Current events have me thinking a lot about what makes a job “desirable.” Headlines everywhere declare that the US is facing the worst labor shortage in decades. Many employers say there is just no one applying, especially for front-line positions. I am not an economist. I will not attempt to break down why things are the way they are, and I certainly don’t plan on providing answers on what should be done. I have noticed though, that in my tech network circle the blue-collar world is a very foreign place. As someone who recently transitioned from day labor to software engineering, I hoped I might provide a fresh take on the headlines for my tech industry peers.
First off, working a blue-collar job is expensive. Not only do you take home less, but you must use a much larger percent of that money just to keep working. When I started my first job as a software engineer, I was mailed a laptop, a usb-c dock, and my team had a monthly activity/food budget. When a better laptop became available later, I upgraded for free. During covid, I even got a stipend to furnish a home office. To most of my fellow tech workers this is expected – it’s a no brainer. Contrast this to my previous roles in landscape construction and home restoration. To be considered for a position, I had to own a 4G capable smartphone with a good camera. My work required the use of a high-end pocket computer to clock in and out, take (and send) pictures, fill out and submit paperwork, and enable GPS tracking all while paying between $15-$25/hr. The data required for sending pictures back and forth and constant GPS tracking was not cheap either.
On top of phone charges, I often had to purchase other work materials as well. Necessary items like rain gear and tools were taken out of my paycheck. Other items like boots, pants, shirts all had to be purchased separately. Good work pants and boots are not cheap, and it’s amazing how quickly they can wear through with daily use. And that’s before getting to some of the larger expenses like childcare and gas prices – both of which can be mitigated by generous tech work from home policies. After spending time away and reducing those expenses, I wouldn’t be surprised if many laborers learned that working all those hours didn’t bring in the extra cash they thought it did.
Not only are these jobs expensive to work, but they also take a toll on your body. I know because I did it for several years. For me the career change has been well worth it. Most people I know in tech work hard, but nothing compares to a full day of hard labor. I may feel drained after work, but I have the energy to watch a show, read a book, or do something that brings me joy. After a day of labor, I couldn’t move, think or do anything.
I don’t have all the answers about why the market is the way it is, but speaking as someone who has transitioned from labor to a white-collar tech job, I’m not surprised some people are just saying no.
