Wait till you hit 50 and you go to the truck to get something and forget what the hell you are there for. The good news is you'll remember it when you get back to the job site.
One of my bosses thinks he’s fast. He’s throwing around materials and tools, running in circles, going out to the truck constantly, redoing work due to errors and unforeseen dilemmas. And there I am, drilling while thinking of layouts. Bringing in all the material I definitely need, working for a while thinking about what else I might need, going out to the truck only when I need to or when I have a full load of material I need. I get way more done and done correctly and efficiently.
Everything you said was spot on. Coming up through the trade, I had an early employer fire me for being slow and not picking things up fast enough. There came a tome several years down the road the things just clicked, and it seemed most things just started coming more naturally to me and I did get faster. So you can't let early "failures" affect your future.
That’s where I’m at right now. I’m a 2nd year apprentice. Very green still. Got in the trade late I’m about to be 37. I get called dumb and slow all the time. Kinda gets to you after a while. Nobody has the time to teach. Everything has to be done yesterday. So they expect you to know everything on your own.
People that work too fast paced always brag about being fast but spend three days fixing all the issues that come up from poor work. Hmmm, strange. There's the slow and steady wins the race saying for a reason. Don't work slow but stay organized and manage your time and you'll be efficient without effort.
When I was apprentice I preferred working with the slower electrician because i found they explained their logic about why we were doing the things were doing.
Makes perfect sense. My current Jman wants shit done immediately with out having to explain how its done to someone only two months into an apprenticeship.
Thank you for this video. I am in school now at 54 and will graduate in February of 2020. I am slow and I want to be accurate, not lazy. I don’t like to take breaks but work until its finished. I hope I can find a good mentor when I get into the field. Have a great days guys, Joe in PA
I’m got in late as well. I’m a 2nd year apprentice. Will be 37 dec 26. I feel so dumb and slow. And get called dumb and slow. I’m green. Bad it’s very hard to find a good mentor that is willing to teach and not be an asshole all the time just because they been doing it for 20 years.
I was always the slower more precise worker, electrical or otherwise. I found that the maintenance and troubleshooting side of electrical was a better match for me than the construction side
I'm a slow, meticulous type but the things that help me are: thinking ahead, planning, keeping a toolbelt with the tools I need in it for the task at hand. You don't have to stay slow; and it is possible to love yourself and still accept instruction (and criticism). I really like this video because it is a great conversation for two opposites to have. One of the worst things a slow guy could do (and I made this mistake for a long time and it aggravates people) is to say, "I'm just slow and I'll never be able to effectively change myself." It's okay to be who you are, whether fast and sloppy or slow and dependable, but you need to always have the attitude that you can receive instruction and that you can improve. Just do what these guys are doing and have these conversations with everyone you can. It is soooo easy for the slow guy to get beaten down in his mind (and we're our own worst critic), but keep the faith. And hopefully the fast guys will realize the slow guy does want to improve and it would be better to speak to him in an encouraging way whenever you give advice. We NEED you to do that for us. You know we just need more confidence, but mean-spirited criticism never gets us there. The guys in the video, the reason this conversation works is they accept each other, recognize each other's strengths and their own weaknesses, and they are willing to be open. Do that, and make a list of habits that you want to create--things that you know help you stay efficient. And then just work on doing those things every day.
Wow, what incredible recommendations, they sound simple but in reality they are very useful on a day-to-day basis. It seems very crazy to me how I have experienced similar things, being a person with slow performance but simply by planning ahead and being organized my speed and the process to better understand and do everything faster has improved remarkably. Thanks, David
Great video. I'll add that there is no reason , no excuse and no circumstance where a journeyman or superior should be negative and disrespectful or demeaning to an apprentice or subordinate. ZERO. If a person does this to a subordinate. It's a clear sign of abuse, a clear sign of personal issues that need to be addressed. No one should tolerate such behavior.
As someone who has run the work for many years, there's one thing that makes me crazy. KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME Work is not where your social life should be. If you want to talk about the ball game, you better be able to multitask, and do it well. If talking makes you forget to tighten that setscrew or forget that measurement, then maybe you shouldn't be talking. I can accommodate slow workers as long as they are productive workers. Chatting with the A/C guy or checking your phone does nothing to further the ball down the field. Sorry if I sound like a prick, but this is my main pet peeve other than having to do shit twice.
Rick Eckloff right on I’ve had jobs in retail and restaurants but construction jobs are one of the few I just leave my phone in the car or in the pocket of the tool bag to stay focused
Doing it correctly is far more important than doing it fast because there are only 2 ways to do things, right or again. Focus on doing it right and you'll get faster over time is what I tell people getting into the trade
this is definitely me, I work hard but too slow, can't work out why. I was fortunate to have a sparky who refused to scream at me because he remembered how it made him feel. I'm competent enough I just haven't got the experience.......the other option is to learn a European language & work there. I worked with some guys who worked in Spain, france , Germany & Norway & this get everything done yesterday attitude doesn't exist!
yeah man I have been told by multiple employers that they love my attitude and work ethic, but my speed needs a lot of work. Very frustrating but if you work on it, especially being organized, you can find ways to speed up. Also with experience speed just naturally occurs as muscle memory builds
Greetings Dustin. Great episode (long one like mine...lol). Another thing I always tell my students is NEVER be afraid to ask questions and there is never a dumb question by students learning.
For the slow meticulous types, hone in on your ability to do things right and make it a goal to improve your speed. For the fast types who might make a few blunders, hone in on your ability to be efficient and make it a goal to improve quality. Labeling yourself as fast or slow and boxing yourself in with "titles" will be more of a hindrance for you. Realize that you can always improve (there's always room for improvement) and that being cognizant of your traits, good or bad, will help you improve; that is, if you have the mentality to improve your trade work. Great video. I love how you cover all facets of the trade. Keep it up man!
