To say that this year has been unexpected would be a bit of an understatement. Social distancing mandates moved many to work-from-home situations. On the surface, this sounds like a dream. You don’t have to commute but you can work from your couch, you don’t have to dress to impress but you can wear your pajamas all day long. But in reality, we’ve all become more stressed and busier than ever before without ever stepping a foot outside our homes. And, it’s taking a toll on our wellbeing. According to Monster, more than two-thirds of employees are experiencing burnout while working from home.
Working from home is comfortable, yes. But, workers across the country aren’t taking the time to recharge, whether it be because of an inability to travel due to health and safety concerns or because of a deeply held fear that they could be laid off in this unstable job market. Monster also reports that the majority of workers, nearly 60%, are taking less time off than other years and about 40% don’t plan on taking time off any time soon, not even a “staycation.”
When work is always right in front of you, it’s hard to ignore the pressures of pressing deadlines. You can’t “shut off” as easily. But without reserving any time to recharge, stress and anxiety levels have reached an all-time high nationwide. And, the emotional toll is leading to some less-than-ideal symptoms including increased anger and irritability, even depression.
But what if you had a career in which you didn’t experience burnout? What if your days were always interesting and ever-changing? What if you could create something tangible with teammates by your side? What if you could keep your work-life and home-life separate, leaving work behind the moment you clock out?
What if you chose a career in construction?
When you join the construction industry, you can get out of the house and into inspiring, rewarding work. A day on the jobsite keeps your hands busy and mind active. New challenges lead to innovations and every project brings creative thinking. In construction, there aren’t any mundane days where you are stuck seated at your desk, staring at a screen, and checking the clock every hour. Instead, you’re active, keeping your body and mind healthy. And, you won’t be doing it alone. Working with others is a top factor for job satisfaction. Construction is a collaborative effort, requiring an “all hands on deck” approach and teamwork. These coworkers are far better teammates than your kids and pets.
Now is the perfect time to switch gears and get out of your work-from-home reality. There’s no better time to learn a skilled trade through a certificate, two-year program, or even four-year degree. Of course, in-person study isn’t necessarily required in 2020. More than ever before, schools are offering convenient online learning opportunities so you can prepare for your future safely and efficiently.
For half of 2020, we have become accustomed to doing everything in our homes but haven’t been able to predict what the job market will be like. When you switch to a career in construction, you can feel secure, knowing you have purpose at work and peace at home. Explore our Careers & Education tab to discover the steps you need to take to get out of the house and onto the jobsite.