proceeding to leave the building until the father saw me & pointed at me while saying to his son "See son, isnt that what you wanna be? Pushing a button all day & making $60/hr. While daddys out of work." I smiled, nodded, & waved to his son.
Whoa whoa, $60/hour plus pension, annuity, and medical. Don't let him short change you like that.
You're a good example for that kid! 😁 The dad was obviously regretting his career path & holding you up as a better way!
Just curious , What is the Ibew 's pension -had a good friend 30 years ago who was a union electrician , lost contact with him 20 years ago , we are now at or near retirement , I get 50k a year retired ,is my friend around that mark?
@@markrenzella2825 From what I understand (I'm a steamfitter so don't quote me on this), but all the locals have differing packages, therefore differing pensions based on where each local votes to put their money.
@@markrenzella2825 Local 20 here, we get 10% on our annuity, and the pension as of right now is $37ish per year of service. That being said, you are right each local has huge benefit differences, mainly due to each local market power. Here in local 20, we only control 8% of the market so our presence and power is considerably low.
Being that I am Hispanic and my dad is considerably darker in skin tone than I am, we regularly encounter people at fairs that tell me what a great job we are doing at maintaining the porta potties only to speak Spanish to my dad as a testament to their understanding of world culture. It is hilarious to me considering that he is a retired teacher who has owned the business for over twenty years.
Perceptions of those with limited points of reference are the best entertainment in life.
Dude you've got a great attitude about this. Bless you!
You and your Dad are winning.
That’s funny. George Lopez talked about mowing his lawn and having passersby stop to ask him how much he charges. 😆
@@aguy559 Did he steal that joke?
@@dangerjones6 Idk
Blue collar workers keep this country going. I normally let them go in front of me when on line at Dunkin’.
Do cops qualify as blue collar workers?
They don't keep anything going it's mindless work depending on.the job
@@magicM526 Electricians and plumbers are pretty important if you ask me
@@duckydude1382 hence why I said depending on the job
@@duckydude1382 subbed to Ben Shapiro 😭
I'm proud of my blue collar job.
I have a white collar job and blue collar jobs look more creative to me.
You should not allowe anyone to make you feel like crap just because you choose a different path.
Just enjoy your life.
Cheers
Right now, it's lucky to have a job....lol
Dude the medical field is more blue collar than blue collar jobs lolol!!!!! Dealing with people who have aids wiping butts drawings blood lolol more blue collar than construction welding or cDl
@@sloppyjonuts9162 are you implying your job is more important?
@@youbastrds231 Good luck doing that without a building or medical equipment.
I have been working with my hands for 24 years. For the past 10 1/2 years I have owned my own business installing and serving commercial doors. We work on hospitals, schools, military installations..etc. I have men that work for me but often I go out to the job site myself and work along side these guys. I have often thought that it is the way you present yourself, dress and grooming. Just because we work on job sites does not mean that we have to look trashy. I have been told on numerous occasions that I was probably the best dressed guy on the job site. I invested in good boots, Red Wing or Thorogood. Clean jeans or work pants and a polo or a button down work shirt. I am a bald brown guy with a lot of tattoos, but you will not hear me raise my voice or use profanity. I am a professional and I have always conducted myself as such. Carl your video just hit me like a ton of bricks. I am happy to see you call people out and make blue collar workers accountable. Thank you for the great video, and videos. Keep it up Carl and best wishes on your continued success!
Eso es todo chingon. Keep up the good work and stay winning.
I am an inspector for Fiber optics installation. When I interact with the customer/client I have clean jeans, good boots, and a shirt that is nice polo or tee shirt with the company name on it, appearance is professional and when talking to the client I am respected.
I work for a 69 year old roofer. The only reason he hired me was because I was well spoken and presentable. He said that things were very different when he started working in the 60s. I try to meet his standard every time. Being a roofer changed my life, and I have a new respect for blue collar workers.
White-collar workers looking down on blue-collar folks is downright inhumane. I have been working as an Engineer (Electrical and now Software) so I am probably white-collar but my Dad (rest in peace) worked on a farm and Mom helped him so they were blue-collar. If I make fun of blue-collar workers I would be insulting my own parents.
