A lot of people in today's society believe construction is a career pathway for individuals who can not get into college or university. Is this true?
Is construction only for people who can’t get into college?
Is construction only for people who can’t get into college?
Construction Industry
Nowadays whenever you tell someone you work in the construction industry, the first thing they ask is, “Why”? “Why would you go into construction”? “Why not pursue a higher education”? Many people feel that the construction industry is the last resort for many individuals. Of course, this is rather insulting for an individual, but it is the misconception that people believe today. In today's society, the majority of people have the end goal to sit behind a desk and work in an office setting. That's great. But why do people tend to look down on construction workers?
What Do You Think?
When you hear the word “construction”, what first comes to mind? Maybe your first thought of heavy labor or hard work. Or maybe you thought of being dirty or the workers you may see on your drive to work come to mind. Sure these things are true. Construction does involve lots of heavy lifting and there are many days when you do tend to have to get down and dirty. But is this all that construction is? People sure do believe this. But when I hear the word “construction”, my first thoughts are buildings, bridges, houses, architecture, design, and many other things. Many people's thoughts are exactly the same. Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts thinking about all the cities and towns that were built from the hands of construction workers. It’s truly astounding to think about.
Misconseption
People today are stuck in this misconception that construction is the last resort. They think working in construction means you do not have an education, you couldn’t make it to college, etc. But is this true? Absolutely not! Much older and young ones today's first resort was construction. Construction allows you to work with your hands every single day. It allows you to learn not only new work skills but life skills. A lot of people think that there is no education needed to be a construction worker. But let me ask you this. If I told you to go switch out one of your electrical outlets right now, would you be able to do it? Probably not because you are not trained and “educated” to do this. Each construction worker has a unique set of skills and talents that he is able to use to create something beautiful. Instead of looking down on a construction worker, why don’t you thank them for building the house you sleep in. Why not thank them for choosing an industry that always benefits others.
Do What Makes You Happy!
So now when I ask you, what comes to mind when you hear the word “construction”, what do you think of? To all the young ones and newer generations coming into the workforce. Do what makes you happy. Construction is not an industry to be looked down upon. Be proud of your accomplishments. Look forward to telling people that you are a proud construction worker. Every day, you are taking part in creating something beautiful. To conclude, consider what Garrison Miller, a fellow construction worker said “In the construction trades, we make something out of nothing. What once was a pile of dirt is now a beautiful building! Well-crafted and ready for someone to use.”