5 Things I HATE About Being an Electrician!

Whether you are an apprentice, a Journeyman, or even an electrical contractor, if you choose to live the exotic life of an electrician, there are going to be things that you just don’t like about the trade! Don’t get me wrong, while there are plenty of things that we LOVE about the trade (otherwise we probably wouldn’t be doing it!!), there are certainly things that we don’t like. In the latest episode of Electrician U, Dustin discusses a few of the things that he HATES!
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#electrician #electrical #electricity
First on the list are the early mornings. Most of us start our work shift at 0700 (or earlier) and will be working that early for most (if not all) or our careers. Heck, sometimes we must be to work earlier than that! And unless you are the type to get up much earlier and get prepped for your day (get coffee or breakfast, workout, etc.) then that leaves you screeching into the parking lot with minutes to spare (if any at all). To make things easier, set your alarm early, get up when it goes off (in lieu of hitting snooze), get prepped for your day, and get on with it! However, a bonus for having to be to work at some ungodly hour of the morning means you generally will be off early, so you can do the necessary things that need to be done then.
The next thing has got to be the worst. Digging! I think we can all agree that digging trenches/holes with a shovel is a hot, laborious, and backbreaking task. And if the power isn’t being taken from overhead, that only leaves us with underground. And if you live anywhere near central Texas (I am sure there are other locations out there that are close in soil composition), that means you are living ON a rock making the task that much worse!! Let’s face it, digging several hundred feet of trench in the dead of summer would make anyone HATE it! A necessary evil, but one that no one likes.
Having to work in attics has got to be closely behind digging. Most electricians despise crawling in attics and will do most anything to avoid it. Why do you think the apprentice usually gets this lovely task?! Most attics are not overly spacious (in fact many can be quite claustrophobic), are usually very warm in temperature and are generally FILLED with itchy insulation. But again, the same as with having to install conduit underground, we can’t WISH the power to get from point A to point B, so we have to put it somewhere!
Working at heights is nightmarish for many electricians. And considering that our conduits or light fixtures won’t install themselves at the ceiling level, a task that needs to be done, like it or not. The fear of working at heights can be exacerbated by using rickety ladders or equipment that doesn’t feel very stable. However, it’s been my experience that the fear DOES lessen with time, and several years into your career, it should be a bit easier.
While most of us LOVE new tools (or just love tools in general), the quantity of tools needed to perform at/above the journey level can be the bane of many electricians. Seems we have a separate tool for every task! And considering ALL the different tasks us electricians perform, that equates to a van/truck FULL of tools. This leaves a whole lot of equipment to keep track of, to take care of, and can be quite expensive.

[@MrKen59]

What drives me crazy is thinking I have what I need, and once in the attic, realize I forgot something. As I get older, I seem to feel sore far longer.

[@FishFind3000]

That's always a pain, or when you put it down next to you and it goes to another dimension...

[@willschultz5452]

I don't like getting started and then you realize you need something and then you have to put everything away and drive to Lowes or Home Depot to get what you need. Then you get back to the job and get everything out and you work for an hour and then you need something else 😠. Then you have to put everything away and run back out to the store over again and one more hour wasted 🙄

[@MrKen59]

@@willschultz5452 oh my - happens more than I’d like to admit 🥹

[@rubengonzales745]

Agreed I try not to take on attic work anymore.

[@MrKen59]

@@rubengonzales745 thanks to COVID and lots of leftover masks, at least I’m not breathing in all the attic dust. Although my body isn’t recovering from all the bending and twisting. Haha - use to be easier.

[@TwilightxKnight13]

Good advice to a new apprentice (or any worker) is: (1) be on time. In many cases, on time is already late. If your start time is 7am, get in the habit of being there by 6:45-6:50. That way if something unusual happens, like a traffic light skips your a couple of times, or a train, or an ambulance/funeral, etc. you still have a chance of being on time. You can get a bad reputation really quickly if you are known as the guy who is always late. You can be the best electrician, but if you are the late guy, it is how you will be known. (2) dress for work. Wear clean clothes without a lot of holes or heavy staining unless you are going to be working on a really dirty project like excavating. If you dress like a homeless person, you will get a reputation and it looks terribly unprofessional on residential/commercial job sites. Along with this is take a shower. No one wants to work with a stinky person (3) have a good attitude. No one likes to work with a negative person that bitches and complains about every little thing all day. Leave your personal problems at home. (4) return borrowed tools. If you borrow a tool from someone, return it as soon as you are done. Do not toss it in with your own tools and do not take it home. Along with this is return them in the same condition you got them. If you blow up someone else's strippers, then you buy a new one to replace it. If you got the tool dirty, clean it.

[@WhatWhoandY]

Ive learned that on time: is being 15 minutes to a half hour early

[@user-gz4ve8mw9l]

I've always arrived 10 minutes to 2 hours early for work all my life deliberately. Even when I had a 2 hour commute to work in the past. I'd just get up at 2 am and be at work ready to start at 5:30 am. Heck I arrive early for anything that is scheduled. Whether it be work or a doctors appointment or whatever else. I've sat in doctors offices in the waiting room for 8 hours ahead of schedule before.

[@CrustyTOOTS]

@@WhatWhoandY lol I start getting paid at 7am. I’ll be there at 7 and work my 10 hours. 15-30 mins early is a fucking ridiculous expectation that needs to die with boomers.

[@iluisgarcia]

I have learned that if you have had to borrow a hand tool more than once … buy that hand tool for yourself.

