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Does anybody have experience working as a labourer? After some soul searching I'm thinking very seriously about switching to a less professional career than I am doing now, stigma and all.
Current job involves mostly heavy digging in the pissing rain and carrying around awkward things, with the added dinner party social benefit of having "-ologist" after my job title. I earn a laughable amount of money, work away from home 80% of the time, and have next to no scope for advancement much beyond my current position. If it weren't for a few coworkers who are up for a good laugh (OY VEY HELLO) then it just really wouldn't have much going for me. My heart isn't in it like I thought it would be when I was 17 on my first day of uni.
So...after being on site with several bunches of jovial labourers in various places around Scotland...I thought why not just become one?! Sure I'd be throwing in the towel on my "professional" career but honestly I don't really care. There's less travel involved and similar of not better pay. Theres one thing I love about my current job and that's the physical side. I'm strong and fit with a hell of a work ethic when it comes to bashing a mattock about. I've got a bit of gumption about me and have previous experience working with heavy machinery at sea and I have my CSCS and various other tickets. I can't tell if I've already decided to change because it sounds like I am applying for the job here...
So...have any of you worked as a general labourer? Did you like it?
Current job involves mostly heavy digging in the pissing rain and carrying around awkward things, with the added dinner party social benefit of having "-ologist" after my job title. I earn a laughable amount of money, work away from home 80% of the time, and have next to no scope for advancement much beyond my current position. If it weren't for a few coworkers who are up for a good laugh (OY VEY HELLO) then it just really wouldn't have much going for me. My heart isn't in it like I thought it would be when I was 17 on my first day of uni.
So...after being on site with several bunches of jovial labourers in various places around Scotland...I thought why not just become one?! Sure I'd be throwing in the towel on my "professional" career but honestly I don't really care. There's less travel involved and similar of not better pay. Theres one thing I love about my current job and that's the physical side. I'm strong and fit with a hell of a work ethic when it comes to bashing a mattock about. I've got a bit of gumption about me and have previous experience working with heavy machinery at sea and I have my CSCS and various other tickets. I can't tell if I've already decided to change because it sounds like I am applying for the job here...
So...have any of you worked as a general labourer? Did you like it?
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
How old are you? Once you hit late 30's the accumulated injuries of heavy work may start to catch up with you, and a fallback plan would be in order. Could you use your degree in something a bit more lucrative?
How old are you? Once you hit late 30's the accumulated injuries of heavy work may start to catch up with you, and a fallback plan would be in order. Could you use your degree in something a bit more lucrative?
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In reply to Ridge:
I'm in my mid twenties and I'm in pretty good physical condition at least at the moment. Never had any real injuries that weren't down to my own slapstick stupidity, rather than a weak spine! I've had physical jobs all my life really. I was a gardeners assistant from thirteen to seventeen, and I worked on a salmon farm on the north west coast throughout and for a bit after uni, and as I say my current job mostly involves just heavy digging...I think pressure to go to university on my young mind is what stopped me from just getting a trade or carrying on working at sea or whatever. I seem to feel happier doing productive physical work rather than sitting in the office which usually just leaves me feeling lethargic and a tad depressed!
I'm in my mid twenties and I'm in pretty good physical condition at least at the moment. Never had any real injuries that weren't down to my own slapstick stupidity, rather than a weak spine! I've had physical jobs all my life really. I was a gardeners assistant from thirteen to seventeen, and I worked on a salmon farm on the north west coast throughout and for a bit after uni, and as I say my current job mostly involves just heavy digging...I think pressure to go to university on my young mind is what stopped me from just getting a trade or carrying on working at sea or whatever. I seem to feel happier doing productive physical work rather than sitting in the office which usually just leaves me feeling lethargic and a tad depressed!
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Throwing in the towel? Sounds like you're throwing in the trowel...
Considered doing the academic side?
Oli
EDIT: you've just mentioned no office work. Yeah - get on an do what you think you'll enjoy. Maybe night school yourself a trade / further relevant quals aswell?
Throwing in the towel? Sounds like you're throwing in the trowel...
Considered doing the academic side?
