Do what you enjoy doing. Depending on you makeup, get with others or get alone. We are all the same yet we are still very different. I've gone through some extreme times, especially after an injury put me down back in 1984. It still gets me down from time to time because it really screwed up my back and I still suffer with it daily. But then, I have founds ways of getting through it. Wouldsplitter, I admire you for getting out in this weather to do what you need to do. I hope and pray it brings you relief and joy.
No, we're usually the victims. Society has a funny way of doing things. Whatever, we all cope in our own ways. Working on firewood is a great way to unwind. Good job Wouldsplitter !
That's one heck of a therapy session. Awesome! Between fog rain and mud this year I haven't seen much of the sun nor have I been able to do the usual outside chores. Definitely was feeling down for a while. For me it's a combination of talking things through, usually with my wife, and getting outside and doing physical labor. If I don't get both, I get irritable.
I'm thinking it could be burr oak(?) I got it in log form so I didn't see the branches or the acorns.
Wow, thanks for all your kind words, suggestions, and advice. Also for just offering to listen. It means so much to me.
I find it very unfortunate that many younger Americans have no real coping mechanisms. I feel it's a big part of why things are they way they are now. They're mostly taught that labor is performed by lesser humans and they will be one if they have to participate. I have no doubts that gymnasiums have saved lives. Those same people who shun labor probably do not think of weight training as such when it clearly is just unpurposed labor.
Get that quad out, man! We're all fighting battles even if it may not appear so. I find that solitude helps my demeanor when I get down. Spending a bit of quality time with myself....but I am introverted. Solitude also keeps me from sharing my 'joy' with those around me which is a favor I do them without their knowing.
Hey bro. Like my friends here have been saying - there’s no shame in asking for help - or at least taking some time for yourself. I’ve experienced some terrible things on the job over the last 20 years - and in my personal life. I have learned some coping mechanisms. If you need to talk to someone, feel free to reach out. No pressure. Just remember… the people in your life love you. Your life is absolutely invaluable. Every day is a fresh start - and you matter. Hang in there. Nice rounds, btw. Love, Cash
You're certainly not alone, even though sometimes it may seem like it. There are nicer ways to say man up. How about person up so there is a gender neutral acceptableness to it. Man up can mean so many different things, unless you live in a black and white world, then unfortunately you are *ucked.
Today’s world we live in can be a cruel bitch! Men are not given the same respect they once were, especially normal… everyday… blue collar working men. The best advice I can give aside from finding stress relieving activities like others have recommended, is to truly stop giving a frick what others say or do. Get off Social Media, and find your purpose. Build a business, build your wealth, become proficient at things you enjoy. Read a lot! Get to know Jesus Christ and his teachings! You got this brother!
Who care’s about the respect? Find plumber, Electrician welder contractor.. you have to pay them twice hourly wage as non laborious jobs! $75 an hour and they don’t care or need work! example In buddy truck he is a plumber; drove 2 rigs, dropped one off and stopped by grocery store. I stayed in truck with dog, 15 minutes .. 4 people knock on window, I take messages phone numbers etc I give them to him, his response, why I take Audi usually.. These people need help I hate to say No especially to retired, vets etc; I aim done working over 80 hours. At company over 40 is time and half, It takes less time being polite in car…
Most blue collar employees aren’t making anywhere near $75 an hour. Not even close. As for what a business charges…I personally couldn’t justify charging $75 an hour. Wayyyyyy too cheap. The faster and more proficient you become with a skill or trade, the more you’d have to charge per hour to make it up. I charge flat rates on all jobs I do. Too many people who’ve never owned a legitimate, tax paying, stress inducing, overhead heavy business…. interchange and compare what they make an hour as an employee with what a business charges per hour. Very naive thinking. No business is charging a customer what they pay an employee. You wouldn’t be in business very long. Anyone who thinks building a successful business is easy…has undoubtedly never tried it. As for twice the rate of non laborious jobs….why wouldn’t it be? Trades should make way more than desk jobs who sit in an air conditioned and heated office. Trades require more experience and tools, are physically much more demanding, and you often have to work in chitty conditions…bitter cold, blistering sun, rain, snow, high winds, etc, etc. One job you can do into old age, one you cannot. I’ve done office jobs and manual labor jobs. Manual labor is worth more. Plain and simple. There’s a reason there’s a trade shortage, but not a computer related shortage. AI will be replacing the desk jobs soon anyways. Learn a trade.