Woke comment. I was waiting for them to mention the same thing. Regardless, if you are currently fast or slow, ALWAYS be looking at ways to improve or be more efficient. It is important, though, not to be seeking the effeciency for somebody else, or for your boss, etc. You SHOULD do it for yourself, to be more self-reliant. So that you know that in a very challenging situation, IT IS something you can and will be able to handle!
I find whenever I rush things, I tend to hurt myself, and I'll forget shit sometimes and end up having to redo some stuff mid-way through. I've recently switched from residential to industrial and everything is much bigger and just takes an awful lot more time. I kind of like it because most of it's exposed so you want it to look good and you need to make sure it's done right the first time, because redoing a big pull is a massive PITA and expensive.
I've worked for companies before that rush, rush, rush, all the time. Every time is crunch time. Eventually you realize "oh this is what you're always like" and it stops having an effect on you and you become immune to it.
Haven't even watched this video but just read the title. Consistency everyone. Being consistent is the most important thing you will learn in the workforce
Awesome video! I know a few fast paced colleagues, always ending up patching up all mistakes! And they always brag about it how fast they can work. Lol
My work atmosphere being an electrician apprentice can be hectic. We have recently had layoffs and men fired for being slow. A good thing though is having a really great group of guys who encourage taking my time. Foremen who cover things and answer questions and want you to take time are awesome yet rare.
Did y'all hear that snap @8:10 That's the finger strength from bending 4/0 all day. Love the content 3rd gen electrician 4 year apprentice 2017 NEC in Hawaii.
I'm brushing up on my math to apply for the ibew rn and I'm only 25 and only ever worked for corporations. That said, I can tell that efficiency and growth comes from the relationship that exists between the two of you. The constructivism is very apparent in both of your demeanors. I hope I get to experience people like you two when I get there.
theres is three different breed of electrician , commercial , residential and service tech , we all respected each other because not one of all three could do the other work fast and efficiently.
Ive had my cdl A for 1 year and ive decided to apply to the ibew local 46 union in Washington state, i have my aptitude test on monday and im excited to leqrn something new and be able to provide and be home every night for my fiance and daughter. Right now im only home on the weekends and i feel like ive missed alot of my daughters life already and shes only 8 months that and wanting to learn more and not be a 1 trick pony is my why
If you always forget things. Bring most of it with you. I bring my husky rolling bag. And a few parts containers that hold all the usual wire nuts, screws, straps etc. The further the walk to the truck, the more you better think it all out, bring both plans. Mainly the job takes what it does, the employers want to keep your productivity high and accurate and certain knowledge and confidence low, so you stay under them as thier slave. But now I work union. Thank god. Everything is better The pay, benifits, pace of work, safety, nicer people, company provided tools other than basic hand tools. Everything about the union has been a dream for me. I have been making 5,500.00 a week. 80 hour weeks, o.t. is mandatory any hours over 8 a day, or saturdays. Double time is mandatory any hours over 10 a day, or sundays. No more will i get ripped off.
There was this one time that my boss asked me that if I had a faster pace for work, and I told him “yes” but that pace is more expensive, he never asked again.
I sit on my cooler when I install receptacles. And I'm fast. It's more about having a routine, rythym. I go around with a box and my cooler to sit on. In the box I keep it organized. Plugs, cover plates, pigtail wire, wire nuts impact, hand tools and a empty cover plate box for the trash. Big thing is not have to come back for any trash. Box under the plug flap out, even strip wire strippings into the box. Then when I do switches or lights I throw on the tool pouch. Think about all the time you will be putting receptacles in throughout your career. Do you want to be able to walk when youre 50? Do your feet fall asleep from being on your knees, sitteg on your foot? Quit on those slave drivers. Join the union. I do industrial work now.
Is it hard to figure out voltage drop, since in the uglys ref, they don't have a room temp thermal conductivity chart, they use 167 degree F, is that a good medium, (or high) value for constant running loads, and what about the conduit expansion joints for thermal expansion, is that usually done in heavy industrial enviroments? I need to get in this shit man, quickly....
Tried 2 plumbing apprenticeships. I was always really slow. Although I always tried to do the best work I possibly could. I would finish sinks and have a guy look at it and tell me everything bad. Fix and try again over and over with everything I was doing. Maybe I tried to make everything perfect which led to me second guessing myself (which has always been a big problem for me) which then led to me stopping to think and taking up more time. It’s nice to hear respectable guys in the trades talking about this stuff. Definitely need more of it if we want more people in these trades!
Being cognizant that you second guess yourself a lot and it cost you time is a good place to start to be quick. I learned a long time ago I cared to much and took to much time. Always remember the worst case scenario is you mess it up and it had to get fixed but in doing that you will learn the right way. If your become way more efficient and make a mistake it's a ying and a yang kind of thing
I'm happy that I've found a happy medium. I always want my shit to look squared and neat. The only thing that makes it faster is being prepared for everytiing. And each step that you make neat makes the next step neater
I love the different perspectives on these conversations. When you start out and want things to be perfect it is hard to get outside of your head and just be a "doer" I love the trade and I'm now on my third year but I have that lack of confidence that stops me from just doing it. I tend to take longer time to do certain things and question my pace like I know I'm taking too long. I love how informative this podcast is. Good shit . I'm forsure like the apprentice and how he thinks. It's helpful when the journeyman understands that you are not slow bc you are bullshitting but that you lack a tad bit of confidence in it. I have to keep reiterating to myself , "I got this and there is no mistake I can't end up fixing" just to be the "doer" lol
Wow. This is something that has really been bothering me about myself at work. YT recommended this video for me at the most appropriate time. Right now I'm in my second year of apprenticeship, and I know that my general pace of work is slower. Lately it's been a little demoralizing, but this was fairly uplifting. Just keep trying, and speed and knowledge will come with repetition and effort. Thanks guys.
The apprentice just needs to stop worrying so much. And allow himself to pick up new methods as he goes and stop trying to be someone who operates when they have 10 plus years.
The goal should not to be fast but efficient. Being efficient is being as fast as your going to be. Takes longer to return to jobs and repair your mistakes.