[@Gruntled2001]

@@CrustyTOOTS Dude, not for nothing, but the people who are there 10 minutes early are the successful ones. They are the ones who get ahead, get noticed, get promoted. If you come in at 7 on the spot, watch the clock and leave at 5 p.m., fine, you have done just enough, and that will get you all the way to the middle, maybe a bit lower. I've been in this for 25 years, trust me, I know. This is not a "boomer" thing, or a "millennial" thing, it's a worth ethic thing. Good attitude counts (as long as you are working for a boss who noticed that, of course)

[@patientx4725]

Starting out as an apprentice is tough. I was getting paid 12/hr in 2021 and I was grateful to be getting that much. I had no XP or tools. I would buy 1 thing a week. My first purchase was the small Milwaukee impact. That purchase alone helped out a lot. My second was a Husky linesman's, needle nose, and angle cutters pack. With those 2 purchases alone I was able to do 80% of the job 80% of the time(mostly residential). However, go ahead and pay good money for a good multimeter. And never trust your journeyman or master electrician saying "the circuit is off". Check that shit for yourself.

[@anthonya6693]

How much do you make now?

[@brandonreyes5567]

100 percent

[@patientx4725]

@@anthonya6693 currently making 15/hr. Still have a long way to go to get to 8000 hours to take the test.

[@celestialarmor695]

You should be getting paid more than that as an apprentice those are liveable wages

[@cbecerra101]

@@patientx4725 whats the 1 yr update on the pay bro ? im in trade school now doing some side jobs here and there, im hype !

[@jeffymooch]

I'm so glad you mentioned complaint 6. It's a large barrier to entry to each trade.

[@dallasarnold8615]

About 15 years ago, I and 3 co workers were using a scissor lift to get on 18 foot high roof. As it happened the lift was parked sideways to the building with the two wheels next to the building on concrete and the outside wheels on dirt ( actually mud ). As we approached the top, the lift suddenly started to tip. And all four of us sprouted wings to jump onto the roof. And the lift did go all the way over. So, now all four of us stuck on the roof with no simple way down. Luckily one guy has his phone on him, called our office to get us some help. If we had been smarter, would have turned the lift 90 degrees and /or put some support under the wheels.

[@10jonchannel]

Where’s the fun in that 😂

[@ikerivers1795]

Hence why it is against OSHA regulations to use a manlift as an elevator. 🤷🏼‍♂️🤔

[@jefflove3049]

@@ikerivers1795 And lack of proper training.

[@willjohnsonjohnson]

@@ikerivers1795 Then why call it a manlift it can't be used to lift man?

[@darrenwoloshyn]

If you were tied off to the scissor lift you would have went down with it.

[@steve3352]

That last point about how electricians treat each other really hits home. I appreciate you calling this out in such a well explained manner. Really needs to be talked about more. Thanks for the great content!

[@stuartfreedman6854]

Indeed. And it's the same thing with Cable guys and Alarm techs.

[@cali-electro-dad]

You are so right about the infighting! I try my best to have respectful, constructive conversations online, but every once in a while I run into the "I know everything and you're an idiot!" type of person and it's just sad. 😔 Edit: I try, REALLY hard to lift up the people around me in the trade. I also try to remember that no matter how much you learn, every person you meet knows something of value that you don't. Interact with an open mind and you will learn all the more! 😃👍

[@ethanbattermann7123]

I had someone call me an idiot for saying a plastic box didn't need to be grounded. Like bruh, it's non conductive. You don't need to put a ground screw in it 😂

[@cali-electro-dad]

@@ethanbattermann7123 One thing I make sure of is to be able to sight my articles. As far as I'm concerned I'd better put up or shut up. And that goes for everyone too.

[@ethanbattermann7123]

@@cali-electro-dad oh I agree, always cite sources. The problem is that many people will misinterpret the code or quote it out of context

[@cali-electro-dad]

@ethanbattermann7123 IDK why so many people think it's up for interpretation. I've have set a lot of folks straight by bringing it back to chapter 1. Ya gotta know your definitions.

[@ethanbattermann7123]

@@cali-electro-dad dude. Preach. It's not a law that's up for interpretation, it's a set of strict definitions with exact meanings. No wishy-washy "it could mean this" nuh uh

[@GB-yo8xf]

After 57 years I just started "trying to be an electrician" about 8 months ago. I was very lucky to stumble upon the company I work with. It's A small family business run by A man and his wife and he has over 40 years of experience. I am just intrigued by the amount of knowledge, tools and common sense that this guy has! We are known as an Electric company, but we do jobs from HVAC, drywall, floor refinishing, ceiling tile, painting, demolition, etc. etc. etc.!! I can relate to ALL OF THE ABOVE. I've learned so much that it's so easy to forget some of the things that I have learned! Scissor jacks are hard to get used to and seem A bit sketchy until you get used to them. I wished I would have started this trade when I was much younger...probably could be running my own business by now and maybe even thinking about retirement. Trying to teach my son who is 17 to learn A skill now and stay with it...Be the BEST at one job and be rewarded years later .

[@WeFareFartherThanDreams]

Just wanna say don't pressure him too much into what society says. I have welding Certs for all processes, I was great in school, but even with certs and knowledge i can't get hired to any good jobs in the field that pays a living wage. I'm 21 and all jobs want 10years of experience required. I've applied to jobs that **prefer** 1 or 2 years to hear nothing back. It's messed up.

