A Tribute to Construction’s ‘Road Warriors’
by Ron Kubitz
July 6, 2011
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I spent much of last week in the middle of nowhere in Tennessee—this is no slight on the beautiful state of Tennessee—with one of our superintendents recruiting for a large construction project that we are starting up. We needed to staff about 10-15 positions for the project; however, we were besieged by more than 120 applicants and met personally with 45-plus candidates during a three-day period. Equipment operators, carpenters, laborers and the like came from as far away as Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Virginia on their own dime, hoping to land one of these spots and claim employment far from home for a nine- to 12-month period of time.
The interviews turned more into tales of personal trials and tribulations from the applicants. I heard stories about the applicants attempting to pay bills and put bread on the tables for their families, while only getting to see their families once or twice per month, if they are that fortunate. For many, this has been their way of life for years.
Being away from my family for just that short week was hard enough, but listening to these candidates’ tales, as well as those of our superintendent—who lives in Pennsylvania but has worked outside the state for the past three years—helped me see just how lucky I am. It also made me wonder about the life of a “road warrior” and how difficult it could be.
For many people, the word “home” stirs positive thoughts about family, stability, love, home cooking, comfort, predictability, etc. By contrast, the phrase “on the road” conveys discomfort, unpredictability, hotels, fast food, distance, loneliness, etc. Life on the road can also bring other challenges. Frequent or extended travel can be disruptive to important relationships, such as those with your spouse or children, and often leads to fewer shared experiences. Over a period of time, life as a “road warrior” can have a lasting impact on your social, cultural or spiritual identity.
On top of all these concerns, there is an element of danger and risk associated with many of these jobs. It really makes you realize the special character of these “road warriors.” The next time you drive by a large construction site, I encourage you to slow down, wave and silently ponder the sacrifice many of these workers who are enduring life on the road to not only make a living but also improve, in some fashion, your way of life.
I welcome your thoughts as a construction “road warrior” or as someone that comes into close contact with this special breed of worker. Please send me your comments.
Ron Kubitz
Ron Kubitz is the recruiting manager for Brayman
Construction Corporation, located in Saxonburg,
Pa. As an accomplished presenter,
Ron is often sought after in regard to his expertise within the world of social
media.
Comments (6)Post a Comment
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Title: Road Warrior
By: Tim
Posted: July 8, 2011 7:37 AM
Honestly being on the road so much is what makes my current marriage prosper...and being I am on wife #3.
Seriously being on the road really can be tough but honestly makes the relationship better in my mind. Not around enough to get on ones nerves and they do say that absence makes the heart grow fonder or something like that!
Title: Road Warrior
By: Jesse C.
Posted: July 10, 2011 8:18 AM
Love my profession as a heavy equipment operator. Love the job,, love the people, love the travel having been on large projects on over 30 states.
Lost two wives in the process however so is it worth it???
will never know that answer!
Title: Road Warriors
By: James batten
Posted: July 11, 2011 7:42 AM
I am a Crane Operator and need to follow the work in order to feed the wife and kids. Sad but true living in Tennessee I have been working the past year in LA, MS and FL and have been home about every 6 weeks.
It stinks and makes for ling days and solitary nights as I am nota drinker but what can I do. Need the local market to pick up but competition in my line of work is fierce.
Thanks for thinking of us!
Title: Road Warrior
By: Richard
Posted: July 15, 2011 7:21 AM
yes this kind of life does pay the bills but is an emotinal struggle and can cause depression and tough relationships all around. Miss seeing my kids grow up and all the important events they had.
Hopefully can give them a better way of life and to quote the song from the seventies (cats in the Cradle) I hope my son does not turn out to be like dad!
Title: Road Warrior
By: Tommy
Posted: July 19, 2011 4:55 PM
Whine whine...you know what you need to do when you get into this profession. Suck it up!
Title: Road Warriors
By: Brent C.
Posted: August 2, 2011 7:23 AM
Watch out for the hotels on the road as well. Two of my partners just got scabies from the hotel (bed) they were staying at in TN!
Remember when it comes to hotels you get what you pay for (normally). Check the bed, sheets, covers before sleeping!