5 Things I HATE About Being an Electrician!
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Whether you are an apprentice, a Journeyman, or even an electrical contractor, if you choose to live the exotic life of an electrician, there are going to be things that you just don’t like about the trade! Don’t get me wrong, while there are plenty of things that we LOVE about the trade (otherwise we probably wouldn’t be doing it!!), there are certainly things that we don’t like. In the latest episode of Electrician U, Dustin discusses a few of the things that he HATES!
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First on the list are the early mornings. Most of us start our work shift at 0700 (or earlier) and will be working that early for most (if not all) or our careers. Heck, sometimes we must be to work earlier than that! And unless you are the type to get up much earlier and get prepped for your day (get coffee or breakfast, workout, etc.) then that leaves you screeching into the parking lot with minutes to spare (if any at all). To make things easier, set your alarm early, get up when it goes off (in lieu of hitting snooze), get prepped for your day, and get on with it! However, a bonus for having to be to work at some ungodly hour of the morning means you generally will be off early, so you can do the necessary things that need to be done then.
The next thing has got to be the worst. Digging! I think we can all agree that digging trenches/holes with a shovel is a hot, laborious, and backbreaking task. And if the power isn’t being taken from overhead, that only leaves us with underground. And if you live anywhere near central Texas (I am sure there are other locations out there that are close in soil composition), that means you are living ON a rock making the task that much worse!! Let’s face it, digging several hundred feet of trench in the dead of summer would make anyone HATE it! A necessary evil, but one that no one likes.
Having to work in attics has got to be closely behind digging. Most electricians despise crawling in attics and will do most anything to avoid it. Why do you think the apprentice usually gets this lovely task?! Most attics are not overly spacious (in fact many can be quite claustrophobic), are usually very warm in temperature (here in central Texas, attics can approach 150 degrees in the summer!) and are generally FILLED with itchy insulation. But again, the same as with having to install conduit underground, we can’t WISH the power to get from point A to point B, so we have to put it somewhere! To make the attic work a bit easier, plan ahead, take up everything you need to get done, and just slog through it as quick as you can. It also helps to plan said attic work for earlier in the morning when temps are a bit cooler.
Working at heights is nightmarish for many electricians. And considering that our conduits or light fixtures won’t install themselves at the ceiling level, a task that needs to be done, like it or not. The fear of working at heights can be exacerbated by using rickety ladders or equipment that doesn’t feel very stable. However, it’s been my experience that the fear DOES lessen with time, and several years into your career, it should be a bit easier. A big piece of advice is to let your journeyman know if you have a huge fear of heights, so they can watch out for you and assist if you freeze while working up high!
While most of us LOVE new tools (or just love tools in general), the quantity of tools needed to perform at/above the journey level can be the bane of many electricians. Seems we have a separate tool for every task! And considering ALL the different tasks us electricians perform, that equates to a van/truck FULL of tools. This leaves a whole lot of equipment to keep track of, to take care of, and can be quite expensive.
These are the things that Dustin hates about being an electrician. What are some of yours? Leave a comment in the comment section and let us know. Is there a topic you would like to see discussed on Electrician U? Also leave a comment and let us know what you would like to have Dustin discuss. Please continue to follow Dustin and Electrician U as we are constantly updating our content to assist our followers in becoming the best electricians that they can be.
#electrician #electrical #electricity
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What drives me crazy is thinking I have what I need, and once in the attic, realize I forgot something. As I get older, I seem to feel sore far longer.
That's always a pain, or when you put it down next to you and it goes to another dimension...
I don't like getting started and then you realize you need something and then you have to put everything away and drive to Lowes or Home Depot to get what you need. Then you get back to the job and get everything out and you work for an hour and then you need something else 😠. Then you have to put everything away and run back out to the store over again and one more hour wasted 🙄
@@willschultz5452 oh my - happens more than I’d like to admit 🥹
Agreed I try not to take on attic work anymore.
@@rubengonzales745 thanks to COVID and lots of leftover masks, at least I’m not breathing in all the attic dust. Although my body isn’t recovering from all the bending and twisting. Haha - use to be easier.
Starting out as an apprentice is tough. I was getting paid 12/hr in 2021 and I was grateful to be getting that much. I had no XP or tools. I would buy 1 thing a week. My first purchase was the small Milwaukee impact. That purchase alone helped out a lot. My second was a Husky linesman's, needle nose, and angle cutters pack. With those 2 purchases alone I was able to do 80% of the job 80% of the time(mostly residential). However, go ahead and pay good money for a good multimeter. And never trust your journeyman or master electrician saying "the circuit is off". Check that shit for yourself.