Oli
EDIT: you've just mentioned no office work. Yeah - get on an do what you think you'll enjoy. Maybe night school yourself a trade / further relevant quals aswell?
Post edited at 19:13
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I laboured as the teen for local builder on evenings and weekends, I would never consider it again. It's tough work, I used to do all the mixing of plaster etc.. by hand, carry bricks etc.. all the usual stuff keeping 2 guys going. I've done a fair bit of building work myself since and still do, but invested in cement mixer and other mechanised tools to make it more tolerable. People don't usually labour long term through choice, it's because they have got neither the skills or intellect to do much else. As others have said, you'll be wrecked physically in no time.
I laboured as the teen for local builder on evenings and weekends, I would never consider it again. It's tough work, I used to do all the mixing of plaster etc.. by hand, carry bricks etc.. all the usual stuff keeping 2 guys going. I've done a fair bit of building work myself since and still do, but invested in cement mixer and other mechanised tools to make it more tolerable. People don't usually labour long term through choice, it's because they have got neither the skills or intellect to do much else. As others have said, you'll be wrecked physically in no time.
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I have worked as a labourer for a year or so when I was 17/18 years old but relised that if I was going to carry on in the building trade I would need a trade and became a bricklayer. Pay wage doubled after qualification come through.
Labourers work the hardest and get paid the least.
We have a 50year old labourer and we are looking at changing his position as he struggles with day to day duties
I have worked as a labourer for a year or so when I was 17/18 years old but relised that if I was going to carry on in the building trade I would need a trade and became a bricklayer. Pay wage doubled after qualification come through.
Labourers work the hardest and get paid the least.
We have a 50year old labourer and we are looking at changing his position as he struggles with day to day duties
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
be the builder then, not their slave.
> . I seem to feel happier doing productive physical work rather than sitting in the office which usually just leaves me feeling lethargic and a tad depressed!
be the builder then, not their slave.
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Oy!
Labouring might be ok in the short term but you wouldn't necessarily be at home any more than you are now, you would likely work longer hours and eat in less salubrious places (caveat being Soapy jobs). It would be easy to get just as trapped in a rut of thankless and unsatisfying work and have no time, money or energy to get out and do something different. I know what you mean though. I've said it before, but what about roped access? Doubtless we will blether about this extensively soon.
S
Oy!
Labouring might be ok in the short term but you wouldn't necessarily be at home any more than you are now, you would likely work longer hours and eat in less salubrious places (caveat being Soapy jobs). It would be easy to get just as trapped in a rut of thankless and unsatisfying work and have no time, money or energy to get out and do something different. I know what you mean though. I've said it before, but what about roped access? Doubtless we will blether about this extensively soon.
S
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In reply to bouldery bits:
Haha. You solved my enigmatic description.
Thought about it but to be honest it's never been more than an interest in heritage and history. I did well in school so it was expected I go to university and the pressure made me choose something slightly academic sounding to please everyone. It's interesting but not something I want to dedicate my life to. I can always get involved in the odd volunteer dig, which are more interesting from an academic standpoint anyway. I would like to save up and do a professional qualification for something else eventually. But it will take years and I'd rather not use this job as my saving tool.
Haha. You solved my enigmatic description.
Thought about it but to be honest it's never been more than an interest in heritage and history. I did well in school so it was expected I go to university and the pressure made me choose something slightly academic sounding to please everyone. It's interesting but not something I want to dedicate my life to. I can always get involved in the odd volunteer dig, which are more interesting from an academic standpoint anyway. I would like to save up and do a professional qualification for something else eventually. But it will take years and I'd rather not use this job as my saving tool.
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I have worked as a labourer for various tradesmen and it was always a good way of making extra money to supplement either another low paying job or study. I wouldn't want to do it full time for the rest of my life though. You will end up straining your back and having to sign on at some point - it's not an easy job. I have never been fitter than when I was labouring and climbing but I ended up unable to move for a month after straining my back lifting flags. As a result of that I couldn't work and had to reconsider my future. At the time I was in my 20s, I'd hate to have been older and have been FUBAR because of it (as some fellas I've known). The thing that I missed the most about the work, and the thing that I miss now in my current work, was the 'banter' (sorry - I know) that we had amongst the men I worked with.
