Yes, your career is incredibly important. But don’t let the pressure and stress inherent in millwright work reduce your self-value down to a paycheck. You are so much more than that.

While the bravado of the construction industry and other industries we work in as millwrights has been glamorized and made a thing of legends, the truth behind the images and stories paints a much different picture. The stress of physically demanding work, unrealistic deadlines, and impossible goals strains our mental well-being. Months away from home, separated from family and friends, working long hours and weekends chasing a paycheck, isolates us from the people in life who balance us. Years on the road, without exercise and healthy diets, avoiding doctors, and working without vacations, take a toll. 

And how does the culture of our industries teach us to cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression? With wild nights in worker camps, painkillers from clinics, extra-marital relationships, and a tough-guy pat on the back to “suck it up.” 

If we experience high levels of work-related stress for extended periods of time, our mental health declines. We need to spend time and energy filling ourselves up with enjoyment in our other seven domains to lessen the effects of this stress and remain mentally strong. 

To further build resilience in your life, you can conduct a hazard analysis of your work environment and develop strategies for reducing your stress. The hazards can be sorted into three categories:

Demands of the Industry

Expectations of Workers

The Culture of the Industry

For more guidance, check out additional resources from Domain Wellness Partners by clicking the button below.