When my husband was growing up, he loved building and constructing things.  He thought about studying architecture but that discipline seemed a bit inaccessible and he decided to go down the more traditional path of studying accounting instead.  He eventually built a career with a bunch of office jobs but he did not find a huge level of satisfaction doing so.  When I ask him what he found the most frustrating, he often references all the meetings that are typically prevalent in office jobs.  He jokes that there would be meetings about meetings, which we have probably all been a part of at one time or another and we know how exasperating they can be!

About 14 years ago, he made the decision to enter the construction industry.  While the days are sometimes long and the work can be difficult, he has thoroughly enjoyed the change.  He loves seeing the fruits of his labour at the end of the day, loves showing me pictures of things he has built.  It was a difficult decision for him because of the stigma associated with ‘blue collar’ jobs but he is happier for it and if anyone knows him, they know he is a renaissance man and breaks any silly construction worker stereotypes! 

The stigma associated with being in a trade is real.  Some of those misperceptions are that tradespeople are uneducated or they lack finesse or sophistication.  Here is a common refrain that we like to use at Shades of Influence – don’t stereotype or categorize people blindly, just because they seem to fit into a particular group! 

The reality is that we need people in the trades just as much as we need people in accounting or management.  In fact, you can often use transferable skills such as problem solving, adaptability or strategic thinking in both types of jobs. 

Another reality is that there are not enough women in the trades – there is a huge opportunity for women to become skilled trades workers, which could be extremely financially beneficial. 

So Shades readers, forget about the stigma and pursue your passion as you build your career, whether you like building homes or selling them.  Don’t get caught up in doing what you think you should be doing – do what you love or what feeds you – you will be better for it!