It sounds like you are really fed up and need a bit of time out to think about your future. I'd argue that, for you, it might be something that gives you time to reassess, but as a long-term choice I'd advise against it.
I have worked as a labourer for various tradesmen and it was always a good way of making extra money to supplement either another low paying job or study. I wouldn't want to do it full time for the rest of my life though. You will end up straining your back and having to sign on at some point - it's not an easy job. I have never been fitter than when I was labouring and climbing but I ended up unable to move for a month after straining my back lifting flags. As a result of that I couldn't work and had to reconsider my future. At the time I was in my 20s, I'd hate to have been older and have been FUBAR because of it (as some fellas I've known). The thing that I missed the most about the work, and the thing that I miss now in my current work, was the 'banter' (sorry - I know) that we had amongst the men I worked with.
It sounds like you are really fed up and need a bit of time out to think about your future. I'd argue that, for you, it might be something that gives you time to reassess, but as a long-term choice I'd advise against it.
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I started as a labourer. After a bag of cement split all over me, as I was unloading it from a lorry, I decided to knuckle down and get some qualifications. Site manager is the best job in the industry IMO. All you problems have to be solved in the short term, lots of man management, planning ahead + some technical understanding.
If you want site work and have a degree you should consider site management, for a large contractor. All the fresh air you can handle and a starting salary of around £26k
I started as a labourer. After a bag of cement split all over me, as I was unloading it from a lorry, I decided to knuckle down and get some qualifications. Site manager is the best job in the industry IMO. All you problems have to be solved in the short term, lots of man management, planning ahead + some technical understanding.
If you want site work and have a degree you should consider site management, for a large contractor. All the fresh air you can handle and a starting salary of around £26k
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Would you think about going into something more nature/conservation based rather than being a labourer?
Having done a lot of conservation work volunteering since my late 20's, now in my mid 30's I'm training to be able to take children outside to learn about nature and that kind of thing because my knees feel a bit more 'rattly' from dragging and carting things about over uneven ground.
I wouldn't think of being a labourer long term I don't think.
Would you think about going into something more nature/conservation based rather than being a labourer?
Having done a lot of conservation work volunteering since my late 20's, now in my mid 30's I'm training to be able to take children outside to learn about nature and that kind of thing because my knees feel a bit more 'rattly' from dragging and carting things about over uneven ground.
I wouldn't think of being a labourer long term I don't think.
Post edited at 19:26
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In reply to Removed User:
Aha! Thought you'd show up. I'm only thinking in the short term here...perhaps I'm just at my wits end this weekend! I just don't think it's that easy to get into roped access without a fair bit of money and the relevant skills? Money which I won't have for a couple years at least (which is fine) but I am getting more miserable by the week. I'm sure even you have told me im too young for that! Perhaps that's not a bad idea. I'm just scrambling in my head for something I can do in the interim until I can afford to invest properly in a productive career...I dont want to do this much longer!
And for everyone else I can almost assure you I will be just as buckled doing this job as I would a labourer if it comes to that.
Aha! Thought you'd show up. I'm only thinking in the short term here...perhaps I'm just at my wits end this weekend! I just don't think it's that easy to get into roped access without a fair bit of money and the relevant skills? Money which I won't have for a couple years at least (which is fine) but I am getting more miserable by the week. I'm sure even you have told me im too young for that! Perhaps that's not a bad idea. I'm just scrambling in my head for something I can do in the interim until I can afford to invest properly in a productive career...I dont want to do this much longer!
And for everyone else I can almost assure you I will be just as buckled doing this job as I would a labourer if it comes to that.
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I've laboured as a teenager, uni, engineer with main contractor for 10years and now run a small building company for life flexibility. I do a bit of labouring, mainly to figure out what we can do better and as a bit of physical excercise and to get away from the desk.
I really like it, but :
Labouring wages are rubbish.
I like it because I don't have to do it all the time.