Love the conversation about learning time and efficiency and learning how to get things done. Unfortunately this doesn’t work in NYC, it’s bust your ass 100% of the time... some shops or one man shops expect you to get it done period! It’s about the money with some people.. they see you stop you costing them money. I appreciate the fact that you take the time to teach efficiency great video
This conversation is sooooo pertinent to painting, and really all finish type work. I've worked for quantity over quality type bosses, and it sucked. It really sucks getting stuck between your boss pushing you to rush, and the customer who isn't happy because the job is getting rushed.
I have said 1 million times that I would rather go over hours (within reason) than produce shotty work. I respect your helper in his meticulousness so long as he knows proper and improper and does such not just is slow due to nervousness.
I've been trying to increase my speed for years. I relate to your apprentice there, the faster I try to go fast and that's where I often fuck up. If I'm left alone, a few tasks might take me a while but it's where I do my best work. A tip that helps me when running EMT is prefab your fittings on your straight pipe before you bend them, if you know you need j-boxes prefab ground pigtails in there.
Hey bros thanks for the content I’m a glazier 2yrs in and I have the same problem with speed. It’s feels like I’m the slowest guy on the team at times. Good to seen others talk about this issue because I felt that I was the only one having this problem
J.a. W Hey man I'm an electrician now but am a journeyman glazier too. Find a service division and you will stay busy fixing everyone else's shit. Get good at technical stuff Doors hardware, layout. Glazing is full of retards. Don't feel bad just work on quality. That's why I switched trades.
Hey Dustin thank you for sharing this videos. I'm just getting into this industry right now taking journeyman class studing the coad. Just found a job and this videos help me what it be like in the field and what to expect. Thank you so much journey 2 master.
that's basically what happened to me . I just started a couple of months ago and my journeyman said I move slow but I think a lot and try to make my work perfect. On my report he put lackadaisical in terms of my speed but he also said I stay on task and Im working but I don't have a sense of urgency. I think Im basically like the guy in the video and Im green. But I have some other factors that slow me down that I know can be fixed but I like to learn how to be good first then fast later
Even though this video is 4 years old, I just passed my journeyman exam about a month and a half ago. Also i took a 9 year break from the trade. It only took my 6 months to pass my exam. That being said I'm on a job that you literally stand around and do nothing to get paid for it. This issue is annoying to me because I'm a get shit done kind of guy. Most of the guys are super young, very green, and have no ambition to move fast. Back in the day it was hurry up every chance you get! Keep up the content I enjoy it, these videos are helping with motivation and keeping my mindset right
I agree man. I mean I’m not a safety freak by any means, in fact when it comes to PPE I’m probably one of the worst I know, but, that’s because generally when I am not wearing PPE, I “know” that i can still be safe. For example when I’m working in the ceiling of a classroom or something like that, i might not wear my hard hat, or I might not wear my gloves when I’m not twisting wire, safety glasses? Please, i cant remember the last time I wore safety glasses when I wasn’t cutting something. But- in my opinion of course, all of that, is much safer than being careless because you’re rushing and not paying attention. I know I’m bad at safety sometimes and its something I’m working on a lot, but I’m never mindless about it, which is what happens when you rush and go too fast and get tunnel vision on the one thing you’re doing and not paying attention to what is going on around you. Just my opinion.
Amen amen brother this is what I was told when I was younger never do something two time do it right the first time. I was told by an old timer haste makes waste
I been doing electrical work for 3 1/2 years and I am still in the world and feel like I am gradually getting faster. I’m in an electrical apprenticeship program and getting ready to pass my exam and take my journeyman test. But I feel like when the day comes they’ll expect so much from me. I hate for them to expect more than what I can do. Is that fine. I hate to fuck up and get scolded. I try to do good and right but it seems like a lot of people now in the trade don’t want to help and they rather throw you under the bus.
Inspectors like and sometimes insist on neat and consistent rough work. My first exposure to electrical was in high school electrical class where steady and methodical work habits were stressed. Nowadays it's all about covering ground and I see a lot of shotty work as a result. See a lot of "shortcuts" being taken especially where no permits pulled.( you didn't here that from me)😎
Holy shot the sitting with legs crossed thing pisses me off more than anything. Took me a solid two months of jumping my apprentice’s shit to end that. Had to explain there was a difference between getting comfortable for a 3 minute task vs an hour task like making up a panel or large j box.
I've been I it for almost 10 year's. And I learned that it wears a crack across the bottom of my boots when I kneel for minutes upon minutes every few minutes... If that makes sense. Nonetheless! I agree completely about being comfortable while doing Electrical work. You should always be aware and (not uncomfortable) but unconditionally ready. All that to be said lol i agree .
For me I like doing the same task In the same order every time. Repetitive motion decreases mistakes and increases speed in my experience. I’m in my second year so still a lot to learn
I agree with this licensed guy 100% Inown small electric company with 3 workers in Ma and im slammed with work. I had a helper who would do the same exact things as you guys are talking about he was slow and slow learner and it took me putting some heat on him to pick it up. At 2 years in he was at where your apprentice sounds like hes at hes 4 years in now better but hes where a 2 year guy should be at 4. You should be able to work at a fast pace without making mistakes and you should become more efficient with repetition. But dependability is most important . Do you show up every day can you be relied on . Are you there when people need you the most. Confidence is key you must be confident to succeed in anything second guessing yourself all the time is a problem need to move beyond it.
Can definitely relate, I try to let it roll off my shoulder when someone lays into about "just getting it done", but at the end of the day I appreciate that they're trying to make me a better tech. My partner can really say some things that cut deep and make me feel like shit, but in a way it motivates me to be more efficient. Almost feels like a big brother little brother relationship. The world is way too fast paced to not be as fast as you can be at your job, there's always other people in line that can do the job as fast if not faster or better.
