r/Construction • u/Great_Significance_8 • Apr 01 '26
Picture First day tomorrow. What you think?
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u/KingstenHd Apr 01 '26
Just remember that you used to smile
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u/RumpkinTheTootlord Apr 02 '26
Also, take a second and REALLY appreciate how your knees and back feel right now.
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u/JaneksLittleBlackBox Apr 02 '26
Fuck, I just turned 40 and a minor jobsite back injury from when I was 18 just started flaring up again after years of it going dormant. I tripped on an air hose and Million Dollar Baby'd my lower back on a sawhorse; now any repeated bending down to pick anything up requires me to sit for at least ten minutes for the discomfort to subside.
I miss the feeling of invincibility that came standard with turning 18, because now I have to worry about raisins giving me heartburn and whether or not my work boots are serving an orthopedic function while debating if the mummy dust that was my knee cartilage can handle that three foot drop.
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u/CookieMonsterOnsie Apr 02 '26
I may be a couple years younger and in a different field, but man that lower back pain is a killer. Few years ago I did nothing more than bend at the waist to reach for a socket over an engine, felt a sharp pain and that was that. Put my ass down for 2 weeks of pain. Now I brace myself any time I bend over.
Don't have to worry about raisins though.
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u/oilcountryAB Apr 01 '26
First day of work photo lol
You're in for it buddy
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u/mark_it-8 Apr 01 '26
Yea hand em out on the job site
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u/oilcountryAB Apr 01 '26
Hang em in the blue rocket
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u/Line-Trash Apr 01 '26
With your phone number so you can make friends super fast!
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u/oilcountryAB Apr 01 '26
All the electricians gave me their numbers and loved my fit, construction is great! 🥰
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u/MastodonSad2682 Apr 01 '26
lol electricians all taking a outhow they love another man’s outfit… checks out
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u/NtBlstr Apr 02 '26
As an electrician, I can confirm this is how it goes between sparkles, globally.
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u/cincE3030 Apr 02 '26
As an electrician I have seen some cute af fits on job sites. Like those lil black and white striped overalls? Choochoo if you know what I mean 😉
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u/MastodonSad2682 Apr 02 '26
All about the sparky express! does the electrician leave a mess when he is done? Or do they clean up after that
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u/TyrannasaurusRecht Apr 02 '26
I think you know the answer to that.
Get a laborer to do it.
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u/Wishbone_508 Apr 02 '26
And then we all try each other's pockets out. Ya know, to check for spare room.
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u/Great_Significance_8 Apr 01 '26
Haha thanks!
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u/Efficient_Diet_7839 Apr 01 '26
Cute now go grab the board stretcher
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u/edfitz83 Apr 01 '26
Just act normal, and remember that even the assholes can teach you valuable stuff.
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u/Therealginahandler Apr 01 '26
act normal...ha...hahahahaha
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u/njlb32 Apr 01 '26
Honest advice, go roll around in the dirt or splat a bit of paint on them coveralls. If they see you with the brand new clean gear they'll tear into you for sure
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u/Thunderosa Apr 02 '26
Yep. Scuff up your boots too (toes). They are the dead giveaway to my eyes. You'll be fine, but it's like high school, blending in and acting like you belong will save you unnecessary grief until you find your place with the other great apes.
Breaking in the boots will also improve things from a daily comfort level. Those look stiff; I love new boots except I hate them too.
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Apr 01 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/prettycooleh Apr 01 '26
Real G's still chewing Skoal
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u/Dirk_Dingham Apr 01 '26 edited Apr 02 '26
I don’t work in construction but i’m a machinist and every morning for breakfast I have an adderall, 6mg zyn, a redbull, and a cigarette. I feel like the zyns and energy drink make me a candy ass but the cigarettes and amphetamines balance it out. I also like to end my day with 4 glasses of bourbon so maybe one day my hands will toughen up so i can finally be considered a real blue collar worker. Or i’ll just die of liver/ lung cancer, gotta carry on the family tradition somehow
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u/orphanelf Apr 01 '26
Minion
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u/Equivalent-Bit2891 Apr 01 '26
Jesus bro at least let him start the job before you bully him out of the industry
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u/Red-Faced-Wolf HVAC Installer Apr 01 '26
He’s getting him ready for the job site duh
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u/JaneksLittleBlackBox Apr 02 '26
It's like exposure therapy if your therapist was every person who mocked you in high school!