I get to think about smart ways of doing things and never find myself doing stuff twice because someone can't organise properly.
If you've got a brain and you are prepared to graft, then you may be able to work yourself into a better role, whilst keeping all the advantages of being outside and doing a bit. A good brick laying labourer will double the wages of a gang. Make sure you are a genuine part of the split. If you're really good, it won't be long before you figure it out that it's better if the lads work for you.
Steve
I've laboured as a teenager, uni, engineer with main contractor for 10years and now run a small building company for life flexibility. I do a bit of labouring, mainly to figure out what we can do better and as a bit of physical excercise and to get away from the desk.
I really like it, but :
Labouring wages are rubbish.
I like it because I don't have to do it all the time.
I get to think about smart ways of doing things and never find myself doing stuff twice because someone can't organise properly.
If you've got a brain and you are prepared to graft, then you may be able to work yourself into a better role, whilst keeping all the advantages of being outside and doing a bit. A good brick laying labourer will double the wages of a gang. Make sure you are a genuine part of the split. If you're really good, it won't be long before you figure it out that it's better if the lads work for you.
Steve
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
So it's either risk knackering your body doing labouring or risk knackering it doing something making your fed up?
What about doing salmon farming again?
So it's either risk knackering your body doing labouring or risk knackering it doing something making your fed up?
What about doing salmon farming again?
Post edited at 19:33
In reply to Timmd:
I would like to go back to the salmon farm, and under normal circumstances I would get a job in a heartbeat because I was well-liked, a hard worker and I absolutely loved it. Also, my brother is the manager!
However: that would mean uprooting back to the northwest which seems like a great idea when I'm homesick but not very practical. My girlfriend and I have a flat here mid renovation, my friends and life are here, and I like the convenience of being able to buy a pint of milk on a Sunday of after 4pm! And the salmon industry is starting to be in a bit of trouble as well. Marine harvest have axed a considerable amount of jobs up north recently.
Sorry for the blog-ness of my posts I am perhaps thinking too quickly. I just figured UKC folk are a varied bunch and I would get a good balance of opinions!
I would like to go back to the salmon farm, and under normal circumstances I would get a job in a heartbeat because I was well-liked, a hard worker and I absolutely loved it. Also, my brother is the manager!
However: that would mean uprooting back to the northwest which seems like a great idea when I'm homesick but not very practical. My girlfriend and I have a flat here mid renovation, my friends and life are here, and I like the convenience of being able to buy a pint of milk on a Sunday of after 4pm! And the salmon industry is starting to be in a bit of trouble as well. Marine harvest have axed a considerable amount of jobs up north recently.
Sorry for the blog-ness of my posts I am perhaps thinking too quickly. I just figured UKC folk are a varied bunch and I would get a good balance of opinions!
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Oh, and re your work ethic, I can vouch for that. To say you have a strong work ethic and are a hard and capable grafter is an understatement. It would be good to get out before the chronic thanklessness erodes your willingness to put in a good effort and makes you cynical, something I am sure you see in others.
Oh, and re your work ethic, I can vouch for that. To say you have a strong work ethic and are a hard and capable grafter is an understatement. It would be good to get out before the chronic thanklessness erodes your willingness to put in a good effort and makes you cynical, something I am sure you see in others.
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Can you have a holiday to have time/space to ponder?
At least you'll have had a holiday.
Can you have a holiday to have time/space to ponder?
At least you'll have had a holiday.
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In reply to Removed User:
Thanks man, I appreciate that. All of these replies to my lunatic scheming are great from all. Definitely gives me some more brain fuel to dwell on tomorrow at my current job- whilst I am outside chucking boulders about in the rain all day! Hah!
Thanks man, I appreciate that. All of these replies to my lunatic scheming are great from all. Definitely gives me some more brain fuel to dwell on tomorrow at my current job- whilst I am outside chucking boulders about in the rain all day! Hah!
Post edited at 19:54
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I recently spent ten grand and lost four years of my life at university doing the opposite of what your suggesting.
I'd stick to being an -ologist if I was you. It will lead to a cushier life in the long run. I liked my life as a general labourer but wouldn't swap back again.
