Construction work offers many opportunities, but it is not for everyone. If you appreciate competitive salaries and mobility, you need to consider a position in this field. With that being said, construction is not always the safest and most reliable choice. Weighing the pros and cons of construction work will allow you to make a sound career decision.
Pros of Construction Worker Jobs:
- Pay
Compared to other labor jobs, a construction worker can enjoy an excellent monthly paycheck. In fact, with the right skill set, a construction worker can enjoy higher wages than someone working in an office job. Since an employee can learn relevant skills quickly, it’s an easy way to increase your income without attending school for a number of years.
- Mobility
In some industries, such as technology or banking, employees are generally required to live in a certain area. On the other hand, construction workers can move around the country with ease. Whether you want to live in a bustling city or a quiet town, you generally find nearby construction sites for employment.
Cons of Construction Worker Jobs:
- Injuries
When sitting in front of a computer, the most serious injury an employee will experience is likely carpal tunnel syndrome. This is not the case when working on a construction site, where something as simple as a slip or fall can cause serious injury or even death. While construction sites are safer now than in the past, dangerous work conditions are still something to consider.
- Seasonal Work
When you live in a cold or rainy area, it can be difficult to find construction work that is sheltered from the elements. While the decent pay usually helps in the long run, if you are trying to support a family in a snow-prone region, construction may not be a wise career choice.
- Aging
When you are young, it’s easy to head out of the house early in the morning and put in 10 hours of backbreaking labor. As you age, working on a construction site becomes more difficult, especially if you have suffered an injury in the past. While plenty of construction workers work their way up to office jobs, this is not always the case.