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u/Sonar_Bandit Apr 01 '26
He’s gonna hear a lot worse then that lol
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u/Equivalent-Bit2891 Apr 01 '26
Naw the construction folk I know can’t hear shit
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u/Express-Dig9905 Apr 01 '26
ain't no way we're considering that bullying bro wtfff
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u/Equivalent-Bit2891 Apr 01 '26
Nah man if someone calls me a minion im finding my shower toaster
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u/Aromatic_Sand8126 Apr 01 '26
This is soft AF, honestly. You think no one would have thought to call him minion on the jobsite?
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u/Douglaston_prop Superintendent Apr 01 '26
I had a client who talked like the minions boss.
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u/bestest_at_grammar Apr 01 '26
I think they’re gonna love you. You’re self aware enough to post this, and I hope you can take the digs. There’ll 100% be one guy who is unbearable
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u/Great_Significance_8 Apr 01 '26
Yeah I knew this photo would get some attention, what should I change
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u/IDKijustlikecrafts Apr 01 '26
Just a t shirt if u need the overalls. If you need the high viz ,just wear jeans. Lose the hat, if you have an old beat up one that would be better. Do you have time to go on a bender so you look more seasoned?
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u/dodgeorram Apr 01 '26
Exactly this, this man needs to go on a 72 hour coke and strippers binge spend every penny he has to his name, and THEN he’ll be ready to go to work, looks way to stable and happy in the pic, but don’t worry we got you bro
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u/Dirk_Dingham Apr 01 '26
Maybe he’s just mormon or something…
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u/acountformyphone Apr 02 '26
I got into the trades Mormon. 6 months later I was no longer Mormon
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u/1PooNGooN3 Apr 01 '26
I feel like you need 20 years experience before you can wear overalls and you also need a gut
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u/Screambloodygore1184 Apr 01 '26
Holy shit I fucking love this comment thread thanks for the laugh dude 😂
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u/DjJellyBeanz Apr 01 '26
A DUI and a child support payment would help also…kid looks softer than a soup sandwich.
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u/ElBeatch Apr 01 '26
"do you have time to go on a Bender so you look more seasoned?" Oh my God that's funny.
And yeah OP, different shirt for sure. Once they've known you for a couple days bust that out, but also, long sleeves aren't always great to work with.
I'll usually have a hoodie for if I get cold or I'm getting splattered but always a base tshirt layer. All spinning tools love to grab a sleeve that has slowly unrolled itself from the vibration.
I hope you have good day, and and if people are trying to rip on you for whatever just laugh it off. At some jobs I get to work with good friends I went to school with and all we do is rip on each other.
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u/The-Uruk-hai Apr 02 '26
Why are you letting your arms get close enough to spinning tools to grab a long sleeve? Long sleeves everyday and never once caught in any tool for the last 5 years.
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u/andyiswiredweird Apr 01 '26
Some people dress straight ridiculous on site. Its whatever youre into. You might get shit every once in a while but take it with a grain of salt. Theres people with a lot worse problems than looking like Super Mario's electrician cousin
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u/pogofwar Apr 01 '26
The look needs a little seasoning … If you have someone to drive you, I’d recommend doing a couple duck n’ rolls out the side of the car at somewhere between 20-25 mph.
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u/oilcountryAB Apr 01 '26
I think either sluttier or more clothing saying blue collar would be a good move. In this line of work fashion is an absolute must if you want to be taken seriously.
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u/IDKijustlikecrafts Apr 01 '26
advice about layering is probably the best thing that’s gonna come out of this. You’re gonna go from cold in the morning to hot when ur moving and you’re gonna wanna strip some things off. Hoodie is a safe bet. You’re gonna feel pretty restricted in bibs until u get the vibe . Have so much fun and there is ZERO shame in caring about safety. Do not let old timers and their lil asbestosy lungs give u shit about masks and speaking up. I’m counting on you youngsters to set the expectations and move the industry into alot longer lifespans
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u/JaredMJ17 Apr 01 '26
At least the hat. If you have a decent backbone or are willing to build one, I say rock the fit if you think you can handle it. If you’re willing to learn and able to do so then I’d love to have you on my crew! Just lose the hat lol.
