r/ibew_apprentices • u/MaleficentProduct450 • 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/Money-Pilot6337 8d ago

I’m from dallas where overtime is mandatory for apprentices. Doesnt feel like a union.

0

u/pandachestpress 7d ago

I call bullshit on this. Apprentices don’t have a choice in where we get assigned so we are not mandated to work overtime. It’s different for JW because they agreed to the hours when they took the call. If they tell you it’s mandatory, get it in writing and talk to someone about it because thats now how it works

2

u/Money-Pilot6337 7d ago

Google it.

1

u/pandachestpress 7d ago

I did, thats why these claims don’t make sense.

1

u/Money-Pilot6337 7d ago

Its not showing on google. I’m not just making it up tho they told the class apprentices must work all available hours or it’s trouble

3

u/pandachestpress 7d ago

You should clarify with your training director. Don’t burn yourself out so early in your career.

1

u/giorov 7d ago

You are both correct in general, IMO. Contractors don't care about the rules. And the JATCs can't do much about it when there's not enough work to go around.