Is this what I signed up for?

[VoltzElectrical]

here is the start of a thread that is offered up in the hope of some interesting opinions.

I started out for my mate 5 years ago, and didn't really know one end of a battery drill from another.

Several large contracts later, we are in business together and I am nearing the end of my time at college (exam tomorrow and next Thursday).

We do a lot of large student accommodation that typically last 10 months to a year. The work is relentless and monotonous. Drilling Timber frame, pulling cable, putting up miles of basket, up and down scaffolding, steps, podiums.

And then the 2nd fix. What a bore. Endless sockets and switches and crappy light fittings.

And often working on my own. This is a boring boring boring, desperately hard and exhausting lonely existence.

i am too knackered to even think when I get home after driving an hour.

i don't pursue any of my hobbies anymore (surfing/ fishing/ canoeing).

We wait for the company to dictate which contract we will do next and at what measly trifling price that means we will have to bust a gut to get it done for 'wages'.

After reading about all the nightmares of dealing with customers and their diabolical properties and expectations I can honestly say I don't ever want to embrace the domestic market.

So there it is.

I look forward to your responses.

Yours, as ever.

 

[topquark]

im struggling because i have been working alone. I do find it pretty difficult to get on with people, however, most sparks have their heads switched on...grin. I could really do with some electrical company at work. Support.

I don't read the Sun and I listen to Radio 4.

Me neither

 

[Des 56]

I haven't had a TV for 3 years either.

I am very very selective about any TV
Most of whats on there is more boring than the boring work being discussed here

Theres much better things to watch on the computer Fora TV for instance

And to any smart --- its not a pawn channel

 

[SMB]

i like watching the spuds and carrots grow.

i might install a flashing socket just to keep me on me feet though.

 

[sparky1502]

i am religous. I'm not a nut mind you but it really makes me happy and keeps my spirits up. i work 7 days so never really get to go out or spend nice time with me missus but having a faith helps me alot

 

[simpson93]

i am religous. I'm not a nut mind you but it really makes me happy and keeps my spirits up. i work 7 days so never really get to go out or spend nice time with me missus but having a faith helps me alot

im very confused how does being religious help?
(not saying anything bad just confused)
-dont think i could ever work 7 days a week for too long

 

[robsparky1975]

They say variety is the spice of life,and i know how you feel,its human nature to get bored with the same old thing,if you dont posess a brain then that sort of work wouldnt bother you,but you do and most of us sparks do,i have done some jobs where there was 100+ downlights to go in,bored bored bored,solution = ipod or similar,helps a bit,my attitude is that i will chat with anyone about anything when having tea breaks,cant wait to get home so i can just open my north and speak to someone,its the sparkies brain that is at fault,only us lot,as the inner workings are far more complex then other trades,have a holiday and chill out if you can,good luck.

 

[SMB]

I wish I was religious and not a nut.

Its Thursday and I haven't been to work since Friday. I just can't face it.

My job definately has variety......but I don't feel im clever enough to do it.

Just because it has a wire coming out of it it doesn't mean I can fix it.





Zero support, stress central. Awful.

 

[nickblake]

......but I don't feel im clever enough to do it.

Just because it has a wire coming out of it it doesn't mean I can fix it.

yes you are and i bet you can ,With the climate being as it is we all feel down , although im run off my feet at the mo , the cash flow is poor due to doing 3 large jobs at the same time , yes it does get boring ,and domestics can be a complete pain in the butt ,but its work ,what need s to be looked at is why are you bored fed up , have no work or too much work and cant cope ,step back and look at what you are doing and have done , and think positive always if you think negative you could end up in a rut and will get even worse ,and unfortunatly reflect in your work , plan your day give your self a goal and work to it , if you are feeling tiard and run down stop have a brew and start again ,if you cant get to work get your guys to carry on have a day off recharge your batteries ,because this agin will reflect on your work and the most worrying thing is your safety ,and that comes first , its so easy to get into the rut of no return working every minuit that life sends ,,NNNNNNNOOOOOO , ive been there ended up with a nervouse break down which still effects me now ,sat on the beach crying my eyes out at 3 in the morning !!!!! 8 years ago that was !!! SMB speak to voltz see if you could help him out even for a few days so he can recharge his batteries ,

YOU ARE NOT ROBOTS take it easy and dont bow to pressure I work for my self so i know what it is work 6 7 days a week even worked xmas day for a few hours

Think positive the work will become easier , oh sorry about the coloured writing but got bored of black ,think about that ,

sorry to waffle on there

Nick






Zero support, stress central. Awful.[/QUOTE]

 

[SMB]

Cheers Nick...

I can see a rainbow.

 

[SMB]

I never thought I would say this....but....

I would quite happily rewire old terrace houses again, day in and day out.

I can do that with my eyes shut, its easy, I have the experience to do it.
(THEY NEED TO BE EMPTY THOUGH FOR MY OWN SANITY..!!!...grin)



I think ive bitten off more than I can chew and its upset me.

 

[SMB]

If there was another guy there, a decent person who had the same attitude as me then I probably could cope.

The 'other guy' isn't there and I can't cope.


Hopefully they are paying me today.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

What sort of work are you involved in SMB....?

 

[SMB]

Its like a large 'hotel'.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

This thread has certainly revealed a much more emotionally complex picture out there than I imagined. So many common symptoms. I think when this contract ends, I am going to take a step sidewards and look for something more interesting. I have got the next 5 months to think what that might be, but I don't want to be smashing out student accommodations all over the country any more.

I have to go and do my exam now. Wish me luck.

Thanks guys

 

[SMB]

Good luck mate.

If you have put the effort into your home-work you will be fine.


all the best.