That puts it into perspective!
It's all about respect. Respect for everyone no matter what they do for a living and respect for yourself. I grew up in a blue collar family and did blue collar work until I got my degree in engineering, but I have never forgotten that no matter what everyone deserves respect and so many times it is those that get their hands dirty have great ideas.
I don’t work in the trades anymore because I do taxes and work in insurance now, but I was a cable technician, an electrical apprentice, and I loved working with those men. I love my people, that is my tribe. I am well rounded because of my blue collar lifestyle.
Definitely can relate to this. Im a 2nd season wildland firefighter in southern Oregon. We are hidden out in the back woods for months. And when we do get out.... Some of my peers have no idea how to act in public. And trust me when i came back to Chicago this fall to visit my family i felt extremely out of place in our upper middle class neighborhood. The way i dressed changed, the way i talked change and i was not use to being around white collar people anymore.
When I was a young man quite a while back, a coworker wore a dust mask when working in the sawmill. No one else did, but a good portion of the crew made fun of him for the mask. They even drew a nipple on it, but the guy wearing the mask didn't let it bother him. Now many of that crew are old and coughing up blood from chronic dust exposure. That guy who religiously wore a mask could be having the last laugh, but I bet he is still classy enough to act like a professional. He was a role model for me although I didn't realize it at the time. That helped me to have a more disciplined masculinity rather than the crude, hazing type.
I work in logging running an open cab skidder and I wear dust masks. Other guys rarely wear masks, they have kinda poked fun at me for using them religiously. But I think it's basic common sense that breathing dust into your lungs all day is definitely not good for you. A little bit here and there doesn't bother me, but when it's all day every day like what I deal with, I absolutely refuse to breath that into my lungs. Trying to find something else for work where I don't have to be around dust all day because I hate wearing the masks, and running skidder is a rough job with all the bouncing around, looking back, and lack of physical exercise.
I spent 20 years as a blue collar worker, and the last 20 as a white collar worker. There is a great divide between the two, yet both group need each other to lives their lives in comfort.
not really.. i cant remember i had any good or helpful interactions with white collar workers in my lifetime
@@notastone4832 they don’t always have to be direct interactions, a white collar worker has benefited you at some point and time in your life, whether you know it or not. Saying this as a blue collar worker.
I've lived in both worlds. I've had jobs where I wore bib overalls to work and where I wore a suit and tie to work. This stereotype dichotomy has been around for a long time. Yes, it is time to break down the prejudice and bias that society has indoctrinated upon us. This is why I listen to this RUclips channel. Keep up the good work Carl.
I drove tractor trailer over the road for 12 years and have been a commercial electrician for 15. I get treated way better as a tradesman then as a truck driver. People go out of their way to dump on truck drivers. The companies, the shippers/receivers and law enforcement all treated me terribly when I was on the road. Even the truck stop workers were rude. Most of the truck drivers I encountered were good law abiding family men busting their butts out there on the road to earn a living. It never made sense to me. It’s such a tough job with massive risks and responsibilities, yet society treats them like dirt.
We had a small taste of respect when covid started and the shelves were bare. That didn’t last long.
I started my first job as a construction worker. I now work in corporate and I do hate it. I may have hated construction just as much as a do corporate life but who knows. I do value my time in construction, I learned many life lessons that I still use in my life today!
How did you cross over?
@ramona8136 I worked construction very young so I was able to cross over and go to school, it would be harder as you get further in any career to just stop and go
@@Batrick.Pateman.45 what age did you go and what career did you choose
@@ramona8136 crossed over at 20 and went into med tech sales
This is interesting. I live in Mexico and here is absolute the opposite, you get a lot of respect if you have a blue collar job in a medium or huge company because everyone knows you're are doing something that can be risky. Maybe, the only exception are the independent and not necessarily qualified workers called albañiles.
That’s very interesting! I’m happy to hear that this may be an American problem, though I don’t know how guys work in Mexican heat! I remember watching roofers work when I was in Mexico, and they’d start really early in the morning to beat the sun.
