Hey my beautiful followers I have so much to say because obviously I have been working like a dog in day laboring since the end of July till right before Labor Day. The irony right, major Lol because I was exhausted and slightly hurt. So, in short summary I started with one of the temp services that has the most transportation because that gives you a greater probability to be placed on a ticket. Before I get into some details into the events that unfolded let me layout the process for those who have never had the pleasure of going into day laboring in construction or in general. You have to be at a temp service at 5AM in the morning and there is already a line so technically get there even earlier than that to add to the odds. Once you sign in, the waiting game begins: the people that have a repeated ticket get dispatched first obviously and whatever tickets remain that's when the selection process begins. If the staff is familiar with you, they will more than likely select the ones that are consistent in attendance and will not cause them any problems. People with cars always get priority because it makes dispatch simply and direct. The agencies provide basic PPE and equipment for the job site clean-up which 98% of the time involve a broom & shovel. In construction/day laboring, men will always get first priority because the jobs generally involve heavy lifting and construction is dominantly a man's world, so men will choose men over working with a female that has restraints in terms of what they can physically complete. Given this very important fact, men will be chosen first before women unless it's for a simply light cleaning.
Now that you have a better idea on how the system works, let's explore how I have experienced it. I am not new to this temp service work, because I have utilized if before for the same reasons of unemployment and needing to have fast cash for immediate bare minimum sustenance. I worked in construction day labor for the first time back in 2019, when the salary was a whopping $8.00 an hour. I am currently getting paid $14.00 an hour, and no that is not enough to make a living but to scrape by and live to see another day. Since I had previously done this line of work, I had good standing at multiple location agencies, and everyone knows my work ethic so selecting me as a worker to send out is never an issue. The work is basic and simple; however, I always give it my best and employers always appreciate that and award me with repeat tickets. I do not mention that to brag, but showcase I am an excellent employee no matter the industry I am working in at the time. For all those years I was deprived the right/opportunity to work -- I have definitely made up the hours and workload.
Once I was placed on a steady ticket, the site supervisor had my number, and she could call me to get things done as it was a 10-story huge luxury apartment complex. I worked diligently Monday through Friday and also volunteered on Saturdays as well because yes, I was in need for that overtime payment. As a result, after almost two months of working 6 days a week, my right hand started cramping up from overworking it and I had to take a break. I honestly was also dissatisfied that the supervisor mentioned I was the best worker, but the compensation did not match that recognition. While other coworkers literally goofed off and they got extra hours for not working, so clearly favoritism was compensated verses actual work completed thoroughly. Another aspect of this line of work is that the majority of people relying on this work do have a criminal history and have substance abuse. In other words, the people you have to work with are not the easiest to deal with and it constantly becomes irritating because they gave a motto of do the bare minimum and "I don't care" attitude. Coworkers constantly reminded me that I was working too hard and that I was getting paid by the hour and not the actual work completed, but I never adhere by these remarks because I am not like them and I have higher standards to live by. I work honestly and hard because I come from a long line of strong-hard-working women in my family, so it is in my DNA.
I thought I could find more factory tickets that would change up the workload and environment, but apparently those are now rare/scarce. So, I went back to another temp agency whose manager I knew, and he knows my work ethic and sent me out right away. He has saved me from not having any groceries in the past as well, so I appreciate him more than words can ever explain. This particular agency has tickets that are different and with the variety I was seeking. It has only been less than two weeks, but I got the break I needed, and the tickets have been really good ones. Overall, I am glad I took some days off to recover and switching locations was a great outcome for me personally. Without a doubt I am sure my former coworkers are referring to me as a traitor, but to that I say, "I don't care". I did what was in my best interest and I owe no one an explanation or loyalty -- at the end of the day these are daily jobs and not a regular job (people come and go as they please).
Now, to the main topic of discussion I selected to also highlight given I am a female in construction, when it comes to women in construction since my last rodeo with this industry a lot has changed. When I went to purchase my steel toe boots at the store, I was surprised to see that there was a greater selection and in larger quantity. Which means that there are a lot more females working in construction than before. But don't be alarmed, we will never overtake the industry, and it will always be male dominant. Women have now gained access to titles such as supervisors, PM (Project Manager), and a lot more trade skills like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, drywall finishers/installers, etc. In that aspect, I feel happy for other women that have reached that milestone and are taken more serious other than "oh yeah you are a woman -- you can do the cleaning" notion. We may never physically have the same brute strength a man will always have over us, but what we lack in physical strength we compensate in brain power aka intellect. Men get easily flustered at any situation, instead we women always have the let's solve this issue and find a solution with creative ideas. For example, at a landscaping gig I was doing last Friday, while the men relied on the operating machine to bring over the pallet of mulch because the roadway was blocked. I took the initiative to look where the pallet was and it was literally around the corner, so I suggested we take the wheel barrel through the building to access the mulch and bring it back through that path. On our way to the mulch, I found a cart which was a lot better and allowed us to bring even more mulch per trip, and it took a woman to figure out a way to continue the work while men just stood there waiting for the road to be cleared because honestly, they didn't want to do all that walking and lifting.
Again, I am not implying women are better than men, but we do have a sixth sense to working around the problem without our macho ego getting in the way and that is what keeps the workflow steady. All in all, men should give women more credit for evening trying to be part of the industry that has everything we do not like having to endure like being sweaty all day; constant loud noises; those awful portable bathrooms; the disturbing smells from either trash or paint, etc. I am proud of all the females kicking some ass and taking names in construction, because only women know how much it really takes to stay in the game without being eliminated. My journey continues and I will have a lot more stories to tell my future children/grandkids/other people's kids. Major Lol. Last little fun fact, I am happy that I have gained more definition in my biceps and hopefully shed a few extra muffin top pounds.
So with all of that let me get back to my main goal of spreading encouragement and reminding myself and others you are not a mistake because God that created you is perfect and He cannot make mistakes. You are here for a plan and a purpose so allow Jesus into your life and discover that plan for your life to be fulfilled. Thank you and remember leaving a small comment or feedback is always welcomed!!
Xoxoxoxoxoxo,
Ana :)
