Labouring

fastwunz

fastwunz

fastwunz

Soldato
Joined
12 Jul 2005
Posts
4,046
Hi guys - ive just been offered a load of really rather well paid labouring work from my girlfriends uncle. He is a very successful master builder and has so much work on that he apparently needs help.

Ive recently graduated with a building surveying degree but am finding that getting employment in that field is a real struggle (bad financial climate - crappy construciton industry at the mo etc). However, i would rather accept his offer of labouring than working in a warehouse or something which has nothing to do with my degree.

Im pretty well suited to the job, fit, healthy and a good knowledge of construction.

I just wanted to know what labouring was like really? I assume its pretty back breaking and that you have to mix with people of a questionable level of hygeine... but, is it fun?
 
awesome job in the summer top off all day get some rays and keeps u fit

done labouring since i was 15 with my dad loved every minute of it but havent done it for 2 years (now 25)

met some really good friends from it also!
 
Westie said:
awesome job in the summer top off all day get some rays and keeps u fit

done labouring since i was 15 with my dad loved every minute of it but havent done it for 2 years (now 25)

met some really good friends from it also!
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ah cool - thats what i want to hear. I think ill enjoy it. I simply HATE sitting behined a desk and i have to be out and about and using my hands in a job otherwise i go stare crazy and sit on the interweb all day.
 
A good job when it's warm and not raining, one of the worst when it's lashing it down and your toes are blocks of ice.

At this time of year I'd say it's good money, and if you're the sort like that likes a bit of physical exercise, then easy work as well.
 
I done it for about a year after I left school. Horrible work if I'm honest. I was poorly paid and working in the winter was not nice. It was pretty much the main contributor for me getting back into education.

It's not all bad though. Working in the summer was nice and it keeps you in good shape. Wear gloves when you work though, need to keep them soft for your lady :)
 
im hearing lots of good things guys - ive got a good feeling about this. Who knows, it could get me my dream job in the future and will look good on teh old CV (as much as i HATE CV's).
 
When I did it for 18 months, I loved it. If it was better paid, and a decent career - I would be doing it. But unfortunately not. :(
 
It's hard graft, but can feel good to get outside and do something physical for a change.

Toughest thing I ever did was helping to lift a 300kg iron girder by hand; even with four of us sharing the load, the weight was simply incredible. :eek: Also did two weeks of paving in 30+ degree heat. :eek: :eek:

I strongly recommend gloves if you're working with tiles, pavers and concrete. They scuff up your hands something rotten. And if you're using acro props, make sure the base is stable!
 
I did it for 3 years at uni part time, and 1 year full time after graduating. It's backbreaking and you WILL wish death upon yourself in the Winter. I wouldn't say it's fun, but it's good money, and normally cash-in-hand i.e. tax free.
 
Number one tip, dont talk about your degree, or express your opinion on the greater schemes of building with your fellow laborers.

You will be ribbed mercilessly at best, at worst have your face stoved in.

Other than that, laboring is good honest toil.
 
i'm in the same position. graduated in june with my building surveying degree but there are naff all jobs at the moment.

i'm now an alarm engineer with a secuirity company and i'm learning tons which will improve my cv by leaps and bounds. real world fire regs knowledge, liasing with customers and other trades, going on training courses and actually learning about electrical systems and alarms. it just makes my cv look better.

You could get a surveying job if you really wanted, but the last student scheme i went for had 75 graduates going for the one job. do the labouring job.
 
I would take it. Just stick it out for 7-14 days and the pains will go as you build up muscle in new places and get the body use top it.

Easier to find a job when you have a job imo
 
well thanks to all of you. I really think ill go for it. And Lewism - good chap on getting the alarm job. Fire regs certainly comes into surveying but (and NO disrespect inteded AT ALL) surely this is a stop gap job until you get a more construciton based role?

It actually sounds pretty interesting? can you enlighten me a bit more on your job role and where it is? I may look for similar work in the future if things dont work out with labouring.
 
atpbx said:
Number one tip, dont talk about your degree, or express your opinion on the greater schemes of building with your fellow laborers.

You will be ribbed mercilessly at best, at worst have your face stoved in.

Other than that, laboring is good honest toil.
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dont worry, im sure he intended to be helpful but im pretty sure he is speaking from experience and therefore has had a very bad one at that. I just hope people i work with are a little more 'intelligent'. Lol to the 50's scotland comment.
 
Be prepared to be bored. A lot of the work is repetative, dig hole, move 4 foot, dig more of a hole, move 4 foot, dig more of a hole. Add readymix, carry bricks, carry bricks, carry bricks, etc.

BUT it is quite satisfying to get home and feel like your arms are going to drop off, it gonna hurt like a beach for a couple of weeks ;)
 
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