The Jobs Are Paying, Stigma Fading - More Knowledge Workers Toying with Blue Collar Career Paths

" ...lots of conversations lately on blue collar (not necessarily talking here about WM) jobs raising salaries to consulting entry level figures.. consulting 15 or 20 years ago was solely compared with white collar high end salaries, industry caught up ..."  Fishbowl Consulting, January 2024

As you have noticed, there has been so much jaw-jawing about the high manager base salary at Walmart, the access to equity and the ability to land in the $400k box. That sweetens the message to consider Blue Collar career paths at a time when the daily news are more layoffs among Knowledge Workers. The office folks are getting the boot at UPS, not the folks on the road doing the driving/delivery. 

In my coaching that transition to blue collar is no longer atypical. Scared of what was happening in their white collar organizations or already forced out clients have opened to what was once verboten: doing "direct" work. That could range from driving long distance around the country to making a building happen to hands-on care of the elderly. Licensing, certifications and more are affordable and have rapid turnaround time. 

Overall the politics in blue collar isn't as brutal as in the office. Of course, though, you better know the power structure and that it is the 3rd rail. Also, some versions of it could be hard on your body. In addition, there is the shift in what is appropriate for small talk. 

The professional anonymous networks are jam-packed with former Knowledge Workers staring into the abyss. With a heavy dose of magical thinking they ask: When will the market for their skill return? For too many that will not be happening. Many niches in white collar work are downsizing permanently and AI will accelerate that. 

I understand that it is usually not helpful to tamper with someone's illusions. That's why in coaching I don't come out and provide "nevers." Instead I recommend ways-around. For example, what about for the time being to bring in income and process the whatevers you grab a job, any job. At the very least there comes in income. The major plus is confidence restored. Then go on from there. You could be stunned how much "there" there is.

2024. You can transform the craziness of this time into unique opportunity. Jane Genova provides you with intuitive career coaching, Tarot readings and related communications. Complimentary confidential consultation. No selling. No pressure.  (For appointments text/phone 203-468-8570 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)

Meanwhile, please get to know me:

https://tarotreadingsforcareers.blogspot.com/

https://janegenovaintuitivecareercoaching.blogspot.com/

https://makingyourpoint.blogspot.com)

 


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