How much do you make now?
100 percent
@@anthonya6693 currently making 15/hr. Still have a long way to go to get to 8000 hours to take the test.
You should be getting paid more than that as an apprentice those are liveable wages
@@patientx4725 whats the 1 yr update on the pay bro ? im in trade school now doing some side jobs here and there, im hype !
I'm so glad you mentioned complaint 6. It's a large barrier to entry to each trade.
You are so right about the infighting! I try my best to have respectful, constructive conversations online, but every once in a while I run into the "I know everything and you're an idiot!" type of person and it's just sad. 😔
Edit: I try, REALLY hard to lift up the people around me in the trade. I also try to remember that no matter how much you learn, every person you meet knows something of value that you don't. Interact with an open mind and you will learn all the more! 😃👍
I had someone call me an idiot for saying a plastic box didn't need to be grounded. Like bruh, it's non conductive. You don't need to put a ground screw in it 😂
@@ethanbattermann7123 One thing I make sure of is to be able to sight my articles. As far as I'm concerned I'd better put up or shut up. And that goes for everyone too.
@@cali-electro-dad oh I agree, always cite sources. The problem is that many people will misinterpret the code or quote it out of context
@ethanbattermann7123 IDK why so many people think it's up for interpretation. I've have set a lot of folks straight by bringing it back to chapter 1. Ya gotta know your definitions.
@@cali-electro-dad dude. Preach. It's not a law that's up for interpretation, it's a set of strict definitions with exact meanings. No wishy-washy "it could mean this" nuh uh
That last point about how electricians treat each other really hits home. I appreciate you calling this out in such a well explained manner. Really needs to be talked about more. Thanks for the great content!
Indeed. And it's the same thing with Cable guys and Alarm techs.
Omg dude. You are so right about the last point. I’m a union electrician in Florida I went through the IBEW apprenticeship here but I met so many obnoxious, egotistical and hateful journeymen that I almost walked away from the trade. I’m originally from the north and I can say with certainty that the people up north are more brotherly and they help you become a better mechanic at your craft. I have not experienced that since I moved to Florida. It’s really sad.
Sorry to hear that brother. I've heard about some Florida locals and how they can be. Really all across the south in general. Hope things look up for you. Solidarity from lu 22 ✊️✌️
Yep, they act like that kind of behavior is normal too
I was an apprentice in the Kansas City local for about a year. Everyone was so mean and miserable I had to walk away. Said I hated the job but the people just made it terrible
Ooooo I think you are going to aggravate some plumbers !
There is more fittings and hardware for electrical work than any other trade !
Oh yes TEST , TEST AGAIN , TEST AGAIN , HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH
After 57 years I just started "trying to be an electrician" about 8 months ago. I was very lucky to stumble upon the company I work with. It's A small family business run by A man and his wife and he has over 40 years of experience. I am just intrigued by the amount of knowledge, tools and common sense that this guy has! We are known as an Electric company, but we do jobs from HVAC, drywall, floor refinishing, ceiling tile, painting, demolition, etc. etc. etc.!! I can relate to ALL OF THE ABOVE. I've learned so much that it's so easy to forget some of the things that I have learned! Scissor jacks are hard to get used to and seem A bit sketchy until you get used to them. I wished I would have started this trade when I was much younger...probably could be running my own business by now and maybe even thinking about retirement. Trying to teach my son who is 17 to learn A skill now and stay with it...Be the BEST at one job and be rewarded years later .
Just wanna say don't pressure him too much into what society says. I have welding Certs for all processes, I was great in school, but even with certs and knowledge i can't get hired to any good jobs in the field that pays a living wage. I'm 21 and all jobs want 10years of experience required. I've applied to jobs that **prefer** 1 or 2 years to hear nothing back. It's messed up.
Dude, you speak the truth! Thanks for being honest to your subscribers!
I'm an engineer and a DIYer, so probably hated by many of your subscribers! I love the passion you have for what you do. I wish more people had it and would take pride in their work. It sucks there are so many people willing to take too many shortcuts.
So true!
I agree. People seem to have no pride in there work today. They are all there to collect a pay check and do it with as little work as possible. This is true in all industries.
So true! I'm now a retired electrical engineer who was motivated in high school as a junior apprentice supporting both residential and commercial work to become an electrical engineer!!! In my career, I was often assigned to work with the trades because of my respect and ability to work the skilled trades. Now, working on my own properties, want everything I touch up to code, which even for an engineer, the NEC 2020 isn't easy. The Electrician U channel has been extremely valuable!