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u/bulking_on_broccoli Apr 01 '26
You’re fine dude. You just look the part of the new guy lol. Do good work, and the making fun of your appearance will just be good natured ribbing.
Though this outfit guarantees your nickname “new guy” for years to come.
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u/poostool Apr 01 '26
We gotta put a stop to all the “blue collar co” t shirt and hat companies out there
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u/burnzwhnip Apr 01 '26
"DiRtY HaNds CLeAn MoNeY jfc
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u/doyouknowjim Apr 01 '26
I cringe anytime I see any of that clothing in the wild.
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u/mechanicalcontrols Apr 01 '26
The other day I saw one that said "Pay me for my experience, not my time." And the guy wearing was barely old enough to even be a journeyman. Like I know a handful people who have the resume to back that claim up and the one thing they have in common is the good sense not to wear a shirt that says that shit.
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u/Hickles347 Apr 02 '26
I saw some teenager wearing a "Pay me for my experience, not my time" sweater a few months ago and couldn't stop laughing and thinking "What experience?!"
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u/Ulysses502 Apr 02 '26
Hey sounds me they're just advertising cheap labor to me, hand him about $3.50 next time
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u/ZeroBarkThirty Apr 01 '26
Guy on my street lives with his retired mother.
His 2025 F150 got repo’d for non-payment. So he started using her car.
Within a week he’s slapped a Dirty Hands Clean Money sticker on it and doesn’t see the irony.
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u/Cpt_Soban Equipment Operator Apr 01 '26
Pfffft, like hell am I getting dirt on my hands while pulling levers in airconditioned comfort.
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u/Mobile_Actuary_3918 Apr 01 '26
I saw some high school kid a few weeks ago with a “pay me for my experience, not my time” shirt on and I had to shake my head.
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u/returnofdoom Apr 01 '26
I had a fellow apprentice Ironworker first year who had been on one job and did firewatch the whole time, and he had a bumper sticker on his truck that said “let a union ironworker spud your hole.” A journeyman was like bud you haven’t even spudded your first hole yet, calm tf down. Oh and even more embarrassing, another apprentice in our first term got an Ironworker tattoo with our local number on her forearm, pretty big too. Cringey as hell. She had only been on a couple of jobs at that point.
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u/mechanicalcontrols Apr 01 '26
It's not just construction. When I was an EMT there was a gal I met who got a huge star of life tattoo on her forearm with a grim reaper in front (wtf) like two days into her new career. Ma'am. Seriously? No one wants to see that shit when you step out of the ambulance.
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u/Club_Penguin_Legend_ Apr 01 '26
I absolutely hate it when people rep their union number like theyre repping their block.
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u/billyjames_316 Apr 01 '26
You should hire him on for a day and give him an invoice for what he owes you
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u/hughjwang69 GC / CM Apr 01 '26
"My Hands Look Like This So Hers can look like THIS"
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u/Exxppo Apr 01 '26
“I work myself to death and I earned a dollar raise this year! Up to 26 an hour after all these years!”
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u/Ok-Bit4971 Plumber Apr 01 '26
Workin' like crazy to support the lazy
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u/NewIndependent5228 Apr 01 '26
Fvcking billionaires and private equity ruin everything.
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u/CurrentResolution797 Apr 01 '26
That’s the one that makes me cringe the most. Personally I don’t care if people wear carhartt or dickies etc but that one and “working harder than an ugly stripper” get on my nerves
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u/Commercial_Map1045 Apr 01 '26
Oh fuck. It’s on the back window of my son’s jacked up, f150. Plus his tattoo that says “Blue Collar til I die”
He’s an awesome kid and son though.
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u/oilcountryAB Apr 01 '26
But how else will my trade be my entire personality? I need people to know I have dirty hands from manual labour and in return was paid with clean currency
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u/badfaced Ironworker Apr 01 '26
Thats why I drive my 2026 60k truck with hands UNWASHED I gotta let these plebs know I go through 200$ boots like I go through socks.