ohh that buddy is bus owner. Here and I am talking employees; I am friends with many small businesses owners. Dental hygenists start $50 Electrician $63 Commercial Plumber $72 Haz material handler $40 Sprinkler install 35-40 Stove install and hot tub tech $30 company truck plus owner control rent (owns apartments) nice perk These are hourly rates plus benefits trades include company vehicle you bring home. All the OT you can handle, you think they are doing side jobs for less than they can make in OT pay? Live 1/2 hour north Burlington and university that have liveable wage requirements.. How is that not close?
Plumber and Electrician yes…they are also two of the highest paid trades, unless you get into specialty stuff like underwater welding. I don’t consider Dental Hygenists blue collar. In Central MA, I’d say our numbers are lower than your figures by $8-$10 per hour. Go to Boston, surely similar. Also…keep in mind, you and I live in New England which has considerably higher wages than most states in the country. I can’t imagine plumbers or electricians down south are making anywhere close to your figures. I’d be willing to bet it’s like half. Then again, our cost of living up here is astronomical due to liberal governors and lawmakers. Even in New England, I maintain most trade employees aren’t making $156,000 a year for a straight 40. I don’t have any figures to quote, but I’d be willing to bet less than 5 percent of tradespeople nationwide are pulling that amount home unless they work huge overtime. I’d guess most are lucky to make six figures. Still a dream to them. I know tons of “work from home” desk jockies making 100k
No trades here work straight 40! usually 60 to 70+ spring summer fall. I GC several years, Hell 30% of revenue was emergency stupid $. Emergency frozen pipes, fix railings for house closing, get xyz done before this date or loose govt funding costs don’t matter! But I also include perks in pay. I worked desk job also, never got company vehicle included gas cards, clothing allowance, paid to drive one way to job, 2 pair boots per year unlimited hoodies shirts and Christmas bonuses of month salary in cash off books These examples are the highly driven guys that show up, get job done and don’t call in sick. Neighbor HVAC turned down $90 an hour for Fortune 500 company. I couldn’t believe it. 24 yo Joe has $ 37.50, company truck, profit sharing, site supervisor position he is doing max hours saving for house down payment w2 is 120k+ you don’t start there; you start $22 -25 get your certifications and state license show up every day. The good ones get raises fast! The good ones also get head hunted very hard Edit called cousin in Austin TX He said plumber and Electrician are low. another Nephew is scientist 2 masters degrees environmental science to atomic level. He’s 35 yo ran a lab $24 an hour Because his cousin make more than with High school diploma and loads of OJT most of the 100k a year work from homers are university students that did peace corps here short version if you have a license (contractors that own bus are licensed by state) nurses, hygienist, plumbers, electricians, HVAC w/ gas, CDL, police, NFPPA (fire) you start $30 and go up uni degrees get you $20 but very little up. Most our young kids go south.
I too am dealing with some personal issues right now. I am receiving zero support from the people who should be helping. I find wood cutting of any kind to be therapeutic and relaxing believe it or not. I find it strange that hard manual labor is relaxing compared to the stress a man goes through day to day in 2025.
Having a purpose is what gives all of us the motivation for today. Yesterday is gone. It isn't coming back. Tomorrow can not be determined. I had personal issues in 2023 that I wasn't sure I'd recover from. I had to reach out for help and then resisted it. The VA came through for me. I placed my trust in Him and it was a process but I am completely turned around from 2023. It is in the past but not forgotten. It's dark here ay 5:45am but the sun will rise here soon and with it a brand new day. Your sun will rise too!
I understand completely. Cutting wood for me, at least at this point in my life since I'm not working on a time crunch as much now, is good therapy. It feels good to exercise towards something productive, and there's satisfaction in seeing the results of your labor at the end of the day. Finding a way to contribute to others who need help is a good way to feel better about yourself too - cutting wood for someone who can't, carrying groceries or shoveling snow for the elderly, volunteering at an animal shelter, etc. Don't let the idle hours consume you - find something you like to do and stay busy. I wish you the best!