I recently spent ten grand and lost four years of my life at university doing the opposite of what your suggesting.
I'd stick to being an -ologist if I was you. It will lead to a cushier life in the long run. I liked my life as a general labourer but wouldn't swap back again.
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In reply to alan moore:
I appreciate your reply but I know several people who have been doing this for years who certainly aren't feeling very cushy!
Maybe in the near future I will be an ologist, just a different kind once I have some qualifications under my belt. Qualifications hopefully paid for by a job that doesn't sap every ounce of fun and optimism out of me!
I appreciate your reply but I know several people who have been doing this for years who certainly aren't feeling very cushy!
Maybe in the near future I will be an ologist, just a different kind once I have some qualifications under my belt. Qualifications hopefully paid for by a job that doesn't sap every ounce of fun and optimism out of me!
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Perhaps wait until the spring/summer to decide, it could that the rain is making things seem worse?
Perhaps wait until the spring/summer to decide, it could that the rain is making things seem worse?
Post edited at 21:32
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Not labouring but what about starting a general gardening business - aka grass cutting / jet washing / hedge trimming / slab bing etc.
I don't do this myself but know a fair few guys who make a living doing this, either on their own or with a mate, and when bigger jobs come along they do join forces and help each other out
Just a different thought for you
Not labouring but what about starting a general gardening business - aka grass cutting / jet washing / hedge trimming / slab bing etc.
I don't do this myself but know a fair few guys who make a living doing this, either on their own or with a mate, and when bigger jobs come along they do join forces and help each other out
Just a different thought for you
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Don't think anyone will take you seriously. Take the summer off and do something physical, make some serious career plans with the time away from the daily routine. There's a reason why labourers drink, smoke and die early and its not the witty repartee and camaraderie.
D
Don't think anyone will take you seriously. Take the summer off and do something physical, make some serious career plans with the time away from the daily routine. There's a reason why labourers drink, smoke and die early and its not the witty repartee and camaraderie.
D
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In reply to Dauphin:
People won't want you around. One day you'll suggest something intelligent and it will all go wrong.
I think your main problem might be the same as many people's in the UK. People who are educated and capable of contributing something inteligent and innovative to the economy are paid washers in this basket-case country.
If you voted Tory or New Labour then you only have yourself to blame.
Quite.
> Don't think anyone will take you seriously.
People won't want you around. One day you'll suggest something intelligent and it will all go wrong.
I think your main problem might be the same as many people's in the UK. People who are educated and capable of contributing something inteligent and innovative to the economy are paid washers in this basket-case country.
If you voted Tory or New Labour then you only have yourself to blame.
> There's a reason why labourers drink, smoke and die early and its not the witty repartee and camaraderie.
Quite.
Post edited at 23:41
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In reply to Jim Fraser:
I trust your home is like a mecca to british manufacturing. Everything you pick up in it, is made in Britain, by british owned companies. All thoughtfully bought in shops (not online, don't want to risk an import) and driven home in your UK designed and constructed car? Or do you perhaps have a few overseas objects that were cheaper and have too contributed to the demise of UK manufacturing.
It would not matter who you voted for, if the majority of the UK population, bought UK products from an actual shop. The employment would still be there.
> I think your main problem might be the same as many people's in the UK. People who are educated and capable of contributing something inteligent and innovative to the economy are paid washers in this basket-case country.
> If you voted Tory or New Labour then you only have yourself to blame.
> If you voted Tory or New Labour then you only have yourself to blame.
I trust your home is like a mecca to british manufacturing. Everything you pick up in it, is made in Britain, by british owned companies. All thoughtfully bought in shops (not online, don't want to risk an import) and driven home in your UK designed and constructed car? Or do you perhaps have a few overseas objects that were cheaper and have too contributed to the demise of UK manufacturing.
It would not matter who you voted for, if the majority of the UK population, bought UK products from an actual shop. The employment would still be there.
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I tried this once, I quit a reasonably paid job in social care to work at B&Q stocking shelves etc. I didn't last, the people I had to work with, and for, were annoying enough to drive a saint to arm up and go postal, that's to say nothing of the public.