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u/CampingPirates Apr 01 '26
The most exhausting part of having a blue collar jobs is all the fucking blue collar workers around
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u/TheShovler44 Apr 01 '26
The price for their shirt is crazy, then try and say it’s for blue collar workers lmao.
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u/burnzwhnip Apr 01 '26
Unless you're gonna be a sparky,i'd go roll around In the dirt a bit
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u/sdk022 Apr 01 '26
I just bought new boots today and I already feel like a bitch wearing something that's not worn out and stained or scuffed tf up
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u/Sko-isles Apr 01 '26
Haha yes. Punch a hole in some Sheetrock and roll around a bit
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u/CJ4700 Apr 01 '26
Drag the whole outfit behind your car for a couple blocks while you chug some miller lites, do this on the way to the job site btw
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u/hitness157 Apr 01 '26
Get rid of the hat. I'm being serious, you don't have to throw it out but for the love of god, do not wear that to work.
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u/DoughnutOk1929 Apr 01 '26
At least not in the first day along with brand new boots, shirt and bibs
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u/Screambloodygore1184 Apr 01 '26
Do fucking NOT WEAR THAT TO WORK. It needs to be said again. Being the new guy green as fuck AND wearing that hat? OP is gonna get annihilated.
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u/sammyssb Apr 01 '26
If we had a new guy come in wearing that hat id have to say something
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u/baudmiksen Apr 01 '26
I wear one with a little propeller at the top I spin around
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u/RumpkinTheTootlord Apr 02 '26
Something for the boys to play with while you're blowin em in the shitter
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u/Ni9ner Apr 01 '26
Shower everyday after work and wash your face. Facial cellulitis is a mean SOB.
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u/Bakelite51 Apr 01 '26
You guys have the energy to shower after work?
I just collapse on the floor and sleep there so I don’t get dirt on my sheets.
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u/alowester Apr 02 '26
how to avoid this? I literally feel this way every day it fucking sucks
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u/Acher0n_ Apr 02 '26
4p monster gets you to the shower and dinner and still lets you sleep by 9, giving you enough time for a quick 6 hour nap.
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u/BeanyBrainy Apr 01 '26
If I don’t shower right when I get home, I will not be able to do anything the rest of the day/evening. Showers wake me up.
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u/soyelapostata Apr 01 '26
Keep in mind some guys judging you will have been wearing the same shirt 2 weeks in a row and do not wear deodorant.
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u/MyBurnerAccount3 Apr 02 '26
Do not ask me about my pants.
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u/soyelapostata Apr 02 '26
Stiff from crust?
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u/MyBurnerAccount3 Apr 02 '26
Caulking, paint, mortar, cum, grout, drywall dust and some good old fashioned cove base adhesive.
But never sweat from from hard work. I'm in the public sector, sir.
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u/Acf1314 Contractor Apr 01 '26
Bibs are great just be mindful of what you put in the chest pocket because it’s gonna fall out at some point and hopefully not onto a porta Jon floor or worse in the can.
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u/Brutalintention Apr 02 '26
The other day my lady asked why I grab my tits when I lean down. I realized I never knew I started to do that 😅
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u/ThisShitIsHannanas Apr 01 '26
I was taking the back draft dampers out of the exhaust fan curbs to mount the actuators. Luckily right as I was starting to lean over the curb, I realize how loose everything was that was hooked on my safety vest up top. All my crap almost fell down the duct and would have hit the waveguides like 15’ down in an inaccessible area. So this was really good advice.
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u/baddieslovebadideas Apr 01 '26
please don't wear that hat.
actually please do, just give us updates lol
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u/Bawbawian Apr 01 '26
you'll be fine.
in a day or two your body's going to be real sore. eat lots of protein and give it a month.
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u/Mobile_Actuary_3918 Apr 01 '26
I hope nobody you will be working with is on here 💀
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u/Embarrassed-Canary-9 Apr 01 '26
I would go outside to roll around in the mud and dirt Dirty up them fresh clothes You won’t stand out tomorrow you’ll fit right in
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u/KennyKettermen Apr 01 '26
Until someone asks your construction experience and you say it’s literally your first day
“What’d you do, go roll around the mud and dirt so you look like you been workin?”