No hate. We're all DIY'rs in some respects of our life. Don't think electricians don't do their own plumbing work, or vice versa. 😉
I doubt most sparkies would hate you for doing DIY work. Speaking for myself, I only really hate it when people do dangerous things because they couldn't be bothered to look up the right way to do it. We're dealing with a literal force of nature here! It can and will kill you!
I hated attics when I was doing residential. In my early 20’s I did a lot of residential. There’s definitely different challenges to the different aspects of the trade. I loved learning in the beginning. Electricity is fascinating.
Gotta do attics in the mornings during summer cause it gets soo hot up there
I forgot that thing you forgot. Ha ha too
funny, I hate digging. But enjoy watching someone else suffer for a while. Is that weird or what? ⚡⚡⚡😀
I feel that I'm like you, and enjoy the technical information about the job, just about finished my first year of apprenticeship
how do you get started with an electrical apprenticeship?
WA state inside wireman here. Completely agree on all points. Although I think the shovel may be the #1 most hated spot for me. The tools carried for a job is a balance of cost, weight, and convenience.
I've only been doing this for about a year but I love it, like you I particularly enjoy learning theory and code, knowing the whys behind it all. And honestly the feeling of turning on a switch and everything you just installed turning on properly is the best. My biggest beef though is cheap shitty fixtures (usually residential ones) that are a pain in the cojones to install, I honestly wish manufacturers would spare a tiny bit of thought for the poor bastard that has to work with them.
I hate installing ceiling fans and light fixtures. Other than that I love the trade lol. Also , that getting up early shit is for the birds. I don’t schedule my first job until between 9-10 am every day 👍
One of the things I hate the most about being an electrician or just being in construction in general is the bathroom situation lol. When I work in occupied buildings no problem but sites where there are porta potties really make me question my life choices. Then when it’s an occupied building but they bring in porta potties because they don’t want you to use their washrooms is the worst.
Sketchiest thing I've done with a 25 ft extension ladder is to use it freestanding to change a light bulb. My assistant held the ladder and I went up. 🥺
Ahhh the best kind. Thankfully for me, I was built skinny as hell. LoL
Real American hero!
Digging is good for you. It builds character. Don't stop till you smell rice.
Texas is not that hot. Try working here in the Mojave desert in So Cal. 120f + is not uncommon. Two summers ago we had 117f everyday for 30 days straight. We worked outdoors for 10 hours a day. After 25 years I still love my job. Union is the only way to go if you wanna make some real $.
Awesome video.
I’m totally onboard with most of what you said. Not really attics though. In PA, attics get hot in the summer but I don’t spend much time in them. Heights I ABSOLUTELY hate if I’m on an extension ladder, especially because yesterday I fell 10 feet off of one and messed up my back and leg. Keep up the good work! Next video: 5 top things you love about being an electrician.
Holy shit! Hope you re ok man!
Greetings from PA
@@Hitman.13. I’m good. I wasn’t for a few hours after it happened. Knocked the wind out of me for 30 seconds, but I kept through the work day, just a bit slower. Now I’m still sore in my back, but I’m almost moving around like normal. Definitely learned my lesson: extension ladders bad lol
Dustin I applaud you brother because you know far more than I do. And your right it's all about the ego. I know where your coming from, I really hate it when I'm stressed for time and I don't have the tool I need. Keep up the good work.
I love being an electrical apprentice I love studying I love learning about it
One thing I don’t like is
Is fixing others people mistakes
I learned the old fashion way “ if you are not going to do it right don’t do it, if you don’t know how to do something don’t do it an just ask” so when I see mistakes that could of been avoided! 😅😂
Let me know if you feel the same way when you’re 40-50 years old.
could've*
Preech! If you make the mistake you should be the one to fix it. Less likely you’ll make the mistake again if you know how much of a pain it was to fix it.
@@babyhuez597 Im 40, and at least for me as well, I agree with what he said. Though depending, I am trying to look at it as a positive, just means more money for me.
Fixing someone else's mistake is really no different than fixing any other problem. Who cares? You will have a lot less stress and sleep better at night if you just focus on doing the work regardless of why. I never minded fixing other electrician's work because it shows the foreman/supervisor/customer who they can depend on and who they can't. When times are lean, I know I'll be working when they are sitting at home.