[@tonydyer5073]

Omg dude. You are so right about the last point. I’m a union electrician in Florida I went through the IBEW apprenticeship here but I met so many obnoxious, egotistical and hateful journeymen that I almost walked away from the trade. I’m originally from the north and I can say with certainty that the people up north are more brotherly and they help you become a better mechanic at your craft. I have not experienced that since I moved to Florida. It’s really sad.

[@joshmonaco6170]

Sorry to hear that brother. I've heard about some Florida locals and how they can be. Really all across the south in general. Hope things look up for you. Solidarity from lu 22 ✊️✌️

[@atb1040]

Yep, they act like that kind of behavior is normal too

[@jerryelsea8126]

I was an apprentice in the Kansas City local for about a year. Everyone was so mean and miserable I had to walk away. Said I hated the job but the people just made it terrible

[@gerdberg4188]

Ooooo I think you are going to aggravate some plumbers ! There is more fittings and hardware for electrical work than any other trade ! Oh yes TEST , TEST AGAIN , TEST AGAIN , HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH

[@mackfisher4487]

Thanks for the good reminder to always strive to be a better person not just an electrician.

[@SQTierHog]

No, you forgot nothing. The most important thing was about how we treat each other. When I started at SQ, Guards wouldn't talk to me. It was as if they were never new. It was so bad, thus scarier, that I always told myself that when I got time in, acquired the experience, that when I saw a new staff member, I always pulled them aside to let them know that they weren't alone, that if they wanted to know anything, I was there for them. Sadly, when a new staff member met me and found out where I had worked and what my experience was, the time I had in, they were shocked that I would speak with them. Yeah, so this disrespect with one another really drives me! Thanks for taking the time to make all the videos you do, all the content you provide us for free! Happy New Year!

[@jaredkennett1950]

One of the things I hate the most about being an electrician or just being in construction in general is the bathroom situation lol. When I work in occupied buildings no problem but sites where there are porta potties really make me question my life choices. Then when it’s an occupied building but they bring in porta potties because they don’t want you to use their washrooms is the worst.

[@garymiller3194]

I'm electrical contractor in Florida, you're Absolutely right about other electricians hating other electricians

[@TwilightxKnight13]

One of the things I hate about being an electrician is that our trade is lumped in with other trades who have historically bad unions. We have an exceptionally strong and well managed union system, but we still get a lot of bad attitude because so many other unions are corrupt. I hate that we have to justify our quality and brotherhood because someone says, "all unions suck" because they had a bad experience with the AFL-CIO or Teamsters, etc.

[@joemirkin3565]

Obv not "all unions suck". But in truth, many unions have utterly failed to advance the class struggle for hundreds of millions of working class people in this country. Corrupt bureaucrats are one obstacle, but the widespread illusion of meritocracy is itself a tremendous challenge for unions and their members.

[@alphasaiyan5760]

I hate installing ceiling fans and light fixtures. Other than that I love the trade lol. Also , that getting up early shit is for the birds. I don’t schedule my first job until between 9-10 am every day 👍

[@benfowler2127]

I hated attics when I was doing residential. In my early 20’s I did a lot of residential. There’s definitely different challenges to the different aspects of the trade. I loved learning in the beginning. Electricity is fascinating.

[@xchino0427]

Gotta do attics in the mornings during summer cause it gets soo hot up there

[@vossman5]

I feel that I'm like you, and enjoy the technical information about the job, just about finished my first year of apprenticeship

[@terra6084]

how do you get started with an electrical apprenticeship?

[@Scotts_Status]

Dude, you speak the truth! Thanks for being honest to your subscribers!

[@navyguy0518]

WA state inside wireman here. Completely agree on all points. Although I think the shovel may be the #1 most hated spot for me. The tools carried for a job is a balance of cost, weight, and convenience.

[@reeses.8651]

I’ve been in the trade for sometime now and it is definitely the other electricians that make the the job and the environment more difficult to thrive in. It seems that not knowing or asking questions is a sign of weakness. Or others will prey on your lack of knowledge making you the stepping stone for a higher position. is probably the the reason why egos and pride is such a big thing in the industry. I’ve met great Stand up Electricians but unfortunately we need more. If you have to put others down in the trade in order to boost your own ego then that tells a lot about the character of an individual. Great Video Btw🤙

[@jimcook8852]

Well said. Bravo.

[@jimcook8852]

Digging is good for you. It builds character. Don't stop till you smell rice. Texas is not that hot. Try working here in the Mojave desert in So Cal. 120f + is not uncommon. Two summers ago we had 117f everyday for 30 days straight. We worked outdoors for 10 hours a day. After 25 years I still love my job. Union is the only way to go if you wanna make some real $. Awesome video.

[@grahamvaneck8906]

I've only been doing this for about a year but I love it, like you I particularly enjoy learning theory and code, knowing the whys behind it all. And honestly the feeling of turning on a switch and everything you just installed turning on properly is the best. My biggest beef though is cheap shitty fixtures (usually residential ones) that are a pain in the cojones to install, I honestly wish manufacturers would spare a tiny bit of thought for the poor bastard that has to work with them.

[@dallasarnold8615]

At one point I had a helper ( if you can call him that ) on site. We had to run some control wires through a single stick of EMT. One white, one green, and 6 reds. So I handed my numbers book to him and told him to label the wires. I had to go to the truck. When I came back he had labeled both ends of all the wires with the number 8. I guess because there were 8 wires total ?