Lmmfao I’m guilty of multiple trips to the truck, even after i grab what I think I need. I hate smoke breaks btw. That’s why I take a pinch lol. It is a mission!! 😂😂🤣
IV been a apprentice for a year know and this video is pretty much exactly what my Forman and superintendent told me. IV mainly been learning from my Forman mainly because he has been doing this for 35 years and the journeymen that IV been placed under winged shit and it never looked good, know saying that they where just their for a check they didn't care main reason I asked my Forman to teach me and he did and still dose but for me I never got a chance to learn things I wish I did know.
Have one general contractor who initially had a couple smart as comments about me being slow which kinda got under my skin, but two years later I am the on;y electrician he uses. Even if I have schedule conflicts that will cause delays in his own, it doesnt matter. He figured out that I don't work slow. I just like to have a solid and well thought out plan of attack, and quality workmanship is important to me as well. Also, it turns out its not slow when everyone else is cutting holes in his walls and ceilings at the end fixing everything on their punchlists and I'm done and going to the next project. That said, if you are slow, you need to counter that with quality. Ive done a lot of work in resort towns as well leading to long daily commutes. Get in the habit of putting together your list of things to bring the next morning from the shop before you leave the jobsite. Also, like to review my punchlist sitting in the truck before pulling pulling away in the morning. Helps you avoid being 5-10 minutes down the road before remembering what you forgot. Another slow guy tip. One of the most important tools in my bag is my small notepad. If youre going to take your time and be meticulous, be more effecient in other ways like keeping track of things you need to pick up as you encounter them. You waste a ton of time going to grab supplies only to forget one or two things. Also good for keeping track of punch items when you discover them. Especially when the builder points them out. Dont make them tell you twice...
That guy that flashes thru a job is outed when you go to sell the job and it takes you three time as many man hours and material to cover up his work.Witnessed it many times On industrial and marine jobs.
I think sometimes is not about been slow or fast , you just have to adapt to the job you’re doing , every job is different, you have to improvise and not be perfect all the time
sounds to me my friend that you have a case of self-doubt affecting your self-confidence, i say that cause i know what you're saying, i used to have a lot of self-doubts, and it affected my confidence a lot, but i gradually started believing in myself trusting my gut as they say. every job i ever had i just relied on my past experiences to help give me the confidence i needed to trust in myself, i also found once i started believing in myself that i not only got better at the work i was doing but i got faster, i still made mistakes but most of the time i realised an fixed them before they became a problem,
Theres also a difference between being accurate and speedy, and just flat out running yourself into the ground every day. You have stamina, and when you're out of it, you're out.
I too am pretty meticulous and I can get pretty pissed when a foreman lays me out for one thing at a time because that’s how he is thinking. But a good thing I have observed is if I am layed out for like 3 or 4 tasks ahead of time that cranks up the heat and I manage my time wisely. And it also helps when material is organized and not scattered across the job site and I have to bust missions to acquire everything I need.
Wait till you hit 50 and you go to the truck to get something and forget what the hell you are there for. The good news is you'll remember it when you get back to the job site.
Scott Grafer I’m 48 and do hvac and I’m at that point now.have to carry a little pad in my shirt pocket
funnnnnnny
@@xslabcabxhearsex I'm thirty and I carry a pad too 🤣🤣🤣🤣
man, Im 33 and I do this just going to the refrigerator
Just 2 types? GREENHORNS
If your slow but ppl don't have to come behind you and fix shit then you're doing better then 80% of other contractors
Faaaaaaaaaaaaaax
@@austincrs Machiiiiine
@@austincrs u even sound like a sheep
@@light_year6964 we found the bootlicker
Yeah making a shit load of mistakes isn’t profitable.
Good to see Shia LaBeouf is staying busy
Jeff Puff 😂
lol
I think he looks more like Justin Roiland
was wondering who he looked like lol
The real reason he is slow is because he stares at his work yelling "JUST DO IT" at himself
Residential = busting ass for scraps
Commercial = time sensitive but room in the bid.
Industrial = take your time because mistakes are very expensive.
Make that comment a T-shirt!!
Awesome summary
Very real world explanation. Well said!
Hey man, which one is easier to start your own business in future?
Always walk fast and look concerned.
Hahaha
One of my bosses thinks he’s fast. He’s throwing around materials and tools, running in circles, going out to the truck constantly, redoing work due to errors and unforeseen dilemmas. And there I am, drilling while thinking of layouts. Bringing in all the material I definitely need, working for a while thinking about what else I might need, going out to the truck only when I need to or when I have a full load of material I need. I get way more done and done correctly and efficiently.
hahahaha
Remember bosses have alot more on their mind besides work.
@@benjaminvivar7855 Exactly.
Everything you said was spot on. Coming up through the trade, I had an early employer fire me for being slow and not picking things up fast enough. There came a tome several years down the road the things just clicked, and it seemed most things just started coming more naturally to me and I did get faster. So you can't let early "failures" affect your future.
Aye, agreed
I totally agree with you man I’m 1 week in to the trade. My journeymen is on my ass because I work slow
That’s where I’m at right now. I’m a 2nd year apprentice. Very green still. Got in the trade late I’m about to be 37. I get called dumb and slow all the time. Kinda gets to you after a while. Nobody has the time to teach. Everything has to be done yesterday. So they expect you to know everything on your own.
"Slow and steady wins the race." My master with 30 years experience told me this.
mine says "work slow, get done fast"
The turtle always wins
It really does. Stelzer is just too redneck and rednecks never change...
Do it safely; do it accurately. Speed will come.
People that work too fast paced always brag about being fast but spend three days fixing all the issues that come up from poor work. Hmmm, strange. There's the slow and steady wins the race saying for a reason. Don't work slow but stay organized and manage your time and you'll be efficient without effort.
I really like this comment because of the staying organized part.
When I was apprentice I preferred working with the slower electrician because i found they explained their logic about why we were doing the things were doing.
Makes perfect sense. My current Jman wants shit done immediately with out having to explain how its done to someone only two months into an apprenticeship.
@@stevewitte2501 does he allow you anytime to pick his brain about the work you just did that day or he does he not give you the time at all?