Made the switch from resi to commercial 6 months ago... am finally feeling like I have most of the tools I need to work smarter not harder. I literally have grown to hate going into home depot just because when I do I know I'm not walking out without something new I think myself or my old man sparky needs.
Been thinking about making the switch from residential to commercial too, would you say it was the right move?
@@blackened872 Yeah it was for me, but at the time it didn't feel like it was lol...I had planned on doing residential work another year before I switched. Now I'm settled and I love it and all the differences that made me so anxious at first are just part of a new routine. Enough new things that I'm steadily learning and challenging myself.
@@blackened872you can’t call yourself a real electrician just doing rezzy work 😂 switch to commercial/ industrial or controls and automation. The pay is a lot better and you’ll never have to climb into an attic again.
@@Youngsparky95 been in the commercial end of things for about 10 months now. You are indeed correct sir.
This was spot on! It's very relieving to hear you talk about the things you don't necessarily like about the trade. I love being an electrician but my list is exactly the same as yours lol. It's very refreshing to know I'm not alone with these things. I love your videos keep up the great work! And I 100% agree about the electricians beef lol. Peace and love is what I'm about, we're all out here trying to make a buck, we'll get nowhere bickering amongst ourselves.
As a specialized low voltage Theatrical lighting electrician, half of my job is just teaching electricians how to do DMX in a theatre setting. I have run into a number of interesting egos due to that. Having done my job in Texas and California for 7 years, I can agree with you on all your points, but I'm lucky on the tools part as my companies have paid for my tools.
I've been in the trade for about a year and a half and I watch your videos all the time. You're a big inspiration to me, keep doing an awesome job man
I hate when people find out I'm an electrician. They Always want a deal or freebie
Just make some stuff up about non compete clauses or something that your employer has a document you signed that says you cannot do any outside work.
Or just say I have no insurance, license, or business so if your houses burns down I won’t pay for it and neither will your insurance.
@@FishFind3000 Yeah that's usually the conversation I have with them.
I have the same problem in my trade. A brief mention of my hourly rate and minimum fee usually takes care of the issue.
same goes for most industries... tech, mechanics, plumbing etc... i never let anyone know that I know things, cause then they expect you to do things for them, and if experience has taught me anything: no good deed goes unpunished.
Lol, it will usually be a friend that has like a $150 budget that wants all these different things installed. Lol
“My budget is $150 my dude”.
“Alright man, that will get you to the front door” 😂
One thing I've learned so far as a four month old apprentice here in Tennessee, is the amount of digging:)
at my company we only use excavators. I haven’t touched a shovel in years
I agree with number 6. There is a lot of hatred. Someone said I had brain damage just because I had trouble using a new wire pulling device.
If there is a whole-house fan available, it might be a good idea to run it and the AC to get some of that cool air into the attic before you go up there. Running powered attic vents is not a bad idea either.
Then you get the asbestos dust flying all over
When I started in the trades I was doing residential and light commercial electrical work loved every minute of it. Now I’m doing HVAC and some electrical work. Nearing retirement.
This ended up being extremely inspirational and here I thought I was just going to watch this for a good laugh as I agreed with everything you said...thank you for sharing this. I also noticed the nostalgic items you have in the back and if you like one or a couple of IAC electromechanical induction disc relays I'd be happy to send them to you. I've made a career in the eletrical testing and commissioning industry and am such a huge fan of the older brilliant technology like oil dashpots for breaker trip units. I often tell my crew that this new equipment takes the 'tech' out of technician and its so important to teach and coach theory and fundamentals rather than know why to run software and hook up leads. Great channel, thanks again for all you do!
I greatly agree that trade schools are a waste of money. The company I’m currently with is not only requiring me to go to trade school but I also have to pay for it out of pocket which I don’t feel is fair. Not to mention a lot of the things there teaching us are things that I already know or I will probably never use. Needless to say I’m already looking for a better company.
Check the tracer against a known live conductor. Cheek the conductor then check the tracer on a live wire if practical. Codes are generally applicable rules sometimes it’s impractical to follow a specific provision an inspector can grant a variance. Lastly there are certain jobs for which plumbers need to carry extra tools too such as packing irons, ladles, to name two.
So true about the tools, the easiest way to find a lost tool is to purchase a new one LOL. I have doubles and triples of the same damn tools. I have a gang box filled with a shit load of tools. Great video boss keep up the good work.
That last one I 1000% agree with you. Humble yourselves, we all start at the same start line. Let your apprentice voice his/her opinion without shutting them down immediately
Reason #5 is right on! More respect, less criticism, better cooperation. All will make for a happier life.