@@CarlMurawski I have a feeling it may be just an American issue, here in Australia, all trades are treated with respect and looked upon as people who keep shit going, and as they say, ' tradies get the ladies'
Very true
Most Latinos understand what it’s like to work blue collar. Hard to find a snobby Latino
one of our supr's used to always refer to the field as "craft", which I appreciated. They are Craftsmen / women. Own it.
I’ve been doing landscaping since I was 19. I’m almost 28 now and looking back on it I learned more from working and reading books than I ever did in school
I've worked in construction all my life, I read Shakespeare and enjoy suits and fine wine.
I love suits as well and I’m an industrial painter
I’m in construction too. I’m covered in tattoos, I fight for sport, I drink my bourbon room temp straight from the bottle, and curse like a fuckin sailor. I like classical orchestra, I love watching Disney movies with my kids, and reading books about espionage. In fact, I’m pretty much the “I’ve Got a Dream” scene from Tangled. Fuck em
I've worked many a blue collar job; started as a ten year old on my uncle's farm, dishwasher, tree work now landscaping, damn good at it too, hand sew patches on my jeans, keep my hair in a pony tail under a bandana, study history, listen to symphonies while I draw birds in the off-season ( color pencil on paper), yes I'm a knuckle dragging Neanderthal
And I wear the whitest of collars while shltting in a hole I dug with a hand shovel.
I’m an automotive mechanic, I fix cars for a living, i have lots of tattoos, i love guns and cars, i listen to jazz music and read classic novels like Dostoevsky, I go hiking and snowboarding with my wife, go to church on Sunday, and my favorite podcast is the Art of Manliness. Im a very well rounded man.
I grew up around blue collar men. Our neighbors, my dads best friends, and my dad himself, they all raised me up to be a girl who has maximum respect for a greasy man in work boots. I realize some of them can be vulgar and rough around the edges, but I'd much rather hang around guys like that rather than a snobby rich guy.
I know exactly what you mean. Give me banter with the builder over the preening of a snobby person any day.
This was surprisingly nuanced. You covered all sides of the conversation and my rebuttals as an ex blue collar and now current white collar worker.
I remember when I was indentured a few years ago, I wore dress pants, a button up shirt, tie, and a vest. Walking in some guy said something along the lines of, "What are you going to a wedding after this?". I said, "No, they told us to dress nice, so I dressed nice". He didn't really ave anything to say so settled for, "Yeah but you don't need to wear a vest". The disdain for me looking good, from a younger journey man, who appeared as if he was trying to show off in front of the other guys and push around an apprentice, only struck me as pathetic. People are going to always be insecure about something. But as they say, "If you've got a problem, then it's your problem; not mine".
I understand what you are saying. But, I can tell you with a great deal of experience and insight that the standing of those in the skilled trades is high and growing. The rest of the US is finally getting it. Anyone who has looked for a electrician, carpenter, plumber, welder, painter, mechanic, truck driver, etc understands how rare and valuable these skills are.
Custodian here, I was embarrassed at first. Now I’m proud, and respected well at my school, colleagues, and friends. I definitely take pride in my work and go home happy everyday.
I worked as a custodian for the school district. If a kid got out of hand the principle would tell them if they didn't straighten up he would report him to the janitors.
We had the ultimate power. Access to The Hole. (the boiler room where we took our breaks.)
@@BoopShooBee damn lol
@@BoopShooBee dude that's awesome haha
Our school respects custodians and students have a talk to them from time to time.
Probably because you get paid very well for doing a very easy job.
As General Contractor being in the Construction trades since a kid and Carl had a lot of right about your 'dress code'.
One thing I can tell is, being lazy, non presentable and anti-hygienic is part of your personal values.
I know a lot of blue collars who bring cheap clothes but always look impeccable!
This guarantee the job they will perform.
If you can't take seriously a shower, shave and bring clean clothes , how you expect people to take you seriously?
Personally I can say that I trust those who respect itselfs, but out there still people that don't get the point
Well stated my friend! Thank you for your continued support man, I see you in the comments all the time and I appreciate it.