[@reeses.8651]

A for effort 😆

[@robertthompson3447]

Sketchiest thing I've done with a 25 ft extension ladder is to use it freestanding to change a light bulb. My assistant held the ladder and I went up. 🥺

[@ryanfowler2055]

Ahhh the best kind. Thankfully for me, I was built skinny as hell. LoL

[@michaelrameriz2723]

Real American hero!

[@timothymitchell7250]

I'm an engineer and a DIYer, so probably hated by many of your subscribers! I love the passion you have for what you do. I wish more people had it and would take pride in their work. It sucks there are so many people willing to take too many shortcuts.

[@josephnicolas2158]

So true!

[@waynejanik9668]

I agree. People seem to have no pride in there work today. They are all there to collect a pay check and do it with as little work as possible. This is true in all industries.

[@tyzoerner4181]

So true! I'm now a retired electrical engineer who was motivated in high school as a junior apprentice supporting both residential and commercial work to become an electrical engineer!!! In my career, I was often assigned to work with the trades because of my respect and ability to work the skilled trades. Now, working on my own properties, want everything I touch up to code, which even for an engineer, the NEC 2020 isn't easy. The Electrician U channel has been extremely valuable!

[@jamess1787]

No hate. We're all DIY'rs in some respects of our life. Don't think electricians don't do their own plumbing work, or vice versa. 😉

[@joshmonaco6170]

I doubt most sparkies would hate you for doing DIY work. Speaking for myself, I only really hate it when people do dangerous things because they couldn't be bothered to look up the right way to do it. We're dealing with a literal force of nature here! It can and will kill you!

[@BrianFo]

As a specialized low voltage Theatrical lighting electrician, half of my job is just teaching electricians how to do DMX in a theatre setting. I have run into a number of interesting egos due to that. Having done my job in Texas and California for 7 years, I can agree with you on all your points, but I'm lucky on the tools part as my companies have paid for my tools.

[@CrossTimbersSon]

I have to agree with number 5. People with higher aptitudes and intelligence levels will often exit early in order to find a better work cultures and long term career lifestyles and longevity. Endless work days filled with Sarcasm and the only solution is “Suck it up buttercup” drives out intelligence. Reminded me of a quote from Stephen R. Covey “You can buy a person's hand, but you can't buy his heart. His heart is where his enthusiasm, his loyalty is. You can buy his back, but you can't buy his brain. That's where his creativity is, his ingenuity, his resourcefulness.” Elementary playground bully communication skills, and conflict resolution styles hurt the trade as a whole. (I didn’t intend to insult elementary age children on playgrounds) A person who can perform electrical work at a high level of professionalism, judiciously handle conflict and criticism, while lacking truckloads of sarcasm is truly a unique individual. A man above men. (A unicorn)

[@FosterFarmsOk]

I hate when people find out I'm an electrician. They Always want a deal or freebie

[@FishFind3000]

Just make some stuff up about non compete clauses or something that your employer has a document you signed that says you cannot do any outside work. Or just say I have no insurance, license, or business so if your houses burns down I won’t pay for it and neither will your insurance.

[@FosterFarmsOk]

@@FishFind3000 Yeah that's usually the conversation I have with them.

[@robertthompson3447]

I have the same problem in my trade. A brief mention of my hourly rate and minimum fee usually takes care of the issue.

[@JosephAnterola]

same goes for most industries... tech, mechanics, plumbing etc... i never let anyone know that I know things, cause then they expect you to do things for them, and if experience has taught me anything: no good deed goes unpunished.

[@viz2790]

Lol, it will usually be a friend that has like a $150 budget that wants all these different things installed. Lol “My budget is $150 my dude”. “Alright man, that will get you to the front door” 😂

[@aerofart]

If there is a whole-house fan available, it might be a good idea to run it and the AC to get some of that cool air into the attic before you go up there. Running powered attic vents is not a bad idea either.

[@alejandropreciado1814]

Then you get the asbestos dust flying all over

[@Paul-IE-Repairs]

37 here and raised in central Texas as well, if i remember correctly Texas was once a corral reef "completely under water" and the limestone deposits that remain is fossilized corral reef, that's why we hit bed rock so shallow and its mostly rocky clay around here. Just wait till you learn about logic controls, every red light you come to you will start counting the seconds and identifying the differences between IR, photocell triggers, and induction plate triggers, and if the traffic control system at this intersection is running RLL or a more modern PLC, you then will start to learn when the program schedule begins and ends, during a scheduled peak traffic times, the lights are all timed for optimal traffic flow through high traffic zones, when they are not the operate off of the IR or induction call, at night they use the photo cells mounted on top of the light to trigger the sequence so that once the oncoming car reaches the intersection the light should turn green. or maybe that is just me. on your #5 when i come across and arrogant electrician that thinks he's the greatest i remind him your skills end at the receptacle, mine don't, i decided a long time ago i wanted to graduate beyond the grunt work that installed that receptacle or disconnect. i look at it like the moment you realize what those other function on your DVOM do, not just AC volts and ohms.

[@Hopeofmen]

One thing I've learned so far as a four month old apprentice here in Tennessee, is the amount of digging:)

[@Youngsparky95]

at my company we only use excavators. I haven’t touched a shovel in years

[@jpower6974]

I greatly agree that trade schools are a waste of money. The company I’m currently with is not only requiring me to go to trade school but I also have to pay for it out of pocket which I don’t feel is fair. Not to mention a lot of the things there teaching us are things that I already know or I will probably never use. Needless to say I’m already looking for a better company.