Being a mid 30’s plumber from Alaska I agree with all of these points tho I like buying the new plumbing tools they are coming out with making life so much easier. Great video!
And I think we have some many tools for our trade also. 🤔
What I really love about electrical is the career paths it offers it just never ends
lol. This guy absolutely nailed it with number 6. I totally wasn't expecting him to talk about that.
I’ve been in the trade for 26 years this month, I love it as well! I’ve worked in residential and lots of commercial, some industrial. The one thing I think I hate the most is roughing in a garage on a house. It’s not that hard most of the time, sometimes it is if it’s not backfilled. But, for some reason I hate it. It’s usually the very last thing that gets done on my jobs. Sometimes I do it first just to get it over with. Yes it’s stupid I know.😂
Holy shit! Most accurate report of the difficulties involved in the job. I agree with every point you made and I was a full time electrician for 8 yrs. I have had an embarrassing amount of jobs in my lifetime and being an electrician was by far the most difficult and its not really close. Framing and concrete were more physical but the combined skills you need to have as an electrician make it an easy call.
Dustin I know exactly what you are talking about when it comes to ladders and falling ! I've been a licensed Journeyman Electrician with over 55 years in the trade and a retired Federal Firefighter and I have had my share of ladder mishaps ! I have fallen from a few in my day and it hurts like hell ! Then the next day you are so sore and stiff all over from the incident that you can hardly move !
I too hate digging 😂I actually went into industrial maintenance to avoid digging and going under houses
I'm an electrician and, I'm also in the Ga Army National Guard. The two share similarities between the pressures, stress, and fun. It's the best of both worlds!
Dustin, I hear ya on hating the early call times. My last job was starting at 4am! We were working on all of the parking garages for the city of Beverly Hills. So we had to get in early before all the car traffic showed up. But.. BUT, starting at 4am meant that I was off at 12:30 - home by 1Pm… it was the best!
MAN! did you NAIL THIS, Dustin! - The "God's Gift to Electricity" complex is what I call it. the 'know it all' guy who KNOWS IT ALL! - Got to LOVE that! I am a 37 year old 4th year apprentice, I have learned things from OLD OLD timers (like my grandfather who is 97) and learned things from 19/20 year olds who just started! Most Journeymen and Foreman are WAY younger than me most of the time! - But, I always like to say "What I lack in skill, I try and make up for in other ways" meaning, Since I am not very experienced in the field, I try and make sure I am on time, always have materials, always cleaning, always anticipating the Journeyman's next move, being on time, Etc....Great video! Oh, And I am union, BUT I do NOT hate non-Union guys at all! I have seen TERRIBLE union electricians, Foreman that I am supposed to be taking orders from and I have seen AMAZING Non-union guys!
I'm totally that electrician that digs the theory. In fact I'm a full time trade school teacher that teaches electricity. I focus on mainly the theory and a lot of companies don't like that. They all say I should be focused teaching them how to run wire and how to do stuff apprentices should do. And I DO do that as well. However, it's not like their journeyman is going to teach these guys how electricity works. So I do both but really push the theory because that's what really helped me in the field. I didn't want to just be a romex junky. I wanted to understand what is happening in these systems.
I went through a technical college for my associates in electrical and just being able to understand the theory and get some hands on as well as specialized familiarity with motors, VFD’s, motor controls and PLC was worth it. Having some knowledge in that opens the doors to so much more possibility’s. Plus if I decide to pursue my electrical engineering I’m already half way finished lol
Amen to that, knowledge is the driving force to growing in any industry. Many electricians don't know vfds or motor components in industrial work, it's everything
To be an electrical engineer do you have to go to college for 4 years? And do you recommend it more that being a normal electrician?
@@edwinquito152 it depends on what you like to do. Engineers spend a lot more time doing load calculations, office setting, blue print design etc. there’s lots of money to be made there but also a lot of responsibility
Thank you for all these videos bro! I was extremely nervous to start the trade but iv been loving it!!! It’s just me and the boss (a small town residential business). I’m only a month in so I hope it stays that way. My current goal is to get down receptacles and switches. Still can’t figure out how wiring a 3 way goes 😂. Love being not smart
just give yourself time, once you get it it’ll be as easy as a receptacle.
