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Episode Description
The construction industry isn’t just about building structures—it’s also about building relationships. In this special Valentine’s episode, we share our own love story that started on a jobsite and explore the unique challenges of maintaining relationships when one or both partners work in construction. From long hours and jobsite stress to navigating layoffs, travel, and communication struggles, we discuss the realities of balancing work and personal life. Whether you’re dating someone in construction or trying to maintain a strong relationship while working in the industry, this episode provides insights, strategies, and real-life lessons to help you strengthen your connections.
Key Points
- Our Story: Love on the Jobsite
- Met on a jobsite in Florida—one was a superintendent, the other a plumber.
- Early mornings, long hours, and a connection that grew over time.
- Faced job changes, long distance, and industry challenges together.
- Biggest Relationship Challenges in Construction
- Long Hours & Exhaustion – Physical & mental burnout affects relationships.
- Travel & Jobsite Uncertainty – Long distance, layoffs, and constant change.
- Bringing Work Stress Home – Struggles with communication & setting boundaries.
- Unhealthy Coping – Alcohol and poor habits as stress relief.
- How We Made It Work
- Venting Limits – Knowing when to stop talking about work.
- Sunday Meetings – Weekly check-ins to stay connected.
- Prioritizing Quality Time – Cooking together, small moments that matter.
- Supporting Each Other – Recognizing when to step up or give space.
- The Role of Work Culture
- Companies can support relationships with better work-life balance.
- Policy changes (like better travel packages) can make a big impact.
- Leadership sets the tone for a healthier, more balanced industry.
- Takeaways
- Be intentional with your time and energy
- Your job influences your relationship, but it doesn’t define it.
- Communication and effort are everything.
- One Action You Can Take
- Have one intentional conversation this week with your partner (or someone close to you) about how work is impacting your relationship.
Episode Breakdown: Love on the Jobsite – Building Relationships in Construction
Coming Soon…
Sources: Love on the Jobsite – Building Relationships in Construction
- Construction Burnout: The construction industry ranks third-highest for burnout among the 500 largest companies on Glassdoor.
- Source: BBA Degree – Industries Where Workers Experience Burnout Most
- Alcohol Use in Construction: 12% of construction workers struggle with an alcohol use disorder—twice the national average.
- Source: American Addiction Centers – Substance Abuse in Construction
- Divorce Rates in Construction: The divorce rate for construction workers is 36.5%, one of the highest among professions.
- Source: Monster.com – Job and Divorce Rate Statistics