Thank you for this video. I am in school now at 54 and will graduate in February of 2020. I am slow and I want to be accurate, not lazy. I don’t like to take breaks but work until its finished. I hope I can find a good mentor when I get into the field.
Have a great days guys,
Joe in PA
I’m got in late as well. I’m a 2nd year apprentice. Will be 37 dec 26. I feel so dumb and slow. And get called dumb and slow. I’m green. Bad it’s very hard to find a good mentor that is willing to teach and not be an asshole all the time just because they been doing it for 20 years.
I was always the slower more precise worker, electrical or otherwise. I found that the maintenance and troubleshooting side of electrical was a better match for me than the construction side
Hey if u don’t mind me asking what side of being a technician did u get into where u trouble shoot and do maintenance?
@@AhLottaAntwan Service Technicians.
I'm a slow, meticulous type but the things that help me are: thinking ahead, planning, keeping a toolbelt with the tools I need in it for the task at hand. You don't have to stay slow; and it is possible to love yourself and still accept instruction (and criticism). I really like this video because it is a great conversation for two opposites to have. One of the worst things a slow guy could do (and I made this mistake for a long time and it aggravates people) is to say, "I'm just slow and I'll never be able to effectively change myself." It's okay to be who you are, whether fast and sloppy or slow and dependable, but you need to always have the attitude that you can receive instruction and that you can improve. Just do what these guys are doing and have these conversations with everyone you can. It is soooo easy for the slow guy to get beaten down in his mind (and we're our own worst critic), but keep the faith. And hopefully the fast guys will realize the slow guy does want to improve and it would be better to speak to him in an encouraging way whenever you give advice. We NEED you to do that for us. You know we just need more confidence, but mean-spirited criticism never gets us there. The guys in the video, the reason this conversation works is they accept each other, recognize each other's strengths and their own weaknesses, and they are willing to be open. Do that, and make a list of habits that you want to create--things that you know help you stay efficient. And then just work on doing those things every day.
Wow, what incredible recommendations, they sound simple but in reality they are very useful on a day-to-day basis. It seems very crazy to me how I have experienced similar things, being a person with slow performance but simply by planning ahead and being organized my speed and the process to better understand and do everything faster has improved remarkably. Thanks, David
I knew I fit in the electrical field because I’ve always enjoyed saying the F word lmao.
Great video.
I'll add that there is no reason , no excuse and no circumstance where a journeyman or superior should be negative and disrespectful or demeaning to an apprentice or subordinate. ZERO.
If a person does this to a subordinate. It's a clear sign of abuse, a clear sign of personal issues that need to be addressed. No one should tolerate such behavior.
Came down to the comments to make sure someone made a Shia LaBeouf joke. Happy to see it was the top comment.
As someone who has run the work for many years, there's one thing that makes me crazy.
KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME
Work is not where your social life should be. If you want to talk about the ball game, you better be able to multitask, and do it well. If talking makes you forget to tighten that setscrew or forget that measurement, then maybe you shouldn't be talking.
I can accommodate slow workers as long as they are productive workers.
Chatting with the A/C guy or checking your phone does nothing to further the ball down the field.
Sorry if I sound like a prick, but this is my main pet peeve other than having to do shit twice.
Rick Eckloff right on I’ve had jobs in retail and restaurants but construction jobs are one of the few I just leave my phone in the car or in the pocket of the tool bag to stay focused
Pretty sure the goal for this video is not to here people complain about employees. Share something interesting, no ones needs your stress.
@@jansentrichas8635 what are you 12? Its completely relevant to the video topic and he offers constructive advice. Gtfo.
Doing it correctly is far more important than doing it fast because there are only 2 ways to do things, right or again. Focus on doing it right and you'll get faster over time is what I tell people getting into the trade
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
this is definitely me, I work hard but too slow, can't work out why. I was fortunate to have a sparky who refused to scream at me because he remembered how it made him feel. I'm competent enough I just haven't got the experience.......the other option is to learn a European language & work there. I worked with some guys who worked in Spain, france , Germany & Norway & this get everything done yesterday attitude doesn't exist!
yeah man I have been told by multiple employers that they love my attitude and work ethic, but my speed needs a lot of work. Very frustrating but if you work on it, especially being organized, you can find ways to speed up. Also with experience speed just naturally occurs as muscle memory builds
When he said second guessing himself I FELT THAT! I always get yelled at for being slow because I'm meticulous and yup. I needed this video.
I love this video, I'm a 2nd year inside wire woman, and I can relate. Love your videos.
You're a rare kind of woman! 💪🏼
Greetings Dustin. Great episode (long one like mine...lol). Another thing I always tell my students is NEVER be afraid to ask questions and there is never a dumb question by students learning.
For the slow meticulous types, hone in on your ability to do things right and make it a goal to improve your speed. For the fast types who might make a few blunders, hone in on your ability to be efficient and make it a goal to improve quality. Labeling yourself as fast or slow and boxing yourself in with "titles" will be more of a hindrance for you. Realize that you can always improve (there's always room for improvement) and that being cognizant of your traits, good or bad, will help you improve; that is, if you have the mentality to improve your trade work. Great video. I love how you cover all facets of the trade. Keep it up man!
Woke comment. I was waiting for them to mention the same thing. Regardless, if you are currently fast or slow, ALWAYS be looking at ways to improve or be more efficient.
It is important, though, not to be seeking the effeciency for somebody else, or for your boss, etc. You SHOULD do it for yourself, to be more self-reliant. So that you know that in a very challenging situation, IT IS something you can and will be able to handle!
The ability to switch gears***Priceless***
"I only have two speeds, and if you don't like this one, you sure as hell won't like the next one!" ⚡️👌😎
I find whenever I rush things, I tend to hurt myself, and I'll forget shit sometimes and end up having to redo some stuff mid-way through. I've recently switched from residential to industrial and everything is much bigger and just takes an awful lot more time. I kind of like it because most of it's exposed so you want it to look good and you need to make sure it's done right the first time, because redoing a big pull is a massive PITA and expensive.