No problem with heights, didn't used to mind digging, but I am getting older and I get too sore from that. Plus I tell the customers "wouldn't you rather pay your gardener to dig"? "He knows where the sprinkler pipes are and is cheaper". Attics are a 5 o'clock in the morning job. Not afternoon. I have experienced both types of electricians. Usually the insecure ones are the pains in the rear. For the most part I find it a brotherhood. Love tools, always have. Spend a fortune on them. Write them off on taxes. Keep you videos coming, I always learn something, especially the nerdy stuff.
All good points! I'm not crazy about heights either, I can do it mostly because working by myself I have to. The worst is leaning a tall extension ladder on a house and have nothing more to hold on to, most times I'm not looking down unless I have to.
I can put up with any kind of difficulty, as long as my coworkers are cool. Good respectful fun coworkers are the only thing that really helps the day go well. 16 years electrician, commercial, industrial, resi. Two hates of mine are - too short a wires in a box F%##!! - and, inconsiderate conduit runs for pulling wires, ie too small pipes, condulets, excessive bends and turns. Thanks fer yur videos!
Lastly, I appreciate that you did this video because I’m trying to decide whether or not I want to make a career change and I want to go in eyes wide open knowing exactly what I’m getting myself into. I’ve done some construction, so I’m not completely naïve but I think a lot of guys are so these types of videos can be good for that too.
I love seeing the Electricity One and Seven book on your bookshelf. Started my career 45 years ago with one.
The one is definitely TRUE and it's not only in electrical trade.People always comparing and want to prove they are the best.
I agree with all 5. Especially #1 that commute early in the am.
Dustin, Number 6, is by far, one of the best explanations of of why, our trade, of Electricians, is slowly dying, in my opinion.
The need for Electricians, is out growing, the supply, and it has been this why for sometime. If you ask, pretty much, younger people in high school, why they don’t want to go into the trades. Various reason, though a common denominator, said from all, is why would I want to go to work, deal with an arrogant, jackass, that has anger management problems. Amongst, other things, and why should they.
I personal, deal with it myself, here and there, and I have been an electrician, for 20 years. It amazes me that it still happens to me. But it does. And frankly, it shows just how horrible the person, doing the trash talking, is, there arrogant attitude, is their down fall. They, think, or say, things like:
“Oh why, should I show you anything, about what we are doing, you should just automatically know everything.” Well, guess what, I don’t. If I did, I would know the PowerBall numbers, win them, become a billionaire, and do something else. The people who treat other badly, seem to forget where they come from, and at one point, didn’t know anything themselves. They had to learn, by doing, by watching, asking questions. By making mistakes, also.
I look at being an electrician, as fun to me, I enjoy learning something new each day. I enjoy, going to work, most people I enjoy being around, it really isn’t work to me, it is more like playtime.
When I have to put a crew together, depending on what I am doing, everyone asks the owner to be on my crew, I take time with the apprentices, I help them, teach them, what I did, my mistakes, listen to them, look after them.
You’re only as good as your weakest point, I want to help everyone become the best they can be.
Most oldies, don’t want that, in a way I feel it makes them, feel not as important, or that the light isn’t being shined on them, I’m not really sure. Just my opinion.
My of the people older than me, can stand my positive mind set, and work ethic, or attention to detail. As I have been, told, but the biggest thing they say, is that, I admit, even doing this as long as I have, that I make mistakes daily, and there have been a few times, I’m sure more, that I can’t remember, that a 4th year apprentice has, pointed something out to me, that I could have done, better, I thank them for doing so, and each time, we have both fixed the issue.
Well that is my story for now, best of luck, to everyone, Watching Dustin’s, channel, you learn a lot. It is a must for me to watch it
2 things I would add to the list is the commuting, I can spend up to 5 hrs on the road for 8 hrs of work depending on where the job is. My other gripe is the porta shitters. No better way to start your day than to drop a deuce in a small, dark box in the middle of a parking lot at 0530.
This is such a relatable post Dustin! 💯 relate to every thing on this list. How about the 150 year old dirt floor crawlspace complete with 100 year old raccoon skeletons, and snakes?
14:06
I think this goes for All trades.
There is always some sort of competition between everyone.
It becomes a problem when there is " back stabbing " involved.
As a Aussie Sparky , I personally hate the spiders, snakes, possums and rats we have to deal with up in the roof spaces
I am a service tech with a restaurant group and yes I have one of the "beep beep" connectivity probes. Yea its not the greatest item but it cam help as a starting point.
I constantly get calls from the restaurants that xxx equipment isn't turning on and first thing I do is go in and put the probe to power cord and get nothing, then walk back and see tripped breaker or see the cord not fully plugged in and fix it that magically it works again
Getting shocked! I do what I can to not work hot but sometimes you get into something that surprises you.