As a welder, I have to say that it's not good to wear clothes to work that need to be thrown away because theyv been past saving due to the nature of the job: hot mtal spatter, jagged metal corners that tear your pants and t-shirt. And yes, a shave is a good thing according to your face hair personal preferences. But after work, when I'm beat to shit, the world is going to have to understand that I don't owe them any clan and kept tidy outaward apparance obligations if i have to stop and get gas and pay inside, or hit some other line somewhere.
That doesn't really matter as long as there aren't holes in the clothes. Your going to get dirty working construction. I'm not saying be a slob but some things aren't avoidable. I'm a duct guy and it's damn near impossible not to have some 'pookie' on your shirt and pants.
One at a time is the right approach. Mostly I find blue collar guys are the best boyfriends. They can fix stuff and are no nonsense usually
You are gorgeous.
Thirsty dudes in 3...2...1...
@@vitaly6312 we are trash...
Dude and we get paid Most of us usually have daughters or old lady’s that are dime pieces. Like do you really wanna date a guy who spends 100$ on a pair of princess air Jordan’s shoes & skinny jeans? Or who is worried about their hair
@@thinkingmonk9676 you are not.
I'm a 15 year old looking into getting a career in welding and I'm happy that you posted this so hopefully your video can attack the stigma slightly
Just a little shout out to my blue collar brothers out there stay blessed
What about your blue collar sisters?
I cook in the restaurant industry which doesnt lend many opportunities to dress and present myself well.
Thanks for pushing me to do so regardless and opening up this whole world!
If you are wearing your kitchen whites, and change your apron a few times and in the kitchens I worked at we wore a neckerchief and a proper chef hat. This is not only traditional but also shows your pride in what you do.
As a former chef and current Electrician, I got more respect as a chef, but I am still a proud tradesman.
Remember from your culinary training that applies to all walks of work.......Presentation is everything.
As a nurse of 30 years and a Midwife of 12, I greatly appreciate those who work hard and make my job possible. Hold your head high and know you are capable of so much more than the average person.
Ty to all blue collar workers
Might be different depending on country, but isn't nurse also closely related to blue collar professions? I mean it's stressful, high tempo and you work with your body a lot. Now yes, nursing requires an education, but so do certain blue collar professions.
Preach it. If I had a nickle for every time I told someone what I do, and their eyes went wide and they said, "but you don't look/ sound like a truck driver!" well, I might not be able to retire, but I'd sure have a whole lot of nickles.
Anyone who looks down on others due to their chosen profession is a classless douche.
And for what it's worth, I'm an attorney. I have a lot of respect for the guys who do the hard real work. I just push paper around for my check.
Absolutely spot on. Many guys don't try at all to look presentable, act well in front of customers, or work in a professional manner such as keeping their work area clean. Easy steps to improve - throw away torn clothes and boots with holes in them, groom yourself, assume customers don't cuss or want to hear cussing until they let you know they do, clean up during the day if possible and ALWAYS at the end of the day, and pick up your damn cigarette butts and empty your chew containers on job sites. Simple.
Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!
I'm an independent truck driver with 3 rigs. I live on 2 acres that thanks to my blue collar job was able to pay cash for and I live in a trailer but it's an Airstream so I am upper class trailer trash. WOO HOO!
I've been on both sides of the job spectrum. I started off in accounting, became a cost analyst and eventually a controller. I've been a warehouse supervisor and an assistant plant manager. After a divorce and getting custody of my son, I switched gears to have more controllable time for parenting purposes. I since have been a hvac technician, eventually owned my own business, and now teach in the evenings. Even though I have a 140+ IQ my dress and station in Life isn't impressive for the casual outside observer. I've noticed first hand how differently I have been treated and respected throughout my life. Never judge a book by its cover.
I honor your 22 years in the field, can’t wait till I have just as many…this really motivated me and just yesterday I cleaned up my dirty construction worker image. You made my day thanx.
Eight or so years ago I remember stopping at Walmarts across the country to buy my groceries throughout the week. I will never forget around city areas or the nice suburbs around the city Walmart actually had signs up inside the stores that truck drivers weren't welcome. The rural areas always welcomed us drivers back then and currently.