[@petegilson1157]

I’m with you on the respect for each other. And yes, attics, and tight hot spaces suck. I do a lot of service work so I don’t have as many of the “hates” but crawling behind greasy kitchen equipment is high on my list.

[@andystitt3887]

Check the tracer against a known live conductor. Cheek the conductor then check the tracer on a live wire if practical. Codes are generally applicable rules sometimes it’s impractical to follow a specific provision an inspector can grant a variance. Lastly there are certain jobs for which plumbers need to carry extra tools too such as packing irons, ladles, to name two.

[@digdug5945]

Dustin I applaud you brother because you know far more than I do. And your right it's all about the ego. I know where your coming from, I really hate it when I'm stressed for time and I don't have the tool I need. Keep up the good work.

[@ryanhoffman5864]

I’m totally onboard with most of what you said. Not really attics though. In PA, attics get hot in the summer but I don’t spend much time in them. Heights I ABSOLUTELY hate if I’m on an extension ladder, especially because yesterday I fell 10 feet off of one and messed up my back and leg. Keep up the good work! Next video: 5 top things you love about being an electrician.

[@Hatim.13]

Holy shit! Hope you re ok man! Greetings from PA

[@ryanhoffman5864]

@@Hatim.13 I’m good. I wasn’t for a few hours after it happened. Knocked the wind out of me for 30 seconds, but I kept through the work day, just a bit slower. Now I’m still sore in my back, but I’m almost moving around like normal. Definitely learned my lesson: extension ladders bad lol

[@stacidiane]

Made the switch from resi to commercial 6 months ago... am finally feeling like I have most of the tools I need to work smarter not harder. I literally have grown to hate going into home depot just because when I do I know I'm not walking out without something new I think myself or my old man sparky needs.

[@blackened872]

Been thinking about making the switch from residential to commercial too, would you say it was the right move?

[@stacidiane]

@@blackened872 Yeah it was for me, but at the time it didn't feel like it was lol...I had planned on doing residential work another year before I switched. Now I'm settled and I love it and all the differences that made me so anxious at first are just part of a new routine. Enough new things that I'm steadily learning and challenging myself.

[@Youngsparky95]

@@blackened872you can’t call yourself a real electrician just doing rezzy work 😂 switch to commercial/ industrial or controls and automation. The pay is a lot better and you’ll never have to climb into an attic again.

[@blackened872]

@@Youngsparky95 been in the commercial end of things for about 10 months now. You are indeed correct sir.

[@gavingriffis3216]

I've been in the trade for about a year and a half and I watch your videos all the time. You're a big inspiration to me, keep doing an awesome job man

[@josephzimmerberg3742]

I agree with number 6. There is a lot of hatred. Someone said I had brain damage just because I had trouble using a new wire pulling device.

[@xtorres8919]

I love being an electrical apprentice I love studying I love learning about it One thing I don’t like is Is fixing others people mistakes I learned the old fashion way “ if you are not going to do it right don’t do it, if you don’t know how to do something don’t do it an just ask” so when I see mistakes that could of been avoided! 😅😂

[@babyhuez597]

Let me know if you feel the same way when you’re 40-50 years old.

[@kincaid9134]

could've*

[@blackened872]

Preech! If you make the mistake you should be the one to fix it. Less likely you’ll make the mistake again if you know how much of a pain it was to fix it.

[@ryanfowler2055]

@@babyhuez597 Im 40, and at least for me as well, I agree with what he said. Though depending, I am trying to look at it as a positive, just means more money for me.

[@TwilightxKnight13]

Fixing someone else's mistake is really no different than fixing any other problem. Who cares? You will have a lot less stress and sleep better at night if you just focus on doing the work regardless of why. I never minded fixing other electrician's work because it shows the foreman/supervisor/customer who they can depend on and who they can't. When times are lean, I know I'll be working when they are sitting at home.

[@rubengonzales745]

So true about the tools, the easiest way to find a lost tool is to purchase a new one LOL. I have doubles and triples of the same damn tools. I have a gang box filled with a shit load of tools. Great video boss keep up the good work.

[@Sctronic209]

When I started in the trades I was doing residential and light commercial electrical work loved every minute of it. Now I’m doing HVAC and some electrical work. Nearing retirement.

[@benjaminkieszkiel4953]

This was spot on! It's very relieving to hear you talk about the things you don't necessarily like about the trade. I love being an electrician but my list is exactly the same as yours lol. It's very refreshing to know I'm not alone with these things. I love your videos keep up the great work! And I 100% agree about the electricians beef lol. Peace and love is what I'm about, we're all out here trying to make a buck, we'll get nowhere bickering amongst ourselves.

[@WhatWhoandY]

I can put up with any kind of difficulty, as long as my coworkers are cool. Good respectful fun coworkers are the only thing that really helps the day go well. 16 years electrician, commercial, industrial, resi. Two hates of mine are - too short a wires in a box F%##!! - and, inconsiderate conduit runs for pulling wires, ie too small pipes, condulets, excessive bends and turns. Thanks fer yur videos!

[@DJMaverickk]

lol. This guy absolutely nailed it with number 6. I totally wasn't expecting him to talk about that.

