any ex construction workers here?

I worked construction when I was 18 until I was 44 on and off with a break for 6 years in the Army and working for electronics firms. I ran equipment and crews, drove trucks, Tell you what, it's not the same business anymore. Too much regulation and too few kids who want to work hard and get their hands dirty. Low wages and low quality work at least in CA. It's so bad here that if you can speak English and read a print, most contractors will make you a foreman overnight. Let's hope this trend doesn't come over to long haul freight. It's bad enough that the drayage and dump truck businesses were ruined.

 

That's true.
But if someone chooses not to further their education and goes to work for a construction company....they chose their path....stop the b--itchin and get in the ditch.

 

Where do you think the 'three companies in 6 months' drivers came from?

 

My husband has worked construction all of his life until now. He was superintendent for a builder and they were knocking out out some good quality homes and selling them fast. When this housing crisis started they had to stop.

He went to school, got his CDL and is now driving a truck-something we never ever imagined.

 

Guys like your husband are improving the image of truckers one driver at a time.

 

I planed on quiting my job. I trained with a company and got hired. I took my vacations and went driving. I chickened out and went back to millwrighting. Not that I didn't like driving. I loved it, it is something I always wanted to do I just could not justify the cut in pay it would be.

 

Hey you guys are making me feel more comfortable now, Im getting out of welding/fabricating/piping after 23 years. I was GLAD when my two boys did not have an interest in welding. I went to school graduated 3 days ago and now working on all my endorsements and have a PREHIRE already wow Im thinking I made the right choice.
Its amazing how the construction trade has just slid off the map. One day they gonna need us. Anyway hey guys/gals be safe out there.

 

I have told my boys that if they get and education AND are willing to work hard, they will never be out of work! Too many parents teach their kids that "working hard" is wrong. No wonder so many kids these days want it all, NOW! No working theyre way up etc.