Driver- delivering supplies to Walmart
-sees signs saying "do drivers allowed"
-shrugs and keeps driving
I'm sure they'd welcome you back after a few missed deliveries🤣
The horror of seeing a construction worker in line at a hospital DD!! LOL. I'm a teacher but have my own handyman business during the summer and Saturdays and I love it. Best of both worlds. I often wonder why some construction workers feel the need to curse all day. I guess they think it makes them more of a man but it has the opposite effect.
I worked on the line in a 4-star kitchen, and we ALL swore like sailors. Not because it was cool or manly, but because we were always mad and stressed, and sweltering hot/sweaty, so we'd just constantly vent our frustrations by swearing. Lol. Example, Me: "We just got a fking ticket in for 3 buttermilk chicken, 2 fking fried haddock, and god damned medium-well steak. What the fk is wrong with these arseholes ordering a hockey puck steak.?!" My crew: "Heard! And FK THAT GUY for killing his fking steak like that!"
Yeah, we basically did that to any ticket that came in. It could've been one of our own mother's orders and we'd still do that. Don't get me started in going outside to finally have a cig and take a breather and you hear the ticket printer as your about to open the back door.
I'm a retired Nurse. I work a part time job as a janitor for my mental and physical health. I love it. It's great. Nobody micromanages me and I don't have to deal with egotistical doctors, unreasonable families, demented patients or lazy and neglectful CNA's. It's so relaxing.
I’m a carpenter and a organic farmer and next January I’m the running for Governor of my state and will win by a landslide
What state are you in?
@@garrettjones8947 north of Florida south of Tennessee
I wish you luck.
My job is labor intensive, so to your point about improving one's self: I have had to learn to have pride in what I do, while at the same time appreciating what the CEO does. It's not all fun and games in the front office, so I try to think of them as teammates, and not the enemy. It improves your self-esteem, as well as others' impression of you.
society is built on blue collar. i work in construction and those guys are the toughest dudes i met, working from sunup to sundown, and wont go complaining to boss if they get a splinter. and yes...... getting dirty................ its part of the job and its satisfying coming home from work dirty.
The only thing I hate about doing Tile setting is being swarmed by cancer causing silica dust 24 7. And I get made fun of for wearing a respirator. Starting to realize that it’s mostly ex-convicts and felons in this line of work. Need to get out before it’s too late.
That's crazy the hospital told you, you couldn't patronize the Dunkin' Donuts on site. I thought places like that were for everyone from all walks of life who was willing to spend their hard earned money. So what, if a couple of skilled and unskilled construction workers want to spend their money at a places that happen to be on the job site.
I made the same argument dude, anyone off the street could just go in and get a coffee. Not us though: the ones building the new oncology suite. It was Middlesex Hospital in CT for the record.
@@CarlMurawski Sounds like they have no problem serving a homeless person who is even more dirtier that a construction worker who’s been busting their behind to earn a living and keep this country running. What does it matter how you look, or what you are doing for a living? If you are hungry, thirsty, or tired and have money; they should be happy to sell you some donuts and coffee. The hospital is acting like how White Star Line did with their stokers and trimmers during the days of coal fired ocean liners. They don’t want anyone to see the construction workers in this cases. How do people think building and infrastructure are produced?
I’m married to an HVAC contractor and he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He makes 6 figures, no student debts, we have a paid off condo AND I get to be a stay-at-home mom!
On top of that, there’s hardly anything he can’t fix or repair and we save money this way all the time.
Additionally, he’s always surfing the internet reading articles on various topics, from pediatrics to technology to politics.
Well I hope he has some very generous customers. Because I don't. I consider myself lucky just to be making 5 figures. But then again I live in an area where there is a surplus of electricians.
@
We are in Southern California and HVAC work is in high demand. It took him 4 years to get priority from warranty companies where he is among the contractors who now gets the most customers and due to years of experience, he has increased his rates. No one is “generous” to anyone in this day and age. Your work is worth what it is worth.