I tried this once, I quit a reasonably paid job in social care to work at B&Q stocking shelves etc. I didn't last, the people I had to work with, and for, were annoying enough to drive a saint to arm up and go postal, that's to say nothing of the public.
Post edited at 07:14
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Why a labouring job on a building site?
Hard work. You get to do all the stuff the tradesman don't like to do. And they don't care if you get wet, cold, sore, tired, miserable or bored. On a big job you could end up mixing cement. All day, every day for weeks.
And most read the Sun or Mirror so thats going to be a novelty isn't it when you've run out of interesting things to tell them.
But.......if you find a small builder/sole trader who wants a labourer then you may find the work more varied, and if he's half decent he'll let you help him do other tasks - thats what happened to me and I quickly learned to do most of the trades on site to a good enough standard where I could build my own house or renovate an older one. A skill I've never regretted.
But life as a labourer???? Find something else!
Why a labouring job on a building site?
Hard work. You get to do all the stuff the tradesman don't like to do. And they don't care if you get wet, cold, sore, tired, miserable or bored. On a big job you could end up mixing cement. All day, every day for weeks.
And most read the Sun or Mirror so thats going to be a novelty isn't it when you've run out of interesting things to tell them.
But.......if you find a small builder/sole trader who wants a labourer then you may find the work more varied, and if he's half decent he'll let you help him do other tasks - thats what happened to me and I quickly learned to do most of the trades on site to a good enough standard where I could build my own house or renovate an older one. A skill I've never regretted.
But life as a labourer???? Find something else!
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I did it.
Ten years ago I had a 'cushy' desk job in the car industry as an engineer. I jacked it in and went travelling for a year. Came back, slept on a mates sofa and got a job labouring for two brothers who were splitting a big Victorian house into flats.
They realised I was pretty handy at woodwork so ended up hanging doors, fitting kitchens, General chippy work. Somebody then asked me to do some shop fitting so I went self employed and did that job. Bought some decent tools along the way. Got more work through word of mouth. I've been doing it ever since, now specialise in period home restoration and bespoke cabinet making. Also combined my old engineering world and woodwork to start another business with a friend making wooden handled ice axes.
I clearly have no idea where I'd have been now if I'd stayed sat behind that desk but it wouldn't be here and I do love what I do. One thing I do know is I was never going to stay happy being a labourer. I outgrew that job in the first week. Loading rubble into a skip from 3 floors up got boring really quickly.
I did it.
Ten years ago I had a 'cushy' desk job in the car industry as an engineer. I jacked it in and went travelling for a year. Came back, slept on a mates sofa and got a job labouring for two brothers who were splitting a big Victorian house into flats.
They realised I was pretty handy at woodwork so ended up hanging doors, fitting kitchens, General chippy work. Somebody then asked me to do some shop fitting so I went self employed and did that job. Bought some decent tools along the way. Got more work through word of mouth. I've been doing it ever since, now specialise in period home restoration and bespoke cabinet making. Also combined my old engineering world and woodwork to start another business with a friend making wooden handled ice axes.
I clearly have no idea where I'd have been now if I'd stayed sat behind that desk but it wouldn't be here and I do love what I do. One thing I do know is I was never going to stay happy being a labourer. I outgrew that job in the first week. Loading rubble into a skip from 3 floors up got boring really quickly.
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In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
I too was pushed towards academia for similar reasons but we didn't get on well so ended up building most of my working days... I still do a lot of my own labouring as I never really sat easy with slave-driving.... I'm gradually drifting towards my fifties and can safely say I am fitter and stronger than most of my contemporaries and certainly struggle a lot less with back, joints etc than all my desk-bound friends...and I love my work!
So I guess that's saying follow your heart but keep learning skills all the way...good luck!
I too was pushed towards academia for similar reasons but we didn't get on well so ended up building most of my working days... I still do a lot of my own labouring as I never really sat easy with slave-driving.... I'm gradually drifting towards my fifties and can safely say I am fitter and stronger than most of my contemporaries and certainly struggle a lot less with back, joints etc than all my desk-bound friends...and I love my work!
