Interest in blue-collar jobs is growing as experts warn that artificial intelligence will make many white-collar occupations obsolete. Some people in white-collar jobs feel they can avoid job cuts by shifting to positions that involve manual labor, such as plumbers, welders, and electricians. But experts warn that embracing blue-collar work later in life has ramifications that should be carefully considered.
“Many people ask me if shifting to a skilled trade in their 30s or 40s is too late in life,” says licensed electrician and construction coordinator Carl Murawski. “And I tell them that the answer is complicated. It involves some pros, such as a competitive salary, but also some cons, such as the toll physical labor can take on the body.”
Murawski is a lifelong blue-collar worker who works for a major electrical contractor handling QA/QC, AutoCAD, and field-level problem solving. His YouTube channel provides guidance to those who wear blue by reviewing gear and sharing workplace wisdom that only comes from firsthand experience. Murawski’s mission is to mentor the next generation of tradesmen and help them build a blueprint for their lives.
“I understand there are things happening in the workplace that make switching to blue-collar work seem like the way to go,” Murawski says. “But a job change for blue collar later in life is a big decision. Before retiring your white shirt and stepping onto a construction site, you need to think carefully about what those types of jobs require.”
Blue collars can expect better job security
Greater job security is the key benefit white-collar workers are seeking as they contemplate a shift. In many cases, they’ll find it. A heavy-machinery operator or a tradesman who welds metals on construction sites won’t be replaced by AI any time soon.
“While work in construction and other blue-collar industries can dry up unexpectedly, they are generally not the type of jobs that will get outsourced or automated,” Murawski says. “People in the age of AI still need roofs, wiring, and working toilets. And AI-driven robots don’t typically work on those types of projects.”
Murawski also explains that the skills needed for blue-collar jobs often provide versatility that increases job security. Those who do electrical work, for example, can apply their skills in a wide range of industries. In fact, the infrastructure needed to support AI is reportedly creating new jobs for electricians.
Blue-collar jobs can pay well
Many people choose white collar over blue collar because they want better salary potential. But the reality is that many blue-collar jobs can provide compensation that is more than adequate.
“You can take a financial hit when moving from work in offices, especially if you are used to making a cushy salary,” Murawski says. “But I’ve known guys who became blue shirts at 40 and were pulling six figures within a few years. There is a lot of earning potential, especially if you get licensed, start your own business, or go union.”
Expect new challenges when you join the blue-collar workforce
If you have spent a decade in an office setting, your early days as a blue-collar worker can be challenging, regardless of how committed you are to the job. The biggest challenge for many involved performing manual labor.
“Even when you are working a job that requires specialized skills, the trades are physically demanding,” Murawski says. “This type of work takes a toll on your knees, back, and shoulders. Whereas young guys recover faster and bounce around like Spider-Man, older workers often need an ibuprofen just to get out of the truck.”
Another challenge for those making the shift involves the loss of seniority. Ten years of rising through the ranks in the corporate world probably won’t mean much to construction workers, factory workers, or others in a blue-collar work environment.
“If you were in management before, suddenly taking orders from a 25-year-old foreman can bruise the ego,” Murawski warns. “Going blue collar later in life may require you to swallow your pride as you are learning the ropes. Remember, the ‘kid’ in charge isn’t unskilled labor. He probably knows more about the job than you do.”
You’ll start at the bottom
The skills valued in administrative work and other white-collar jobs don’t typically translate to construction work or other hands-on jobs in the blue-collar sector. Consequently, shifting to those jobs involves starting at the bottom.
“Blue-collar apprenticeship isn’t glamorous,” Murawski warns. “The jobs may feel like grunt work, but they’re essential to your career. You’ll thrive when you see your season as a gopher as a time to learn the names of the stuff you’ll be using in the future and where you can find it.”
Carefully consider the shift to a new work environment
For those in today’s workforce facing AI-driven downsizing, the opportunities offered by the blue-collar sector can seem like a godsend. But there are some very real challenges to consider, such as the physical work most blue-collar jobs include. Before making a switch, workers should carefully explore the demands blue-collar jobs generally require.
“If you’re sick of the rat race, want to build something real, and are comfortable starting over, going blue collar can be one of the best decisions of your life,” Murawski says. “But you need to know from the beginning that the road is long, the hours are early, and the work is tough.”
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