Also, if you have your OWN company be prepared to take on extra customers in the hot seasons. There’s LOTS of money in that.
@@SonyaOutThere Well you live in California, where if you are not making 6 figures, you would be living in tent city. Don't get me wrong. We tradesmen are worth every penny we make and then some. He keeps people comfortable. I help keep the lights on.
As a teacher, farmer, and portable toilet technician I can honestly value what you say here. Not only does everyone you meet have something to teach you if you listen, they also have something to say about the way you interact with them. Great impressions are a very cost effective way to advance your career and business.
Grandpa always said eventually the tail becomes the head. When the world finally goes dark, we'll be treated and respected as the heroes for getting things back on track.
I feel proud about my blue collar job because it keeps the mine going.
Even the rest of people on the company sometimes thank us for doing what nobody else is capable/wants to do.
I do industrial cleaning btw.
My dad, my uncles, my mom, they all work in construction and I have nothing but respect for them. Sometimes construction workers can come off as a little rough around the edges but that’s because they have to be in their line of work, a little respect goes a long way. Great video Carl.
Regardless of what everyone else perceives, us blue collar workers are the heart and soul of this country and I’m damn proud of every single one of us. Some of us may carry ourselves with a higher standard in mind but nevertheless we all should wear that high viz vest and hard hat like a badge of honor. Great video brother.
You contribute to our nation sure, but don't go calling yourselves the heart and soul, as you somehow contribute more than others. Be proud of what you do, but don't flaunt it like you have something others don't.
@@catastrophucked Wise words.
@@catastrophuckedright lmao you do labor chill our 😂
I wish i could thumbs up this video a million times. As a fellow ibew member (local 915) I wish every electrician would heed this advice because the discrimnation against the the dirty contruction man is rampant.
When I was in high school I remember the teachers subtly talking down about tradesmen. Comments like “study hard or you’ll end up a plumber like that guy.”
Funny thing is, that plumber makes way more than you do, miss college debt having teacher.
There you go, young grasshopper! Now just think if you’d bought Bitcoin when it was a few dollars each, it has the intrinsic value of a warm fart trapped in ziplock bag, but think about how much better off you’d be now!😊
@@philvis59 There is a use for crypto, and that use is instantaneous international money transfers that bypass banks and their myriad fees and regulations. To that end, it has value. I can't think of much other use for it though.
I believe I agree with what you're saying here. I'll never apologize for working hard and gettin my hands dirty. But doing rough work is no excuse to not be a gentleman. There's certainly a time and a place for friendly jokes and being guys on the jobsite. But I've met too many tradesworkers who were crass, crude, and unmannerly, and more focused on tearing people down than building them up or acting decently. It's more of a problem with people in general than with the trades, but its more obvious when there's no sugarcoating. If all of us from all walks of life could learn to treat people with more respect (who are deserving of respect) , and to treat others how we want to be treated the world would be a better place.
I completely agree. I always try to treat people how I want to be treated, but then it seems that people view that as a "weakness" or something. I treat people fairly up until they've proven to me that they don't deserve it, and they're treating me like shit for no reason. Then I start showing them MY attitude towards their BS. I can get pretty nasty about it if the situation merits it. People and their little "games" and politics they play are so god damn stupid. I could never understand why people choose to be like that. It's much easier to just get along with people and treat your fellow man with respect in the first place, unless they prove they don't deserve it.
Never choose blue collar work !! At 49 my job went under and thats when the interviews never happened. Im 59 now and the only jobs I can get are janitorial / part time no benefit crap jobs. I loved working with my hands always doing something different. (conveyor belt) But I tell my kids all the time , DO NOT CHOSE BLUE COLLAR WORK !!! The worst part is the idiots in charge want to raise the retirement age to 70. I couldn't even find a "job" at 50 !!!!
@@jm351 thats crazy, I’m over here working as an IBEW electrician already making $40/hr with a 401k. A 3 year apprentice and on my way to get my journeymen license. I could retire in my 40s/50s if I stay on this path.
