r/WomenInConstruction

I thought about asking this on R/Weightlifting but the rules include not asking for any medical advice. I’m just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

I (29F) have worked as a construction plumber for the last 4 years. 8 months ago I started weight training on the side as I find the exercise helps to reduce my stress, and I am hoping that by building a stronger/fit body, I will be better equipped to handle physical stress. I recently got a personal trainer who has introduced some new exercises and is trying to help me take some of my lifts to the next level. I have been pushing myself to near- failure on lifts as I’m trying to take my bench press from 185 lb to 225 lb - for example. I now should be spending an extra half hour more on my lifting sessions that used to be 1 hour.

A few weeks after I started this program I found that my whole body became extremely inflamed with all my joints and muscle fibers feeling as if they are on fire, and that I would uncontrollably bed rot or fall asleep at 5 pm despite having slept enough the night before. It has resulted in me calling in sick for work once despite living a 100% sober lifestyle, just due to feeling physically incapable of getting out of bed. I have also felt physically incapable to go to a majority of these gym sessions. At several gym sessions I have gotten so dizzy that I feel as if I’m going to pass out.

I have a variety of mental/ emotional/ workplace social dynamic stress in my life that leaves me in chronic stress even if I were to not include outside-work exercise.
The advice may be to not push myself too hard in the gym, but honestly the labor I’m doing these days has been less physically demanding than past years, and I am only trying to push myself sufficiently to move towards my goals. I’ve had something similar to this happen at other points in my life not as a result of physical stress on the body, so I’m not sure if giving up weight training is going to be a solution here.

Anyone’s thoughts who has experienced something similar would be great as I can’t think of anyone that could give me a helpful response on this. I imagine a doctor would just suggest to stop training hard, but I’m still trying to incorporate progressive overload strength training into my life

Thanks

INTRODUCTION:
hello! I am unsure if this is the correct community to post this in but I need help.
I am 16 years old, still in high school, and I want to work in construction/ as a construction laborer in the future- as I am aware I cannot currently get a position like this yet due to my age and insurance or safety rules.

SKILLS (you can skip this part if you want):
I have experience with basic tools like screwdrivers, drills, hammers, ladders, rakes, levels, etc...
I have experience with pressure washers but I do not have experience with lawn mowers or weed wackers (but just like any other thing- I can figure it out if necessary)
I can lift heavy things
I can do basic yard work/ just physical work in general
I'm good at cleaning
Also, I’ve been working on/ already have basic skills such as organization, following instructions, staying on task, and learning basic tool names/usage since I know those usually matter at entry level positions.

Basically anything where I’m working outside, moving around, and doing physical work is what i'm interested in.
The issue I’m running into is that a lot of pressure washing/construction type jobs seem to require you to be 18+, even entry level helper positions, usually due to insurance or safety rules. I understand that, but I’m trying to figure out what I can realistically do at 16 that still gets me into this kind of field.

*I can only work part-time after school, weekends, or school breaks.

LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON:
-what jobs actually do hire 16 year olds in this kind of field
-how people start getting into construction/maintenance careers at my age without starting independent businesses
-any companies or job types that are realistic entry points
*-what skills I should be building now so I can move into construction later
*-I’m specifically interested in the carpentry trade and would like advice on how to start moving toward that path
(I understand I likely won’t be able to start working in this field until I’m 18, but I’d really appreciate advice on ways I can start learning and preparing before then.)

I don’t mind hard work at all, I actually prefer it- but I just want to make sure I’m starting in the right place instead of wasting time applying to jobs I’m too young for.
Any advice from people in construction, landscaping, maintenance, or similar fields would really help.

*I will not respond to any DMs. Any advice or questions must be posted in the comments of this thread. I will not communicate outside of Reddit or move the conversation elsewhere.

If you have any other questions that are necessary to help me that I have not included, let me know.

thank you for your time! :)

I’m starting my first ready-mix concrete driver job in less than a week and I’m a woman going into a pretty physical blue-collar environment. I already know it’s going to be hot, messy, and hands-on, so I want to go in prepared instead of learning everything the hard way.
For shoes, I already know steel toe is required — I’m mainly looking for **recommendations that are actually comfortable for long shifts**, especially since I wear a **women’s size 11 with wide feet**, so fit matters a lot for me.
I’m mainly trying to figure out practical stuff like:
What steel toe boots are actually comfortable for long shifts (especially for wide feet)
What kind of bras actually work for long, sweaty, physical shifts (sports bras? specific types that don’t feel suffocating by hour 3)
Clothing that holds up but still lets you move comfortably in the heat (especially in summer)
Anything women specifically find helpful in this type of job that guys usually don’t mention
Any must-have gear (fans, cooling towels, gloves, etc.)
How you stay cool and not completely drained in the truck / on site all day
I’ve heard ready-mix is a lot of chute work, washing out, climbing, and just nonstop movement, especially during busy season, so I’m trying to set myself up right from day one.
Any tips, honest experiences, or things you wish you knew starting out would really help.

Hi Redditors ! I have a question on how I get in a project management I come from a call center or data entry background and I would love to get a certification and doing something administrative wise on a construction field. I don’t have any background in construction and I wanna know how to get my foot into the door on being a project manager , or a safety coordinator role . It doesn’t have to solely be in construction. It can be anything but safety coordinator is something that I’m looking forward to. I am in the central Columbus Ohio area.

We're a small construction company and currently have IT staff in the office, but I've been hearing from a few people that a lot of companies are outsourcing IT. We've been debating whether it makes more sense to keep our IT person. What has worked better for you?

I am a PM but I spend a lot of time on site helping with troubleshooting and planning (thank god because I hate being a paper pushing PM).

I wear cotton long sleeve tshirts with my company logo and cargo pants.

I am trying to jump ship and work for one of my customers and want to dress a bit nicer to impress. But still be able to wander in a warehouse and mechanical room.

Would you suggest maybe long sleeve polo/golf shirts? any suggestions for affortable but breathable? ( Im not a fan of button down shirts, they tend to gap at my boobs.)

I am in the US.