So I guess that's saying follow your heart but keep learning skills all the way...good luck!
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
A few of years unskilled laboring risks knocking your confidence in your professional abilities should you ever want to go back to something more qualified than humping cement into a mixer or shoveling hardcore from point a to point b in the rain. It also puts an awkward dent in your CV. To me it seems like a daft plan given you could almost certainly find better paid work that exercises your mind and still ticks the lumping-big-weights-about-outdoors box if you really must.
There's plenty more you can do with your -ology than poking around in the mud and not all of it stuck behind a desk all week.
jk
A few of years unskilled laboring risks knocking your confidence in your professional abilities should you ever want to go back to something more qualified than humping cement into a mixer or shoveling hardcore from point a to point b in the rain. It also puts an awkward dent in your CV. To me it seems like a daft plan given you could almost certainly find better paid work that exercises your mind and still ticks the lumping-big-weights-about-outdoors box if you really must.
There's plenty more you can do with your -ology than poking around in the mud and not all of it stuck behind a desk all week.
jk
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Have you looked at Lantra for ideas? http://www.lantra.co.uk/home/about-us There is a predicted skills gap in land/env sectors (covers a broad range of roles, but there might be something to suit you). And just off the top of my head, there are partnership organisations all over the yard like this one: http://fiferuralskills.com/business/ where you could get ideas, meet people, find out about qualifications.
Have you looked at Lantra for ideas? http://www.lantra.co.uk/home/about-us There is a predicted skills gap in land/env sectors (covers a broad range of roles, but there might be something to suit you). And just off the top of my head, there are partnership organisations all over the yard like this one: http://fiferuralskills.com/business/ where you could get ideas, meet people, find out about qualifications.
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Its been mentioned before, Self employed Garden Maintenance, Lawn mowing, Hedges etc.
You've done it before, it gives you ouside physical work without being back breaking and soul destroying.
You could make reasonable money from it unlike labouring for someone else.
It sounds like you're a grafter, it will give you satisfaction working hard for yourself.
If you're in Edinburgh then i would imagine there is plentiful work.
Perfect timing, only 4 weeks til March when the new season kicks off.
Its easy to find out which job you dont want to do but a lot harder finding out what you really want to do. I would guess a short spell as a labourer may be good for a change but you would soon realise it was not the way to go.
I used to have a professional job, i went to University as it was what was expected of me. The best move of my life was packing it in and being my own boss gardening. Brett
Its been mentioned before, Self employed Garden Maintenance, Lawn mowing, Hedges etc.
You've done it before, it gives you ouside physical work without being back breaking and soul destroying.
You could make reasonable money from it unlike labouring for someone else.
It sounds like you're a grafter, it will give you satisfaction working hard for yourself.
If you're in Edinburgh then i would imagine there is plentiful work.
Perfect timing, only 4 weeks til March when the new season kicks off.
Its easy to find out which job you dont want to do but a lot harder finding out what you really want to do. I would guess a short spell as a labourer may be good for a change but you would soon realise it was not the way to go.
I used to have a professional job, i went to University as it was what was expected of me. The best move of my life was packing it in and being my own boss gardening. Brett
2
In reply to Ridge:
35yrs old..... and backs knackered tennis elbow left arm, golfers elbow right . that's 12 years digging . really struggle with grip when the rocks cold <white finger> if you have a brain don't waste it lad trust me.
35yrs old..... and backs knackered tennis elbow left arm, golfers elbow right . that's 12 years digging . really struggle with grip when the rocks cold <white finger> if you have a brain don't waste it lad trust me.
4
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
...........
A few of years unskilled laboring risks knocking your confidence in your professional abilities should you ever want to go back to something more qualified than humping cement into a mixer or shoveling hardcore from point a to point b in the rain. It also puts an awkward dent in your CV. To me it seems like a daft plan given you could almost certainly find better paid work that exercises your mind and still ticks the lumping-big-weights-about-outdoors box if you really must.
There's plenty more you can do with your -ology than poking around in the mud and not all of it stuck behind a desk all week.
jk
...........