I've worked for companies before that rush, rush, rush, all the time. Every time is crunch time. Eventually you realize "oh this is what you're always like" and it stops having an effect on you and you become immune to it.
Haven't even watched this video but just read the title. Consistency everyone. Being consistent is the most important thing you will learn in the workforce
Awesome video! I know a few fast paced colleagues, always ending up patching up all mistakes! And they always brag about it how fast they can work. Lol
Dustin you always hit the nail on the head on real work related topics! You got a good apprentice! I can relate to him. Keep up the great videos.
My work atmosphere being an electrician apprentice can be hectic. We have recently had layoffs and men fired for being slow. A good thing though is having a really great group of guys who encourage taking my time.
Foremen who cover things and answer questions and want you to take time are awesome yet rare.
Did y'all hear that snap @8:10 That's the finger strength from bending 4/0 all day. Love the content 3rd gen electrician 4 year apprentice 2017 NEC in Hawaii.
I'm brushing up on my math to apply for the ibew rn and I'm only 25 and only ever worked for corporations. That said, I can tell that efficiency and growth comes from the relationship that exists between the two of you. The constructivism is very apparent in both of your demeanors. I hope I get to experience people like you two when I get there.
theres is three different breed of electrician , commercial , residential and service tech , we all respected each other because not one of all three could do the other work fast and efficiently.
Ive had my cdl A for 1 year and ive decided to apply to the ibew local 46 union in Washington state, i have my aptitude test on monday and im excited to leqrn something new and be able to provide and be home every night for my fiance and daughter. Right now im only home on the weekends and i feel like ive missed alot of my daughters life already and shes only 8 months that and wanting to learn more and not be a 1 trick pony is my why
If you always forget things. Bring most of it with you. I bring my husky rolling bag. And a few parts containers that hold all the usual wire nuts, screws, straps etc. The further the walk to the truck, the more you better think it all out, bring both plans. Mainly the job takes what it does, the employers want to keep your productivity high and accurate and certain knowledge and confidence low, so you stay under them as thier slave. But now I work union. Thank god. Everything is better The pay, benifits, pace of work, safety, nicer people, company provided tools other than basic hand tools. Everything about the union has been a dream for me. I have been making 5,500.00 a week. 80 hour weeks, o.t. is mandatory any hours over 8 a day, or saturdays. Double time is mandatory any hours over 10 a day, or sundays. No more will i get ripped off.
There was this one time that my boss asked me that if I had a faster pace for work, and I told him “yes” but that pace is more expensive, he never asked again.
"Good, fast or cheap? Pick two" is what I tell em
@@randymathews3348 right on
You guys really help me, sometimes i feel like I'm going backwards. Thank you
I sit on my cooler when I install receptacles. And I'm fast. It's more about having a routine, rythym. I go around with a box and my cooler to sit on. In the box I keep it organized. Plugs, cover plates, pigtail wire, wire nuts impact, hand tools and a empty cover plate box for the trash. Big thing is not have to come back for any trash. Box under the plug flap out, even strip wire strippings into the box. Then when I do switches or lights I throw on the tool pouch. Think about all the time you will be putting receptacles in throughout your career. Do you want to be able to walk when youre 50? Do your feet fall asleep from being on your knees, sitteg on your foot? Quit on those slave drivers. Join the union. I do industrial work now.
Lived like knee problems didn’t exist; now I have serious knee problems. Don’t do stupid shit to try to speed up.
John Doe so how many receptacles can you do in 5 minutes ?
Sounds very good , where can I apply.
Is it hard to figure out voltage drop, since in the uglys ref, they don't have a room temp thermal conductivity chart, they use 167 degree F, is that a good medium, (or high) value for constant running loads, and what about the conduit expansion joints for thermal expansion, is that usually done in heavy industrial enviroments? I need to get in this shit man, quickly....
If I'm an hour slower in a day than another guy, but the other guy has a callback? I'm faster than him.
Most companies want " Yes " men.
Yes master, anything you want master
Tried 2 plumbing apprenticeships. I was always really slow. Although I always tried to do the best work I possibly could. I would finish sinks and have a guy look at it and tell me everything bad. Fix and try again over and over with everything I was doing. Maybe I tried to make everything perfect which led to me second guessing myself (which has always been a big problem for me) which then led to me stopping to think and taking up more time. It’s nice to hear respectable guys in the trades talking about this stuff. Definitely need more of it if we want more people in these trades!
I have a 13” Milwaukee job box that a have that i use to sit down when i put outlets but i will run circles around most electrician.
Being cognizant that you second guess yourself a lot and it cost you time is a good place to start to be quick. I learned a long time ago I cared to much and took to much time. Always remember the worst case scenario is you mess it up and it had to get fixed but in doing that you will learn the right way. If your become way more efficient and make a mistake it's a ying and a yang kind of thing
I'm happy that I've found a happy medium. I always want my shit to look squared and neat. The only thing that makes it faster is being prepared for everytiing. And each step that you make neat makes the next step neater
I love the different perspectives on these conversations. When you start out and want things to be perfect it is hard to get outside of your head and just be a "doer" I love the trade and I'm now on my third year but I have that lack of confidence that stops me from just doing it. I tend to take longer time to do certain things and question my pace like I know I'm taking too long. I love how informative this podcast is. Good shit . I'm forsure like the apprentice and how he thinks. It's helpful when the journeyman understands that you are not slow bc you are bullshitting but that you lack a tad bit of confidence in it. I have to keep reiterating to myself , "I got this and there is no mistake I can't end up fixing" just to be the "doer" lol
About to get out of the army and realize that apprentice jobs are minimal in SE Texas. Fuck my life
Wow. This is something that has really been bothering me about myself at work. YT recommended this video for me at the most appropriate time. Right now I'm in my second year of apprenticeship, and I know that my general pace of work is slower. Lately it's been a little demoralizing, but this was fairly uplifting. Just keep trying, and speed and knowledge will come with repetition and effort. Thanks guys.
