It’ s what he had seen his father do, and his grandfather before him. All the men around him coming up in the trades. They worked. Hard. Kept a roof over their families’ heads, food on the table and kept the lights on – no matter what it took.

Never in a million years would he have thought that all that he’ d done wouldn’ t be enough. Apparently, it wasn’ t just not enough— it was so far from enough that some of them don’ t even speak to him anymore.

Again, he thinks about how many of the men he’ s worked beside share his story. In conversations during breaks or after shifts, he’ s heard the very same exchanges between ex-spouses relayed. He supposes there’ s some comfort in that. He certainly isn’ t the only man to have ever felt that defeat when he thought he was doing everything he was supposed to do. Not by a long stretch. In fact, the opposing story – a life of decades together and happily ever after – is becoming a tale rarely told.

For many in the trades, this story is all too familiar. Providing for your family at the cost of time with them. It’ s a quiet crisis in our industry. Time to try and force

Matt Ohley

himself to sleep. The kiddos certainly aren’ t on the night shift.

Matt Ohley is a construction professional with over 27 years in the industry, currently serving as founder of Bluecollar Mindfulness. Matt started in the industry as a general laborer, eventually working into the roles of foreman, superintendent, project manager and general superintendent. He is passionate about the industry and refers to the people in the field as his " tribe." In his time outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors and with his children, as well as visiting local springs and kayaking.

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