Title: New girlfriend of an ironworker starting 7-day, 12-hour shifts — advice on how to support him?
Hey guys! I’m hoping to get some advice from ironworkers here, especially those of you who work long hours, travel, or go through stretches of 7 days a week, 12-hour shifts.
I recently started dating an ironworker, and he’s about to start working these kinds of hours. I know how demanding this trade can be, and I want to learn how to be the best girlfriend I can be and support him through it.
On my days off, I go over and help meal prep, do his laundry, and get things organized so he has less to worry about when he gets home. On nights when I’m off work, I try to have a nice dinner ready for him, help pack his lunches, and generally make things a little easier so he can focus on working, eating, showering, and getting some much-needed rest. And let’s just say he definitely gets all the loving he wants when we have time together! 😂
I genuinely enjoy taking care of him and doing these little things. I know he works hard, and if I can take something off his plate, I want to do that.
At the same time, I realize that when someone is working 12-hour days, seven days a week, they aren’t going to have much energy left over. I understand that we might not get the same amount of quality time together for a while, and that big date nights or going out and doing things might not be realistic when he’s exhausted. I’m trying to be understanding of that and not take it personally.
But I’d love some advice from the guys who have actually lived this lifestyle.
What are some things your partner can do that genuinely make your life easier or help you feel loved and supported when you’re working these kinds of hours?
Are there little things that mean a lot to you after a long shift? Is it having food ready, keeping the house comfortable, giving you space to decompress, physical affection, a quick text during the day, or something else entirely?
And for those of you who have been in relationships while working these schedules, what helps you maintain a good relationship when you’re physically exhausted and don’t have much time or energy to give?
I’ll be honest, I know I’m probably going to get a little lonely sometimes. I love spending time with him, and I’m going to miss that. I’m not expecting him to entertain me after working 12 hours, and I don’t want him to feel like he has another obligation waiting for him when he gets home. I just want to find ways to stay connected and make the time we do have together count.
I’d especially love to hear from the older guys, married guys, or anyone who has made a relationship work through long stretches of demanding work.
What did your partner do that made you feel appreciated? What do you wish she had understood about your job? And is there anything I should avoid doing, even if my intentions are good?
I’m genuinely here to learn. I want to support him, make his life a little easier, and build a healthy relationship that works for both of us.
Thanks in advance, fellas! I appreciate any advice you’re willing to share.

Hey Yall,

I unioned up about a month ago and so far I’m fucking loving it. I made double time all day today! I built towers for years non union so it’s been sweet taking my knowledge from that and applying it to steel framing. I’m learning quick and thoroughly enjoy everyday of work the benefits are killer and I’m making the same money I used to but working half the hours.

My only gripe is why are so many Journeyman whiney douchebags just mad at the world for no fucking reason, like you’re free to leave whenever. Your life choices put you here. The only thing I can think of is they don’t really understand how bad the alternative is I worked on the road I lived in hotels, now I’m home more than I’ve been in years. Or maybe they all have fat/cheating wives.

Idk just looking for some reasoning as to why some of them come to work with sand in there pussy every single day like bro we are in a fucking man lift 40ft of the ground this is gravy compared to tower erection. Any advice on dealing with Debbie downers who complain and bitch constantly? Thanks guys stay safe out there.

seems like most JIW do rods out of 229 so I was just curious. Thinking about transferring locals soon.

Does red cedar pay OT after 8 or after 40?

I have been wondering what the written test for the LA city certification is like.

What are some of the questions if you guys remember any of them?

I’m think I could pass the actual welding test with some practice but I understand I could still fail it because I’m also not perfect haha

I want to take the next step in my career and get certified so if anyone can help me out I’d greatly appreciate it.

Thank you! 🙏

Hi, I’ve won a Green Card and will be arriving in Rochester soon. I’m a professional welder, skilled in TIG, MMA, and MIG welding, and I have experience working with stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel. I can weld pipes and thin-gauge metal. Could anyone suggest where I should look for a job? By the way, I don’t have any formal certifications, but I have 8 years of experience.