I'v been watching a lot of your videos learning about being an electrician and you are really inspiring. Thanks for putting this out there.
The apprentice just needs to stop worrying so much. And allow himself to pick up new methods as he goes and stop trying to be someone who operates when they have 10 plus years.
The goal should not to be fast but efficient. Being efficient is being as fast as your going to be. Takes longer to return to jobs and repair your mistakes.
Love the conversation about learning time and efficiency and learning how to get things done. Unfortunately this doesn’t work in NYC, it’s bust your ass 100% of the time... some shops or one man shops expect you to get it done period! It’s about the money with some people.. they see you stop you costing them money. I appreciate the fact that you take the time to teach efficiency great video
This conversation is sooooo pertinent to painting, and really all finish type work. I've worked for quantity over quality type bosses, and it sucked.
It really sucks getting stuck between your boss pushing you to rush, and the customer who isn't happy because the job is getting rushed.
I have said 1 million times that I would rather go over hours (within reason) than produce shotty work. I respect your helper in his meticulousness so long as he knows proper and improper and does such not just is slow due to nervousness.
I've been trying to increase my speed for years. I relate to your apprentice there, the faster I try to go fast and that's where I often fuck up. If I'm left alone, a few tasks might take me a while but it's where I do my best work. A tip that helps me when running EMT is prefab your fittings on your straight pipe before you bend them, if you know you need j-boxes prefab ground pigtails in there.
First Day as a helper. I've been thinking for a long time. Thanks for the input Mang
Hey bros thanks for the content I’m a glazier 2yrs in and I have the same problem with speed. It’s feels like I’m the slowest guy on the team at times. Good to seen others talk about this issue because I felt that I was the only one having this problem
J.a. W
Hey man
I'm an electrician now but am a journeyman glazier too.
Find a service division and you will stay busy fixing everyone else's shit.
Get good at technical stuff
Doors hardware, layout.
Glazing is full of retards.
Don't feel bad just work on quality.
That's why I switched trades.
That is why I tell every apprentice I meet get out of construction and start a resume to work directly for a large company.
That would be awesome, but everyone tells me the big companies want ppl with experience.
Really good video. I'm slow but my work is beautiful. Finding a line between speed and beauty is what I struggle with most.
Just started my 3rd year. I’m running service calls, billing the customer, on call bi weekly, and treated the same as the other techs on the team.
I work slow but do my best so i make no errors doing it,I’ve noticed whenever i rush things i mess up most of the times
Precisely! A thing done good once is twice done!
Hey Dustin thank you for sharing this videos. I'm just getting into this industry right now taking journeyman class studing the coad. Just found a job and this videos help me what it be like in the field and what to expect. Thank you so much journey 2 master.
that's basically what happened to me . I just started a couple of months ago and my journeyman said I move slow but I think a lot and try to make my work perfect. On my report he put lackadaisical in terms of my speed but he also said I stay on task and Im working but I don't have a sense of urgency. I think Im basically like the guy in the video and Im green. But I have some other factors that slow me down that I know can be fixed but I like to learn how to be good first then fast later
Hows it going now? Still with it?
Probably one of the best videos of yours I have watched
Even though this video is 4 years old, I just passed my journeyman exam about a month and a half ago. Also i took a 9 year break from the trade. It only took my 6 months to pass my exam. That being said I'm on a job that you literally stand around and do nothing to get paid for it.
This issue is annoying to me because I'm a get shit done kind of guy.
Most of the guys are super young, very green, and have no ambition to move fast. Back in the day it was hurry up every chance you get!
Keep up the content I enjoy it, these videos are helping with motivation and keeping my mindset right
I have one speed, I just go. Safety is number one priority
Kevin Agree can't be safe if you are rushing sometimes slower is better
Kevin safety is usually my number three priority. Hot milfs are my number one
1000%
@@eddiew2325 Fuck yeah! Ofcourse.
I agree man. I mean I’m not a safety freak by any means, in fact when it comes to PPE I’m probably one of the worst I know, but, that’s because generally when I am not wearing PPE, I “know” that i can still be safe. For example when I’m working in the ceiling of a classroom or something like that, i might not wear my hard hat, or I might not wear my gloves when I’m not twisting wire, safety glasses? Please, i cant remember the last time I wore safety glasses when I wasn’t cutting something. But- in my opinion of course, all of that, is much safer than being careless because you’re rushing and not paying attention. I know I’m bad at safety sometimes and its something I’m working on a lot, but I’m never mindless about it, which is what happens when you rush and go too fast and get tunnel vision on the one thing you’re doing and not paying attention to what is going on around you. Just my opinion.
Great video guys.. 2nd year apprentice and I can relate to so much of this. Appreciate the honesty from both sides.
I worked for a “piece” work company and now I work for an hourly company. I can tell you it is really 2 different worlds
And there’s companies that want you to work like your on a price and pay you hourly rate
So which is better?
@@MrWzeljunior Hourly in my opinion.
Amen amen brother this is what I was told when I was younger never do something two time do it right the first time.
I was told by an old timer haste makes waste
I been doing electrical work for 3 1/2 years and I am still in the world and feel like I am gradually getting faster. I’m in an electrical apprenticeship program and getting ready to pass my exam and take my journeyman test. But I feel like when the day comes they’ll expect so much from me. I hate for them to expect more than what I can do. Is that fine. I hate to fuck up and get scolded. I try to do good and right but it seems like a lot of people now in the trade don’t want to help and they rather throw you under the bus.
Inspectors like and sometimes insist on neat and consistent rough work. My first exposure to electrical was in high school electrical class where steady and methodical work habits were stressed. Nowadays it's all about covering ground and I see a lot of shotty work as a result. See a lot of "shortcuts" being taken especially where no permits pulled.( you didn't here that from me)😎
Holy shot the sitting with legs crossed thing pisses me off more than anything. Took me a solid two months of jumping my apprentice’s shit to end that. Had to explain there was a difference between getting comfortable for a 3 minute task vs an hour task like making up a panel or large j box.
