Onsite With Matt Ohley
Returning to the Grind
Welcome to“ Onsite,” a fresh perspective brought to you by contributing writer Matt Ohley, founder of Bluecollar Mindfulness. In this column, Ohley cuts through the noise and delves into the challenges encountered by those shaping our world through construction. Ohley offers a unique perspective, amplifying the voices of those who experience the daily pulse of life on the jobsite.
Onsite is our commitment to breaking down the barriers and misconceptions that shroud the construction profession. Ohley aims to initiate open and honest conversations, from job insecurity to the transient nature of projects, physical strain and often-overlooked mental health struggles.
“ Give me a few days off and I start plotting and scheming on how I can never do this again.”
It’ s a common sentiment. Without fail, anytime I make this statement, after an extended period of time off, the majority of my coworkers break out in laughter, many in full agreement.
Getting back to the grind after the holidays is different for everyone, but I can say that I’ ve witnessed two distinctive themes that seem to resonate with the majority of those coming out of the break.
The first group of people are those that resonate with the statement I started with.
It’ s not that we don’ t like what we do, in fact, we may love what we do. But construction is grueling at times and once you give us three or four days off in a row we start thinking,“ what could I possibly do to live as stress free as I have the last three days?”
Again, I don’ t take it as an indication that we
6 January 24, 2025 www. contractorshotline. com