I can't say I've been disrespected for being blue-collar (at least, where I could hear). I remember people looking away quickly if I made eye contact with them while covered with sawdust and sweat and obviously exhausted but if anything that seemed more respectful, in a way. But yeah, on my days off (I'm still blue-collar but not in construction, thank God) I don't go around in "work brands" of clothes. My profession isn't part of my identity, it's just how I feed myself.
I have a CDL. When I was long haul trucking I always dressed much better than company required. This simple thing lead to my receiving preferential treatment from the company and our customers. It did not, however, gain my favor with coworkers. I had owned my own business for years and am more concerned with doing a great job.
Retired military with a masters degree. Also a welder, diesel mechanic, and have a Class A CDL. Currently drive a tow truck during this pandemic, just to get out of the house. Couldn't be happier and could care less what they think when they see me out and about.
I am a professional and conduct myself as such.
Best part, is that the Air Force and the GI Bill paid for all that school and training.
As an IBEW electrician I’ve always tried to dress a little bit more professional whether that’s a flannel or a collard shirt, and you definitely come across guys that get offended by your choice to wear something slightly cleaner and nicer, lol cracks me up, I dress for the job I want not the job I have. This video explains that perfectly,
I’m 26. Been doing Tile Setting for 3 years. So many people have told me that’s a great trade, but it’s really not a it fucking sucks. My boss constantly fucks me over on my hours and it’s super unorganized. Breathing constant silica dust and shit ton of other harmful chemicals I used to be proud to be a blue color worker but not anymore it all ex convicts felons and guys who completely stuck
I agree with the dressing decent. Alot of my fellow drivers wear pj's and flip flops everywhere and they don't care
There will be no successful business in the industry without blue collar men's.. Salute to all the hardworking men's in the world who works everyday just to support their Family.. the'y are HERO'S🙏👏🌼❤️
I'm a union coal miner. In my neck of the woods we're treated like celebrities. Thank God
I'm a Carpenter/Handyman and did have the mindset of dressing sloppy and don't care attitude. I guess because i know i was going to work to get dirty any way. But now that i take care of myself it helps me even put more into my work.
I whole heartedly agree. Blue collar guys like us make the world go 'round. I am also a reader, which even sounds foolish. You're right on the money, want to look like a pro, act and dress like a pro. No pajama pants! We can make a difference, and it does get noticed. I take great pride in what I do, and appreciate the efforts of those who do the same. I don't have to drive a truck, I choose to, and I'm damned proud of that! Keep spreading the word my friend!
No. Fat bottomed girls are the ones that make the world go round.
I'm IBEW mechanic at a utility company! Everyone that knows what I do, and what I make is very jealous. But when I'm not at work I dress well, have a fresh hair cut, and try my very best to not talk like every other mechanic does in public.
Coming from both an educated background (traditional education/science) and a trades background I've gained a unique perspective. Many very intelligent boys are NOT pointed toward education because of ADD or ADHD or simply because they are high testosterone rascals. I saw my 11th grade NYS regents English teacher call Ron Zeh an "ignorant gutter snip". The irony was that Ron had her by at least 30 IQ points. He wore Timberlands, had muscles and preferred shop class over Jane Austen. She assumed that he was stupid. He wasn't. She was. The bell curve is not consistent with the education curve. You get the full spectrum of intelligence in the trades but with a much higher concentration of mechanical aptitude. A lot of very smart practical young men gravitate to the trades and entrepreneurial business. Yes you still have some lug heads but they are not going to prosper beyond menial task labor. To succeed at the trades you have to be smart. Jordan Peterson picked up on this. His ever growing following is surprisingly thick with tradesmen. Peterson's subject matter is dense and intellectual. Yet the blue collar crowd loves it. What he found was that a lot of guys who don't like to read (typical ADD but not an indication of intelligence) are using audio books now. Lots of them. The reading barrier has been broken. The intelligent blue collar crowd is getting educated and hey, they tend to be a lot smarter than their indoctrinated leftist white collar counterparts. Don't let society limit you. You can out think the brainwashed over-credential'd crowd.
Very insightful, thank you for sharing this!
