Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/268240
March 2014 | EquipmentWorld.com 70 O ur industry needs young men. Young men need jobs. You would think these problems would solve each other, but there's a disconnect. If you know a young man whose life is going nowhere, who didn't go to, dropped out of, or hated college and can't get anything bet- ter than a minimum wage job, do our industry a favor and suggest he get a job in construction. If said young man is age 18 to 35, in good shape and works hard he could make decent money, maybe even launch a career in construction. Best of all, he can work outside, spit, chew, cuss and grow experimental facial hair all he wants. Just make sure this young man knows the rules. Here are seven I think are essential: 1. Show up on time, every time. This is the most important rule. Late is a fatal flaw in construction. Carjack your college diversity counselor if you must, but get to the jobsite before they crank up the first machine, even if you're just going to hold a shovel or stack lumber all day. Better yet, show up 15 minutes early. The old guys like to use this time to smoke, joke, scratch and settle bets from last night's game. 2. Leave your phone in your car... or else some- body's going to slap it out of your hand. You can check it at breaks or lunch. Construction jobsites are dangerous. You don't need distractions. No- body's paying you to update your Facebook status. 3. Dress for success. Sturdy boots, gloves, jeans, hat if you're in the sun, and other seasonally ap- propriate wear. Bring a hardhat and reflective vest if that's what everybody else is wearing. A long sleeve, well worn, oversized cotton shirt is essential to keep the sun off you in summer. Tools in tank tops fry. 4. Bring your own lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water. Don't be a mooch. Keep in mind you're go- ing to burn through 2X your usual calories. A salad isn't going to get you through the day. 5. Be humble and truthful. Don't overstate your skills. Most contractors and supers have a specific way they like to have things done, so it's better to ask a question than to foul something up and get chewed out. 6. Pay attention. A decade or more of passive public education may have nearly turned you into a zombie. But the moment work starts on a construc- tion site you'll need the eyes, ears and reflexes of a pro quarterback. Jobsites are inherently kinetic and dangerous. 7. Practice mindfulness. Construction is repeti- tive. You can't lose your focus. Remember that Larry Bird shot hundreds of practice shots every day of his career, even when he was on crutches. The Beatles played their songs tens of thousands of times in the clubs of Hamburg before they clicked as a band. Works in sports. Works in music. Works in construction. You get better one bucket, one nail, one load at a time. Assuming you survive your first week, you may find yourself changed. You'll have that ruddy glow of a real outdoors guy. You'll feel a little stronger, stand a little taller, sleep a little better. And you'll probably have seen the beginning of something you're helping to build, something that may stand for decades – something you can take pride in for years to come. If you're a contractor reading this or a seasoned construction vet, what advice would you give? Email me. final word | by Tom Jackson TJackson@randallreilly.com The newbie's guide to surviving your first week in construction