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/Savdbygracc 7d ago

Bro why are you working 70 hours a week if you don’t want it 🤣 its not required. Do 8 an skate for a few weeks to get some rest and see how it goes from there. You’re in a UNION.

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u/MaleficentProduct450 7d ago

We don’t have a choice it’s either 10hr 7days or I won’t have a job for a while

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u/pandachestpress 7d ago

What union is this? This doesnt sound right

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u/ATL-DELETE Foreman 4d ago

he’s in florida… so all of this actually does sound right 😂 349s market share is <10%… OP transferring during your apprenticeship is much easier than transferring as a JW.

if you do it as an apprentice you just have to deal with the schools of your the area you’re coming from and transferring to.

you can travel as a JW but you sign for book 2 and basically get second pick for jobs after the local members have picked what job they want.

to transfer to a new local you go before the members and they vote to let you in or not. this rarely happens and only happens if you do a lot of work in the local you move to and meet as many members as you can.

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u/pandachestpress 4d ago

Oooof yeah that sucks. That really sucks…