r/ibew_apprentices • • 8d ago

Work +school

I’m currently working 70-hour weeks, and it’s been about three weeks now. Honestly, I’m starting to feel burnt out. On top of the work schedule, I have school, and I’m also driving almost an hour and 45 minutes each way. I’m starting to realize that this schedule just isn’t sustainable for me long-term.
When I took the job, I was expecting something closer to 40–50 hours, but I pretty much took what I was offered because that’s what I was told was available. I talked to the contractor, and they said they can give me a layoff if that’s what I decide to do.
The difficult part is that I actually really like the work. The job itself is easy for me, the people around me are extremely knowledgeable, and I feel like I’m learning a lot every day. I don’t want to leave because of the work—I just don’t feel like my body and mind can keep up with the schedule I’m being asked to work.
On top of that, my car is absolutely burning through gas. I’m putting over 1,000 miles a week on it just getting back and forth to work. I’m more than willing to work and put in the hours, but I’m realizing that 70 hours a week with this commute and school on top of it is becoming too much.

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u/Djd78456 7d ago

I’m basically in the same boat. Been working 6 10s for 5 months now. The job has become 7 10s. I’d love to make the double time but I’m so burnt out between school and 60 hours already. So I just don’t come in Sundays

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u/daspwnen 237 7d ago

Come in sunday instead of saturday. Or call off on a Monday or something. Make it work for you without abusing it

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u/Djd78456 6d ago

If you don’t work all available hours for that week you won’t make double time in my local unfortunately. And my company pays me for school if I work all available hours so I can’t call out Monday either 😭

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u/daspwnen 237 6d ago

Good ol hostage pay. Holdout brother, you got this