[@dougfoster445]

I'm totally that electrician that digs the theory. In fact I'm a full time trade school teacher that teaches electricity. I focus on mainly the theory and a lot of companies don't like that. They all say I should be focused teaching them how to run wire and how to do stuff apprentices should do. And I DO do that as well. However, it's not like their journeyman is going to teach these guys how electricity works. So I do both but really push the theory because that's what really helped me in the field. I didn't want to just be a romex junky. I wanted to understand what is happening in these systems.

[@akindianhammer945]

Being a mid 30’s plumber from Alaska I agree with all of these points tho I like buying the new plumbing tools they are coming out with making life so much easier. Great video!

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

And I think we have some many tools for our trade also. 🤔

[@waynejanik9668]

Thank you for sharing as always another great video. I agree with the tool, but I hate more is the thief of your tools, people feel that just could borrow your tools and it is up to you to collect it. Best to you and your family. Stay safe and all the best in 2023

[@user-OG-g]

I too hate digging 😂I actually went into industrial maintenance to avoid digging and going under houses

[@johnpoolejr]

This ended up being extremely inspirational and here I thought I was just going to watch this for a good laugh as I agreed with everything you said...thank you for sharing this. I also noticed the nostalgic items you have in the back and if you like one or a couple of IAC electromechanical induction disc relays I'd be happy to send them to you. I've made a career in the eletrical testing and commissioning industry and am such a huge fan of the older brilliant technology like oil dashpots for breaker trip units. I often tell my crew that this new equipment takes the 'tech' out of technician and its so important to teach and coach theory and fundamentals rather than know why to run software and hook up leads. Great channel, thanks again for all you do!

[@josephnicolas2158]

I can totally relate with all your compliments and complaints about being an electrician. I worked for an electrical engineer in South Florida for 5.5 years and the attics are extremely hot there as well! Great video!! Thank you for sharing!

[@sparky_murph]

Dustin, Number 6, is by far, one of the best explanations of of why, our trade, of Electricians, is slowly dying, in my opinion. The need for Electricians, is out growing, the supply, and it has been this why for sometime. If you ask, pretty much, younger people in high school, why they don’t want to go into the trades. Various reason, though a common denominator, said from all, is why would I want to go to work, deal with an arrogant, jackass, that has anger management problems. Amongst, other things, and why should they. I personal, deal with it myself, here and there, and I have been an electrician, for 20 years. It amazes me that it still happens to me. But it does. And frankly, it shows just how horrible the person, doing the trash talking, is, there arrogant attitude, is their down fall. They, think, or say, things like: “Oh why, should I show you anything, about what we are doing, you should just automatically know everything.” Well, guess what, I don’t. If I did, I would know the PowerBall numbers, win them, become a billionaire, and do something else. The people who treat other badly, seem to forget where they come from, and at one point, didn’t know anything themselves. They had to learn, by doing, by watching, asking questions. By making mistakes, also. I look at being an electrician, as fun to me, I enjoy learning something new each day. I enjoy, going to work, most people I enjoy being around, it really isn’t work to me, it is more like playtime. When I have to put a crew together, depending on what I am doing, everyone asks the owner to be on my crew, I take time with the apprentices, I help them, teach them, what I did, my mistakes, listen to them, look after them. You’re only as good as your weakest point, I want to help everyone become the best they can be. Most oldies, don’t want that, in a way I feel it makes them, feel not as important, or that the light isn’t being shined on them, I’m not really sure. Just my opinion. My of the people older than me, can stand my positive mind set, and work ethic, or attention to detail. As I have been, told, but the biggest thing they say, is that, I admit, even doing this as long as I have, that I make mistakes daily, and there have been a few times, I’m sure more, that I can’t remember, that a 4th year apprentice has, pointed something out to me, that I could have done, better, I thank them for doing so, and each time, we have both fixed the issue. Well that is my story for now, best of luck, to everyone, Watching Dustin’s, channel, you learn a lot. It is a must for me to watch it

[@joesaladino528]

That last one I 1000% agree with you. Humble yourselves, we all start at the same start line. Let your apprentice voice his/her opinion without shutting them down immediately

[@CA-lk6fd]

I’ve been in the trade for 26 years this month, I love it as well! I’ve worked in residential and lots of commercial, some industrial. The one thing I think I hate the most is roughing in a garage on a house. It’s not that hard most of the time, sometimes it is if it’s not backfilled. But, for some reason I hate it. It’s usually the very last thing that gets done on my jobs. Sometimes I do it first just to get it over with. Yes it’s stupid I know.😂

[@BearStar1]

Dustin I know exactly what you are talking about when it comes to ladders and falling ! I've been a licensed Journeyman Electrician with over 55 years in the trade and a retired Federal Firefighter and I have had my share of ladder mishaps ! I have fallen from a few in my day and it hurts like hell ! Then the next day you are so sore and stiff all over from the incident that you can hardly move !

[@alexbaum5171]

Dustin, I hear ya on hating the early call times. My last job was starting at 4am! We were working on all of the parking garages for the city of Beverly Hills. So we had to get in early before all the car traffic showed up. But.. BUT, starting at 4am meant that I was off at 12:30 - home by 1Pm… it was the best!

[@CorporalM1987]

2 things I would add to the list is the commuting, I can spend up to 5 hrs on the road for 8 hrs of work depending on where the job is. My other gripe is the porta shitters. No better way to start your day than to drop a deuce in a small, dark box in the middle of a parking lot at 0530.

