The hardest hours aren’t the long ones—they’re the unexpected ones. A call comes in at 11 PM: “My house is sparking and I’m scared.” You go, you fix it, you calm a crying parent. That takes emotional energy, not just skill.
And burnout is real, folks. Working 70 hours a week for months will make you hate electricity. I’ve seen guys quit the trade because they missed their kids’ soccer games. Don’t be that guy. Learn to say no, or at least learn to invoice for your sanity.
How to Survive the Grind
First, invest in good boots. Your feet will hate you less. Second, learn to nap in your work van—it’s a superpower. Third, meal prep like a psycho. A protein bar at 3 PM isn’t lunch.
Also, never trust a schedule that looks too easy. That “two-hour job” will turn into an all-day treasure hunt for a faulty wire. And always, always keep your phone charged. You’ll need it for flashlight, music, and explaining to your spouse why you’re late again.