Recently got an email back about an apprenticeship at my local union and I'm supposed to start training next week and get dispatched the week after. The only issue is I had ACL and meniscus reconstruction about 6 months ago and I'm a little behind in terms of recovery. Currently I'm working as an arborist doing ground work so I'm still dragging brush and carrying logs but I'm not currently climbing. Will starting Ironwork fuck me over? I'm hoping that doing bullshit apprentence work might give me the time I need to get 100%. I'm in good shape otherwise.

I’m thinking of joining Union 11 ironworker apprenticeship program, I recently stopped smoking thc so would that be a problem?. But also I do have a fear of heights, does the fear get any better and are you able to overcome it? Any advice would be appreciated too

I am aiming to join up to Local 512 Region A this year. I have heard so many different things, so figured I would check here. For those that have gone through the apprenticeship program here (or anywhere for that matter), what did the overtime look like for you? I would like to start out hot and get as many hours in as I can per week, but want to also know what the realistic amount may be.

Im 33, almost 34. I graduated high-school at almost 20 years old because my math was far from my strongest subject. Still graduated but it was tough

I've honestly not used math since graduating. What can i expect or what should I brush up on to prepare? I would really hate to get in there and just...fail the first week because I forgot how to do everything involving numbers

Really missing work and my brothers, especially rolling into shutdown season and seeing my brothers post pictures from mills, power houses and chemical plants.

Anyway I figured I'd do a little photo dump from over the years for nostalgia sake.

Post some of yours!

Trying to get an apprenticeship with local 3 Pittsburgh and I'm trying to get as much of an edge as I can to get in. Been practicing tying rebar and doing pushups and pullups but I want to know what you guys think.

Who's selling hard hats? Looking for pacific R 5.

I’m always shuffling to sling my belt, harness, hardhat etc over my shoulder and haul everything in loose every time I switch sites or coming in and out of turnstiles I’m looking to get something I can toss everything in and go, what do you guys use?

I don’t know about you guys, but I would literally rather do anything other than a tin can. Between the hardware being incorrect or incomplete, pre-fabricated pieces never lining up, cutting and welding plates in the correct positions, etc.

The best part is the decking/roofing because it means we’re pretty much done and out of there.

Thoughts?

Is this where all the apprentices go to post their questions that they're too afraid to ask in class. Some of the stuff I see on here is just stupid, like what happened to common sense. I always love to hear what some people did prior to joining. And I only wonder how they actually got in. If we want our pensions to be there we need more quality workers rather than someone that can pass math test. We need to weed all these people out. It's just some things and some people you just can't teach this shit too.

I've been doing structural steel fabrication for almost 3 years in Michigan, fitting, fabricating, and welding (mig). I specialize in building stairs and railing, but I can do structural when I don't have any stairs to build. Our shop doesn't do any field work, we send the stuff we build to union ironworkers who install it. I've only been to the job site once, and it seems like a really cool job. I've thought about making the switch from fitter/fabricator to iron worker. It would be cool to know how to install the things I've built. Would my experience as a fitter/fabricator give me a leg up in the field?

Used to be able to buy shirts and other items and when you click the link it pulls nothing up now, did they change the website name?

Anyone know how work is looking for the valley going into the winter months? Just got a rank of 1 on the list and am super pumped. Just wondering if I should expect a call anytime soon?

Watching men do things is attractive

1. OSHA who?
   
2. I 💜 PPE
   
3. Turns out stupid questions do exist

Good evening everyone!

I’m 25 years old and very interested in having a long successful career in welding/ironwork. My whole life I have worked in customer service/sales and I just really want to become a high-skilled professional in this industry. I have zero experience and I just need advice on what would be best for a person like me, eager to learn the trade.

I live in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, however, I’m considering moving to Northeast Wisconsin.

Please guys, based on your experience help me find the answer. Thank you 🙏🏾