I've been I it for almost 10 year's. And I learned that it wears a crack across the bottom of my boots when I kneel for minutes upon minutes every few minutes... If that makes sense. Nonetheless! I agree completely about being comfortable while doing Electrical work. You should always be aware and (not uncomfortable) but unconditionally ready. All that to be said lol i agree .
What's wrong with sitting down, no point in screwing your back and body up
@@ekgerickellygames1976 Some people only care about time and money. They'll be regretting it in 10-15 years..
6:08 I'm 6 months into my Electrical apprenticeship, no school yet and this is what the company expects of me at this point in time...
They're either delusional or have very high expectations of your abilities!
35:20 that is true for everything. And if they hate what they do, so too will you.
Jjst found ur page and glad I did it very helpful and helped me refocus for what I have going on at work
For me I like doing the same task In the same order every time. Repetitive motion decreases mistakes and increases speed in my experience. I’m in my second year so still a lot to learn
I agree with this licensed guy 100%
Inown small electric company with 3 workers in Ma and im slammed with work. I had a helper who would do the same exact things as you guys are talking about he was slow and slow learner and it took me putting some heat on him to pick it up. At 2 years in he was at where your apprentice sounds like hes at hes 4 years in now better but hes where a 2 year guy should be at 4.
You should be able to work at a fast pace without making mistakes and you should become more efficient with repetition. But dependability is most important . Do you show up every day can you be relied on . Are you there when people need you the most.
Confidence is key you must be confident to succeed in anything second guessing yourself all the time is a problem need to move beyond it.
What do guys at a small shop make? Is it worth stressing over?
Great conversation.i bet this conversation has happened for thousands of years
I'm an electrician and I'm glad I find your channel. Great
Have u thought of doing a shirt in high viz, that'd be great for the jobsites
Do what you do do it well this is your motivation ready for this never I mean never stop learning that's the key it will all come in time
Just think of all the time that would be save if they eliminated "fuck. - ing, -ed" from their discussions.
Love the videos by the way ; inspiring & enjoyable
Can definitely relate, I try to let it roll off my shoulder when someone lays into about "just getting it done", but at the end of the day I appreciate that they're trying to make me a better tech. My partner can really say some things that cut deep and make me feel like shit, but in a way it motivates me to be more efficient. Almost feels like a big brother little brother relationship. The world is way too fast paced to not be as fast as you can be at your job, there's always other people in line that can do the job as fast if not faster or better.
Lmmfao I’m guilty of multiple trips to the truck, even after i grab what I think I need. I hate smoke breaks btw. That’s why I take a pinch lol. It is a mission!! 😂😂🤣
Thanks brother for the video!! I appreciate it
IV been a apprentice for a year know and this video is pretty much exactly what my Forman and superintendent told me. IV mainly been learning from my Forman mainly because he has been doing this for 35 years and the journeymen that IV been placed under winged shit and it never looked good, know saying that they where just their for a check they didn't care main reason I asked my Forman to teach me and he did and still dose but for me I never got a chance to learn things I wish I did know.
Have one general contractor who initially had a couple smart as comments about me being slow which kinda got under my skin, but two years later I am the on;y electrician he uses. Even if I have schedule conflicts that will cause delays in his own, it doesnt matter. He figured out that I don't work slow. I just like to have a solid and well thought out plan of attack, and quality workmanship is important to me as well. Also, it turns out its not slow when everyone else is cutting holes in his walls and ceilings at the end fixing everything on their punchlists and I'm done and going to the next project. That said, if you are slow, you need to counter that with quality. Ive done a lot of work in resort towns as well leading to long daily commutes. Get in the habit of putting together your list of things to bring the next morning from the shop before you leave the jobsite. Also, like to review my punchlist sitting in the truck before pulling pulling away in the morning. Helps you avoid being 5-10 minutes down the road before remembering what you forgot. Another slow guy tip. One of the most important tools in my bag is my small notepad. If youre going to take your time and be meticulous, be more effecient in other ways like keeping track of things you need to pick up as you encounter them. You waste a ton of time going to grab supplies only to forget one or two things. Also good for keeping track of punch items when you discover them. Especially when the builder points them out. Dont make them tell you twice...
I would be trying to move crazy fast and doing that would slow me down because I'd forget about and make 4 trips to the truck. There's a happy medium
That guy that flashes thru a job is outed when you go to sell the job and it takes you three time as many man hours and material to cover up his work.Witnessed it many times On industrial and marine jobs.
3:10
Pick two. Pretty much how it goes with anything involving this triangle..
I think sometimes is not about been slow or fast , you just have to adapt to the job you’re doing , every job is different, you have to improvise and not be perfect all the time
I ended up running things as a second year. My foreman (50+yo) blew himself up in a 347v panel. I took over the job and rocked it. Never looked back.
One of your Best Videos.
Exercise. And lots of water. And stay focused and everyday try to be better and faster than the previous day
Your not fast cuz ur fast. Your fast when you know exactly what you need to do. Knowledge is the key to speed.
Some guys are slow even when they know what to do
sounds to me my friend that you have a case of self-doubt affecting your self-confidence, i say that cause i know what you're saying, i used to have a lot of self-doubts, and it affected my confidence a lot, but i gradually started believing in myself trusting my gut as they say. every job i ever had i just relied on my past experiences to help give me the confidence i needed to trust in myself, i also found once i started believing in myself that i not only got better at the work i was doing but i got faster, i still made mistakes but most of the time i realised an fixed them before they became a problem,
Theres also a difference between being accurate and speedy, and just flat out running yourself into the ground every day. You have stamina, and when you're out of it, you're out.
I too am pretty meticulous and I can get pretty pissed when a foreman lays me out for one thing at a time because that’s how he is thinking. But a good thing I have observed is if I am layed out for like 3 or 4 tasks ahead of time that cranks up the heat and I manage my time wisely. And it also helps when material is organized and not scattered across the job site and I have to bust missions to acquire everything I need.