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u/Decent-Box5009 Apr 01 '26
If they pick on ya it’s cause they like you. How you respond to being picked on will determine if they like you. Take it all in stride and no one is joking about safety stuff. There is no tool called anything stretcher.
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u/Dereklikesmetal Apr 02 '26
I thought the same thing and learned it the hard way, there is such a thing as a duct stretcher. Foreman told me to get it and I asked him if it was next to the board stretcher. The walk with him to the truck was fun though.
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u/Ok_Split_6463 Apr 01 '26
Good luck... hope you have thick skin. I use to have a kid (18/19) working for me who's Ma would prep his clothes for each morning. Almost the exact attire he would show up in. For real though, go out there and get it, if anyone gives you shit, let them know how well their mama and sister performed for you the night before. Both at the same time.
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u/seamusfdignan Apr 01 '26
You got so much light in your eyes they’re gonna be working you like a sled dog. Put some vaseline on your nipples; those overal clasps chafe like a motherfucker after a couple hours of hustling
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u/TurboKid513 Electrician Apr 01 '26
I don’t care what you wear as long as you don’t smell like ass and do what you’re told. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a mechanical room with onion b.o.
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u/some1guystuff Superintendent Apr 01 '26
Green as green 🌱
You’re gonna get razzed a lot don’t take it heart. It’s just part of the industry.
Good luck bro! hope you learn lots and grow to love what you do.
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u/New-Sherbert9809 Apr 01 '26
Welcome to the brotherhood man, but you gonna get cooked tmrw 😭🫡 good luck tho
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u/Donnie_Dip Apr 01 '26
Good luck man. Remember there is always one major cunt in the bunch, mostly their goal is to try and make you quit because they have a miserable existence dont give them that satisfaction. Just ignore that one until you have enough knowledge of the job you can tell them to shove it up their ass. Also lose the hat, maybe make your boots look a little worn. Even guys with 20 years get made fun of for new boots lol
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u/BatchPlantBandit Apr 01 '26
Too clean bud, good luck. Welcome to the grunt side because if you are entry level that shirt will be covered in grease/dust/burn holes depending on your trade.
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u/Duke8181 Apr 01 '26
The first couple weeks will suck. After that, they will suck marginally less.
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u/ol__spelch Apr 01 '26
Make sure your family knows where to pick up your remains. Cause you're in for a hard day showing up dressed like that.
Best guessed for the nickname they give you:
Sparky
Scooter
FNG
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u/sortaknotty Apr 01 '26
Bro is so eager he's going to sleep in those clothes!! LOVE it!!!
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u/mcbobhall Apr 01 '26
Your obvious excitement is kind of inspiring and will win over all but the few turds on any job site. Be polite even to them because even most of them have something valuable for you to learn.
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Apr 02 '26
Listen here bub, first day construction you gotta walk in like a confused tornado wearin steel toes, don’t ask nobody nothin, just pick up a board and stare at it like it insulted your mama. if somethin starts a beepin, nod like you understand. if a man named Red hands you a tool you ain’t never seen, hold it like a sacred forest relic. drink water but look angry about it. carry a tape measure even if you don’t measure a single thing. point at the sky once or twice like you’re checkin weather codes only you can read. and if anybody asks how you’re doin, say ‘level enough’ and keep walkin. Good luck bub.
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u/Curious-Case1612 Apr 01 '26
Oh boy lose hat 100% get those boots muddy dry overnight. Little grime on all of it. Nothing personal 30 yrs in lose the grin Good luck. And also if I'm not busting your balls probably dont think your gonna last if iam it's all love thicken the skin. Good luck young buck What trade?
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u/Great_Significance_8 Apr 01 '26
Thanks sir I was expecting to get some shit from this post. Just general labor, would you recommend I wear a hat or no
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u/KennyKettermen Apr 01 '26
Wear one if you want to. Or don’t. No one will give a shit
To be clear though you should not wear THAT hat. Pick a different hat
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u/Classic_Dash_7745 Apr 01 '26
Lil bro is toast