[@martymar8993]

Holy shit! Most accurate report of the difficulties involved in the job. I agree with every point you made and I was a full time electrician for 8 yrs. I have had an embarrassing amount of jobs in my lifetime and being an electrician was by far the most difficult and its not really close. Framing and concrete were more physical but the combined skills you need to have as an electrician make it an easy call.

[@martf1061]

14:06 I think this goes for All trades. There is always some sort of competition between everyone. It becomes a problem when there is " back stabbing " involved.

[@Boredperson08]

Plumbers have a ton of tools too. Likewise with HVAC. It is possible to have less and cheaper tools and be perfectly sufficient, but expensive tools sell themselves.

[@davidjrheinschmidt9963]

I'm an electrician and, I'm also in the Ga Army National Guard. The two share similarities between the pressures, stress, and fun. It's the best of both worlds!

[@turrubiartes21ify]

What I really love about electrical is the career paths it offers it just never ends

[@tomferrin1148]

Reason #5 is right on! More respect, less criticism, better cooperation. All will make for a happier life.

[@Sparkeycarp]

No problem with heights, didn't used to mind digging, but I am getting older and I get too sore from that. Plus I tell the customers "wouldn't you rather pay your gardener to dig"? "He knows where the sprinkler pipes are and is cheaper". Attics are a 5 o'clock in the morning job. Not afternoon. I have experienced both types of electricians. Usually the insecure ones are the pains in the rear. For the most part I find it a brotherhood. Love tools, always have. Spend a fortune on them. Write them off on taxes. Keep you videos coming, I always learn something, especially the nerdy stuff.

[@f0xh0nd51]

Lastly, I appreciate that you did this video because I’m trying to decide whether or not I want to make a career change and I want to go in eyes wide open knowing exactly what I’m getting myself into. I’ve done some construction, so I’m not completely naïve but I think a lot of guys are so these types of videos can be good for that too.

[@raymond3722]

The one is definitely TRUE and it's not only in electrical trade.People always comparing and want to prove they are the best.

[@mikef2618]

Retired now, but OMG, I still remember the digging and the hot attics. I worked for a company that didn't believe in power digging or trenching equipment. Grab that shovel and get to work! Then, they would have a ton of roof heating cable jobs in the spring due to ice dam issues over the winter. So what did they do? Scheduled attic work in the summer and left the roof heating cable jobs until November. Aaargh! But, still loved the work, and I actually do love heights. I wound up climbing broadcast towers for a living for about 12 years. Thanks for the memories, bro.

[@RetroReflux]

I went through a technical college for my associates in electrical and just being able to understand the theory and get some hands on as well as specialized familiarity with motors, VFD’s, motor controls and PLC was worth it. Having some knowledge in that opens the doors to so much more possibility’s. Plus if I decide to pursue my electrical engineering I’m already half way finished lol

[@BowensBlvd]

Amen to that, knowledge is the driving force to growing in any industry. Many electricians don't know vfds or motor components in industrial work, it's everything

[@edwinquito152]

To be an electrical engineer do you have to go to college for 4 years? And do you recommend it more that being a normal electrician?

[@RetroReflux]

@@edwinquito152 it depends on what you like to do. Engineers spend a lot more time doing load calculations, office setting, blue print design etc. there’s lots of money to be made there but also a lot of responsibility

[@mikenormandy9250]

MAN! did you NAIL THIS, Dustin! - The "God's Gift to Electricity" complex is what I call it. the 'know it all' guy who KNOWS IT ALL! - Got to LOVE that! I am a 37 year old 4th year apprentice, I have learned things from OLD OLD timers (like my grandfather who is 97) and learned things from 19/20 year olds who just started! Most Journeymen and Foreman are WAY younger than me most of the time! - But, I always like to say "What I lack in skill, I try and make up for in other ways" meaning, Since I am not very experienced in the field, I try and make sure I am on time, always have materials, always cleaning, always anticipating the Journeyman's next move, being on time, Etc....Great video! Oh, And I am union, BUT I do NOT hate non-Union guys at all! I have seen TERRIBLE union electricians, Foreman that I am supposed to be taking orders from and I have seen AMAZING Non-union guys!

[@grimmtrousers6276]

As a Aussie Sparky , I personally hate the spiders, snakes, possums and rats we have to deal with up in the roof spaces

[@MiER-iq2rc]

Move your business to Missouri you’ll get way softer dirt so digging isn’t a big deal here I like it plus the temp is different almost everyday you get cool breeze days with nice humidity then you get super hot days around 80 to 98deg

[@fastlap48]

Before I went full time commercial I hated residential crawl spaces. The mold and bugs were awful! Attics are rough no doubt and 4' trenches in the summer are not fun but those nasty crawl spaces still creep me out.

[@caseycramer8898]

I have been up on a crane putting lights up while the crane is working and swaying back and forth! Crazy feeling

[@harveypaxton1232]

I love seeing the Electricity One and Seven book on your bookshelf. Started my career 45 years ago with one.

[@cliffcorson4000]

I am a service tech with a restaurant group and yes I have one of the "beep beep" connectivity probes. Yea its not the greatest item but it cam help as a starting point. I constantly get calls from the restaurants that xxx equipment isn't turning on and first thing I do is go in and put the probe to power cord and get nothing, then walk back and see tripped breaker or see the cord not fully plugged in and fix it that magically it works again

[@clamboni9]

Tick tracers are an invaluable tool......As long as you understand how they work, how to use them, and when you should or should not be using them. I use them every day, and I'm never worried about my sniffer leading me into a live circuit. Sometimes it hits on wires that aren't hot, and I'm okay with that. You have to depend on your brain more than any other tool you have.