Starting that early beats traffic so that's nice
Retired now, but OMG, I still remember the digging and the hot attics. I worked for a company that didn't believe in power digging or trenching equipment. Grab that shovel and get to work! Then, they would have a ton of roof heating cable jobs in the spring due to ice dam issues over the winter. So what did they do? Scheduled attic work in the summer and left the roof heating cable jobs until November. Aaargh! But, still loved the work, and I actually do love heights. I wound up climbing broadcast towers for a living for about 12 years. Thanks for the memories, bro.
Plumbers have a ton of tools too. Likewise with HVAC. It is possible to have less and cheaper tools and be perfectly sufficient, but expensive tools sell themselves.
Dustin, you're right about the number of tools we have to carry around on a daily basis. The costs of good quality tools is also very expensive. The bag I carry around probably has about $1,000 worth of hand tools in it.
The tools are one of the things I love about being a sparky! It's a problem, just ask my wife. 😅
Man I’m right with you on the digging. I built docks for a while and couldn’t take the digging anymore so i got into electrical. Still have to dig sometimes though and i despise it.
You nailed it ! I do not always care for crawl spaces .
Yeah, here in Central Texas some of them have rattlesnakes in them.
I have been up on a crane putting lights up while the crane is working and swaying back and forth! Crazy feeling
I loved solving problems.
When someone texts or calls and says “hey just wondering if you made it out here today” and I tell them to look up and they see a ceiling fan or an array of disc lights where there was none before. Or when somebody says “I can’t believe it; this [thing] hasn’t worked since we moved here 5 years ago”. Or when customers are happy they don’t have to consider moving from the house they raised children in, to a single level home because I somehow managed to run a plug above the stairs for an accessibility chairlift. Or even the feeling in residential/commercial when you start turning breakers on for the first time and everything just… works. Ah, yes
✊😌
We have the same exact 5 dislikes! Lol here in Az digging sucks, attic sucks, getting up early sucks… but I still love what I do.
Done that, been there! When I started in this Business in 1974, union Electricians always thought they were better than non union! I was fortunate to have a German-Sweedish Forman who took every guy on that particular job, lined us up, and stated, We are all in this together, no body is better than the other, you all have the same training, you all are drawing basically the same salary, I don't want anyone saying they have more time on the job, I know more than you, I am older than you.....that's my job. Support each other, work to gether, any issues, bring them to me. Everyone wants to go home safe! NOW GET TO WORK! Old Henry was the best boss ever!
Another thing to add to your hate list....I DO NOT GO INTO CRAWL SPACES!
Keep up the good work Justin!
Wow. This was like listening to a great church sermon and saying Amen to everything you just said…. So on point! Love watching your videos! Cheers from Florida! Been telling all the young bucks about your channel! Great stuff! Keep it going!
Before I went full time commercial I hated residential crawl spaces. The mold and bugs were awful! Attics are rough no doubt and 4' trenches in the summer are not fun but those nasty crawl spaces still creep me out.
I'm an apprentice for a sign and lighting company up here in Michigan and I have to rappell off of tall office buildings periodically to get to some of these signs lol. That shit is terrifying every single time, but I gotta get my jobs done 😅
My hometown is pretty much bunch of rocks with little bit of soil on top of it 😂 you sometimes go few inches and hit rocks. You run into lot of rocks or tree roots when trying to dig here.
Tick tracers are an invaluable tool......As long as you understand how they work, how to use them, and when you should or should not be using them. I use them every day, and I'm never worried about my sniffer leading me into a live circuit. Sometimes it hits on wires that aren't hot, and I'm okay with that. You have to depend on your brain more than any other tool you have.
Those are legit beefs. Every trade/occupation has things that must be done that no one likes or wants to do, but does anyway.
100% agree on the attics! I live in Massachusetts all these really old houses with the nasty insulation plus the heat and cold it just sucks.
Move your business to Missouri you’ll get way softer dirt so digging isn’t a big deal here I like it plus the temp is different almost everyday you get cool breeze days with nice humidity then you get super hot days around 80 to 98deg
Hey!!! I live in central texas too! Primarily working in north austin, round rock, Georgetown. I agree with everything, attics suck lost my $600 fluke meter in one with 4’ insulation. Was not digging through it, trenching sucks, getting up early I don’t mind. Hope to meet you one day!! I’m a 28 year old master electrician. Got my gold card at the 6 year mark and was super proud…. What’s worse is a 28 year old telling the older journeyman’s what to do >.>
I not only hate the way we treat eachother, but also the way we treat other trades. We are kinda the primadonnas of the construction industry
Years ago I was working at a cogen and since I was a mechanical guy, I asked for more electrical jobs since we had to be able to do everything there. The guy assigning jobs said that I could help pull new wire into the control room. The electrical guys were standing outside the control room feeding me cable while I was under the control room floor in the crawl space pulling the cable in with all the dust, dirt and mouse turds. They had a good laugh and I was promoted to a single double A battery electrician. All good fun.