This sounds wise.
...........
A few of years unskilled laboring risks knocking your confidence in your professional abilities should you ever want to go back to something more qualified than humping cement into a mixer or shoveling hardcore from point a to point b in the rain. It also puts an awkward dent in your CV. To me it seems like a daft plan given you could almost certainly find better paid work that exercises your mind and still ticks the lumping-big-weights-about-outdoors box if you really must.
There's plenty more you can do with your -ology than poking around in the mud and not all of it stuck behind a desk all week.
jk
...........
This sounds wise.
In reply to TheseKnivesMan:
Can only wish you good luck. I did the same professional job (though it was immensely varied) for 24 years, loved it till 3 years ago, still like the clients, most colleagues, but one or two <ahem> Aspects got to me. At the point of about to be going off work with stress, I realised I didn't have to stick with a job that was making me ill, and I wasn't enjoying. I don't have kids, I'd saved up (early retirement fund was the idea, bu instead, I could just not work for a year or two), and my wife god bless her wanted me back to normal (and earns an ok wage herself). So I walked, from a permament and professional job.
After 2 months decompressing, doing a little DIY, and not worrying too much, I'm doing a wee bit of lowerkey (very poor pay) work, like a couple of days a week, and not fully answering questions about my previous life. I've got an idea about future direction (but I'm not telling everyone), and I have to accept I will never earn the sort of money I did before (sounds amazing, actually about average UK wage I believe. But I was never a big spender). But my non-work time isn't dominated by work or it's ghosts. My wife is happy. And she sometimes ets cooked for now.
All this to say good luck, something will be there for you, and to continue in your misery is the wrong way (though I don't know what the right one is). I appreciate I'm lucky to share costs with my wife, and without kids I'm the first on her list. I currently worry about friends of mine in NHS, education, public sector, who seem stressed, hassled, bullied, but don't have the choice to stopfor a while, so are signed off with whatever is wrong "with THEM".
Hope you will be lucky too. You certainly have a lot of sympathy and love on this thread, UKC can be lovely people when the chips are down <awaits troll>
Can only wish you good luck. I did the same professional job (though it was immensely varied) for 24 years, loved it till 3 years ago, still like the clients, most colleagues, but one or two <ahem> Aspects got to me. At the point of about to be going off work with stress, I realised I didn't have to stick with a job that was making me ill, and I wasn't enjoying. I don't have kids, I'd saved up (early retirement fund was the idea, bu instead, I could just not work for a year or two), and my wife god bless her wanted me back to normal (and earns an ok wage herself). So I walked, from a permament and professional job.
After 2 months decompressing, doing a little DIY, and not worrying too much, I'm doing a wee bit of lowerkey (very poor pay) work, like a couple of days a week, and not fully answering questions about my previous life. I've got an idea about future direction (but I'm not telling everyone), and I have to accept I will never earn the sort of money I did before (sounds amazing, actually about average UK wage I believe. But I was never a big spender). But my non-work time isn't dominated by work or it's ghosts. My wife is happy. And she sometimes ets cooked for now.
All this to say good luck, something will be there for you, and to continue in your misery is the wrong way (though I don't know what the right one is). I appreciate I'm lucky to share costs with my wife, and without kids I'm the first on her list. I currently worry about friends of mine in NHS, education, public sector, who seem stressed, hassled, bullied, but don't have the choice to stopfor a while, so are signed off with whatever is wrong "with THEM".
Hope you will be lucky too. You certainly have a lot of sympathy and love on this thread, UKC can be lovely people when the chips are down <awaits troll>
3
In reply to summo:
All thoughtfully bought and from F£CKIN Germany smart4r5e.
> I trust your home is like a mecca to british manufacturing. Everything you pick up in it, is made in Britain, by british owned companies. All thoughtfully bought in shops (not online, don't want to risk an import) and driven home in your UK designed and constructed car? Or do you perhaps have a few overseas objects that were cheaper and have too contributed to the demise of UK manufacturing.
All thoughtfully bought and from F£CKIN Germany smart4r5e.
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