No matter your IQ
No matter your talents/gifts
No matter your dreams
We all still have bills to pay...
Amen brother!, I have been on both side, didn't care much about appearance because my clothes would be ruined as soon as I got work, but I would say I have changed the way I dress and maintain that professional appearance as of the last 5 years for the simple facts that you laid out in this video
I have a respect and a bit of envy for a blue-collar worker.
It's nice when the toil one does actually has real feedback rather than always being abstract and negotiation based...and even after the job actually gets boring you can atleast have a pleasant interaction with your co-workers.
It feels, human.
Was a mechanic, now an HV lineman. Both my sisters look down on blue-collar when all they managed to do was marry a rich guy & then divorce.. only time they want me around is when they need something moved. Can't choose your family but it does make it easier to ignore them.
I’m happy more light is being shed on this topic because I’m an apprentice electrician and I try my best to come off as educated, well mannered, and well groomed as I possibly can.
As a mom I've taught my kids & grandkids that Any job is honorable & respectable! What ever career path they choose. Do your job with pride to the best of your ability.
Respect hard working, conscientious people! regardless of what job they do! Good Manners show you care & respect others! It costs nothing.
Excellent message, and I hope its one that proliferates!
Great words brother. Really happy to see people discussing this topic. I’ve felt like an alien for most of my 17 years as a Stonemason. We are professionals, and should act and be treated like them.
Next time another man takes a cheap shot at you for being a tradesman, take a look at his soft, pretty, little hands. And have a big laugh. Great video Carl and timely.
I'm a farm worker, tradesmen are over paid and lazy.
@@enola8624 huh, where do you live? cause I want to go there
@@enola8624 how are they over paid and lazy?
At least kids love us and think what we do is cool
This is a great channel and this video highlights some awful bias against blue collar/manual workers both in the US and here in the UK. The comment about reading hit me hard. My grandad was a carpenter since 1950 (he was 15 when he trained) and he is a huge reader. He’s been called every name under the sun. I’ve never known anyone work harder than my grandad and it pisses me off when people are so snobby about him and other blue collar workers
Carpenters make pretty good money.
I almost didn't say anything but I was a fifth year apprentice at a hospital job that got ruined by an insane foreman. But that's another story. I want to comment on how they told us we were parking too close to the hospital and they wanted to make sure we all stay parked in farthest back lot down a hill out of sight. We even got complaints about too many apprentices getting coffee orders so one guy with four milk crates for two dozen workers had to do. That job ruined my back with lifting up and down the stairs all day. Ruined my back.
Excellent point, Carl. Every job is essential, and everyone doing their job deserves respect. As a white-collar worker, I actually admire the skills of blue-collar workers, such as electricians and plumbers. Where would we be without them?
Both in the dark, and in the sh!t, haha. Society is a symbiosis. Blue collar workers provide the foundation for everything. White collars provide all the technology and modern magic that we take for granted. Without either, we would be in for a rude awakening.
Love this Carl. 100% agree.
I come from a pretty white color family. The bluest we get are engineering directors. They take a lot of pride in being separated from the blue collar careers. I'm not sure if I'm technically a blue collar, but my family was pretty disappointed that I want to pursue an apprenticeship.
Better to be poor and educated than rich and stupid is what they'd say. I strongly disagree. Guys should take pride that not many people can use their body these days.
wow, did they really say that? your family sounds like a bunch of elitist snobs TBH.
Take pride in your job.
You are happy when they say so.
I'm a blue collar women. Have ever meet more gentleman than I do on a site
Well said!
Blue collar workers are cool people. I find them much less pretentious than my office colleagues.
Worked a roofing job to get me through college, the best part was looking like I worked in coal mine from being around hot tar. I would walk in the store and pull out a big wad of cash to buy some stupid random piece of crap/food.
At one hospital I worked at, they didn't want to see debris, tools, or the workers -- anywhere near the hospital including the parking lots.
At another in the same city we were welcome to use their cafeteria & restrooms.
And it was common for the hospital staff to thank us for the work we were doing, our cleanliness, speed, and quality of the work.
Same construction crew, just different hospitals.