I used to hate ladders. Got a job as a fiber technician, got used to him. Then went and installed elevators, no issues with ladders. I can be very picky where the ladder goes sometimes though. Cuz I still don't want to fall. 😂
I got my texas journeyman plumbing license and I transitioned to electrical apprentice, I can tell you that electricians carry less tools homie. My plumbing work truck had three weatherguard boxes were loaded to the brim with tools for specific purposes. My journeyman electrician carries a bag for of his tools and the rest of his truck is material.
Dude, I like you and your channel. If I had a chance to work for you I think I’d love it cause your energy is great and positive. BUT, your past hate about electricians hating each other, that’s not just electricians. Like you I was in the military, the same hate was there. I am and electrician in PA and the hate is there. I am currently in oil and gas working on instrumentation like meters etc. the hate is there. I too hate that hate (lol funny phrasing) but it’s everywhere. I can’t figure it out but I know when you find a good person out there in the world that you kinda vibe with, hold on to them. Stay in contact and cherish that friendship because I too am almost 40 and old friends get distant and new friends come and go but having people that have your back and keep you grounded is key. Keep up the great videos! Peace out. ✌️
We electricians ARE looking for problems and always asking “why did you do it that way”
We are a weird bunch but I love it and the differences we have because I like talking about it.
In Phoenix, AZ here. Attics and digging are even worse here, and somehow every time I agree to do a job for a friend or family it's electrical in an attic or digging a trench for electric/sewage. I felt this video deep in my soul.
What I hate are attics. Being in SW MT, that stuff gets COLD! I'm saying like -20 in there!
57 yr old electrician here (in Canada). Still hate attics n crawlspace. I'm over 6ft n built like a football defensive lineman, and I've been physical stuck in a crawlspace resulting in a 3in gash in the back (stitches to close) to get past a floor nails protruding out of the floor beams. Digging and working at heights are a nuisance but I can relate to your pain.
I completely agree with you about the heights thing.
I'm an electrician for an excavation company that mostly does wastewater treatment plants and stuff. Digging is something I have to do all the time. I actually like the exercise. But I live on Cape Cod where it's mostly sand so it's not so bad. Get into come glacier drifts and you're dealing with some ledge and rock. No fun.
Thanks for bringing up #6. Your Discord is full of these people
South Texas had some hard ass ground! Caliche based. 106 in the shade!
One of the worst thing is reassemble something that someone else took apart and people lying to you to about stuff
I'm a plumber/Pipefitter. I mostly do commercial. I have a lot of tools. The Pipefitting requires specialty tools. Maybe not as much as an Electician, but definitely more than your average Residential plumber.
Also Plumbers have the issue you were talking about but it's mostly feuds are between the guys who are non Union amd Union and between the welders and Pipefitters. The welders we have often think that they are God's gift to the Earth and if they have to lay down in dirt, they will cry and whine until the Pipefitter personally cleans it up for them.
I agree with every point, except the tools bit. I'm a plumbing and mechanical guy. Not every plumber is Roto Rooter. Come check out my truck and shop. You may reconsider your opinion. Threaders, groovers, little wrenches, medium wrenches, big wrenches, ridiculous wrenches, snap cutters, wheel pipe cutters, flir cameras, combustion analyzers, meters, manometers, meggers, gear pullers, all the basic electrical stuff, flaring tools, pex expanders, pex crimpers, press guns, torches, welders, torque wrenches, all the normal power tools... I could go on and on. Maybe in your neck of the woods they keep it simple, but plumbers in my area have to have more than plungers and snakes. At least we do. Oh and I forgot one thing... Shovels...
The thing I hate most about plumbing, in my area at least, is that everything is so damn heavy. Pipes are iron. Tools are iron. Boilers are iron. Packing it all up and down hills in SF truly sucks.
If you buy Klein tools and they break or jus want brand new ones, you can take the tool to home depot and trade it in for a brand new one, no questions asked
Texas in the summer is brutal especially if you do solar lol