With AI disrupting and even replacing traditionally “safe” white collar jobs, careers in the trades look an awful lot more appealing than in years past.
But there’s no point beating around the bush: construction work is tough and demanding. It requires long hours in high-stress environments, with many days running 10-12+ hours long. It takes a certain level of grit and resilience to be successful in this field.
So it’s reasonable to ask: is work-life balance in construction even possible? Based on what we’ve seen over our decades in the industry, the answer is yes. But only if you plan carefully and make the right moves.
Key Takeaways
- Work-life balance in construction is challenging, but achievable. Long hours and physical demands are part of the job, but there are strategies to protect your time so you can have a life outside of work.
- Predictable pay, consistent employment, and minimizing gaps between projects can reduce stress and create a more sustainable lifestyle for workers and their families.
- Partnering with a skilled trades agency can help smooth job transitions, advocate for fair pay and schedules, and address both physical and mental health stressors that impact balance.
Does Working Construction Offer Good Work-Life Balance?
First off, we should start by acknowledging that “work-life balance” means different things to different people. It can mean time off and flexible schedules, but it can also mean an in-demand job with consistent hours (even if your schedule isn’t always predictable).
After all, balance isn’t just about having more time to yourself. It’s about protecting your peace of mind when you’re off the clock.
Working Hours
Construction workers put in long hours; there’s no way around it. In many cases, you’ll be putting in 55+ hour weeks (although, it’s not much different than working for a tech startup or law firm). But given that construction work is paid hourly, you actually get compensated for those extra hours, not to mention the overtime.
On top of that, the fact that we’re in an employee market means we’re seeing some things shift in workers’ favor. For example, 4/10 schedules offer larger chunks of time off, and rising wages mean that even if you do work extra hours, it has a bigger impact on your bottom line.
Project-Based or Seasonal Work
It’s true that because construction is a project-based industry, work comes and goes. A project could take six months, or 12, or even several years; but eventually, the job is done and, with it, your employment.
When you partner with a staffing agency like Skinner, you can dramatically reduce downtime between jobs. We’re always finding new opportunities and staffing new projects, so we can move you to a new job once your current engagement ends.
Physical Labor
Construction work puts a lot of stress on the body. Depending on your specific role, you could be lifting heavy objects or operating labor-intensive equipment for hours upon hours. That amount of physical labor eventually takes its toll. This is part of the job that you really can’t get out of, so it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your shifts and workload.
Mental Health
Unfortunately, mental health is a serious problem among most construction workers. Nearly two-thirds have expressed some instances of depression and anxiety in the past, and the culture of most job sites means that it can be uncomfortable to speak up.
One of the ways to address this challenge is to have a third party who can listen to your concerns, take them seriously, and advocate for you. Another way a partner can help is by alleviating some of the biggest stressors (like job uncertainty and lower wages) that can contribute to poor mental health.
Why a Skilled Trades Agency is Critical to Maintaining Work-Life Balance in Construction
While working with a skilled trades agency like Skinner doesn’t guarantee an easy career, it certainly plays in your favor. We can help with:
- Smoothing out unpredictability in your workload
- Leveraging flexible staffing models to reduce unwanted overtime hours and help to alleviate burnout
- Providing the employer with a full staff so they can rotate through workers as opposed to relying too heavily on a handful of people
- Access to career professionals who know the skilled trades and can help you build a career, not just “land a job”
Although work-life balance in construction can be challenging, you can certainly make it happen. It just requires some strategic moves, and having people who can truly advocate for your best interests.
Here’s a simple place to start: as skilled trades become more coveted, you can command higher wages (read: earn more while working the same or fewer hours). Negotiating for a better wage can be a huge first step to bringing some balance and stability into your career.
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