[@TheJeffe613]

I agree with all 5. Especially #1 that commute early in the am.

[@jacobplank]

All good points! I'm not crazy about heights either, I can do it mostly because working by myself I have to. The worst is leaning a tall extension ladder on a house and have nothing more to hold on to, most times I'm not looking down unless I have to.

[@mattjanachek]

Starting that early beats traffic so that's nice

[@spotlightinspections]

Getting shocked! I do what I can to not work hot but sometimes you get into something that surprises you.

[@redneck94chevy]

My hometown is pretty much bunch of rocks with little bit of soil on top of it 😂 you sometimes go few inches and hit rocks. You run into lot of rocks or tree roots when trying to dig here.

[@peteramurataiii1601]

All valid points. I couldn't agree more with you about the digging and attics.

[@jfarley1221]

What I dislike most is that if you didn't have OCD before working in construction, you'll develop it.

[@Longshot762x51]

Can confirm.

[@chad540996]

Thank you for all these videos bro! I was extremely nervous to start the trade but iv been loving it!!! It’s just me and the boss (a small town residential business). I’m only a month in so I hope it stays that way. My current goal is to get down receptacles and switches. Still can’t figure out how wiring a 3 way goes 😂. Love being not smart

[@romankizyma1288]

just give yourself time, once you get it it’ll be as easy as a receptacle.

[@monteglover4133]

You failed to mention the #1 hatred of all trades is thieves!!! I’ve been in the trades for 40+ years.

[@DarkWoodPicks]

I used to hate ladders. Got a job as a fiber technician, got used to him. Then went and installed elevators, no issues with ladders. I can be very picky where the ladder goes sometimes though. Cuz I still don't want to fall. 😂

[@Lazdinger]

I loved solving problems. When someone texts or calls and says “hey just wondering if you made it out here today” and I tell them to look up and they see a ceiling fan or an array of disc lights where there was none before. Or when somebody says “I can’t believe it; this [thing] hasn’t worked since we moved here 5 years ago”. Or when customers are happy they don’t have to consider moving from the house they raised children in, to a single level home because I somehow managed to run a plug above the stairs for an accessibility chairlift. Or even the feeling in residential/commercial when you start turning breakers on for the first time and everything just… works. Ah, yes ✊😌

[@johnathontremper3434]

I'm an apprentice for a sign and lighting company up here in Michigan and I have to rappell off of tall office buildings periodically to get to some of these signs lol. That shit is terrifying every single time, but I gotta get my jobs done 😅

[@nickh2799]

Man I’m right with you on the digging. I built docks for a while and couldn’t take the digging anymore so i got into electrical. Still have to dig sometimes though and i despise it.

[@TheForgottenMan270]

Adding to that list is when I go into a home and have to deal with scab work done by previous electricians. I'm currently working on a home where the owners are having remodeling done and the electrician they used just before me did a poor job that I actually had to fix what he did. An electrician before him, I believe, did an illegal junction so I corrected that. It's like I'm finding one disaster after another. I'm quite sure shoveling is the bane of every electricians existence. The other thing I hate is when an home owner or designer changes the electrical after the sheetrock is up and taped and mudded; and on some occasions the finish has all been done. As an electrician you're thinking you're done, but end up not being the case and the work required to make the changes has now been more than doubled as compared to doing things in the rough. Other jobs are waiting to get started, but you're stuck making changes on the finish side of a job.

[@andrewfischer8564]

saw a guy fall down a a shaft like 40 ft thought he was dead. blood every where..... cant believe im alive

[@FSAUDIOGUY]

South Texas had some hard ass ground! Caliche based. 106 in the shade!

[@DominickRuocco]

Dustin, you're right about the number of tools we have to carry around on a daily basis. The costs of good quality tools is also very expensive. The bag I carry around probably has about $1,000 worth of hand tools in it.

[@cali-electro-dad]

The tools are one of the things I love about being a sparky! It's a problem, just ask my wife. 😅

[@drich1s]

We have the same exact 5 dislikes! Lol here in Az digging sucks, attic sucks, getting up early sucks… but I still love what I do.

[@VoltXSystems]

I hope you see this comment. Can you please make a video on proper way to label wires, residential and commercial? Thank you for great videos

[@modernelectricianpodcast]

This is such a relatable post Dustin! 💯 relate to every thing on this list. How about the 150 year old dirt floor crawlspace complete with 100 year old raccoon skeletons, and snakes?

[@ti3167]

If you buy Klein tools and they break or jus want brand new ones, you can take the tool to home depot and trade it in for a brand new one, no questions asked

[@JJ_Headley]

100% agree on the attics! I live in Massachusetts all these really old houses with the nasty insulation plus the heat and cold it just sucks.

[@mackenziepeek9317]

Everyone at work thinks I'm crazy because I prefer a solid extension ladder over a scissor lift but I was a pipe layers for a long time so extension ladders were common. I fell out of a lift one time slipped on a pipe my helper threw down and since then I don't mind lifts but I'm real particular about my lift staying clean and organized and I'm uneasy leaning over the edge. I'm putting myself to reach it or my helper can do it

[@beardedlegend1854]

I agree with the digging. I’m here in the hill country. Mason is nothing but rock lol. Easiest digging so far has been at the courthouse we are redoing.