It is still not common to meet a woman whose career centers on manual labor. Most women look for an office job or something that's less physically demanding.
That's one of the reasons women are seen less often in such jobs as civil engineering, construction, and other careers that entail heavy labor. Besides, more women have been seeking and landing college degrees, which guide them toward less physically demanding positions.
However, traditional gender roles continue to blur as well, and greater numbers of women are entering fields of manual labor. Whether you're working in such a line of work on the way to another career, or this is your intended specialty for the long haul, you ought to be aware of the short- and long-term health effects of your professional activities.
You'll get plenty of exercise and have higher cognitive function
Manual labor positions demand considerable physical exertion, which can be a benefit compared to the standard office job. You'll spend a lot of time on your feet, and often lifting, pushing, or pulling things, which builds muscle and keeps you fit.
The advantages of this kind of activity are multifaceted. They included reduced risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and many other health conditions that more sedentary workers face.
Most notably, you won't have to worry about the loss of muscle tone in a manual labor job the way an office worker might. "When you put people in a workplace where they're stuck sitting, they basically lose all of those core coordinator muscles around their pelvis and lose that pelvic floor strength," says Dr. Brad Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon from California.
Dr. Thomas explains that this loss of strength can have a permanent impact on a person's quality of life, but people who hold manual labor jobs may escape such problems.
Your brain also benefits from constant body movement. You're less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimers, stress, depression, and other mental illnesses. You're also more likely to enjoy a better memory, be more productive during your off hours, and see other positive health improvements.
Injuries are common in manual labor jobs
Working for a company that's conscientious about its safety compliance will help you avoid a debilitating accident, but on occasion, nothing can be done to prevent one. Any kind of injury can be worrisome, even if it's just a cut on your finger.
It's crucial to receive proper treatment for all injuries, so you should expect workers compensation to help you. One of the most threatening conditions is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), typically sustained from a blow to the head or a fall.
According to the law office of Davis, Saperstein, & Salomon in New York/New Jersey, about 1.7 million people suffer a TBI in the U.S. every year. About 75 percent are no more than concussions, but more than a third result in life-altering injuries and/or deaths.
Getting proper compensation through a personal injury suit is a smart step, but it won't be an easy solution. "People who suffer from TBI should know there are specific medical specialists who have the training and knowledge necessary to help their patients recover from the injury," Davis, Saperstein's blog explains. "These medical professionals include neuropsychologists, neurologists, occupational therapists and cognitive therapists."
Injuries aren't always apparent at first
If you're involved in an accident at work, you might not realize at first that you've been injured. If you hit your head, for example, you might feel a slight headache, but not recognize a concussion until the next morning.
Going to bed with a concussion can occasionally be fatal, so it's vital to get yourself checked out following an accident, no matter what you're feeling.
In addition, you might suffer injuries over time. Walking all day in shoes that offer little support can lead to eventual foot, ankle, knee, and back pain.
You can also sustain back, neck, joint, and muscle injuries from heavy lifting. A lot of back and rotator cuff injuries occur in the course of manual labor as well, and workers may develop joint problems such as arthritis over an extended period.
You'll come to understand the meaning of the phrase "work ethic"
This will prove to be a benefit no matter where you go in your career. You'll work long hours, and endure heavy labor demands along the way. You won't get to take a break except at designated times, and ultimately, you'll learn that your body can do a lot more than you ever believed.
If you're headed for an executive career of some kind, this will teach you what it really means to work hard. When you're facing a pressing deadline, you'll be able to work longer hours to get it done.
If there's pressure on you to solve an issue, the skills you learn during this time can help. Overall, you'll build both physical and mental stamina that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
You'll come to know the way our society is separated into classes
Understanding class distinctions will be an excellent advantage in any line of work. You'll recognize the way that white-collar workers perceive blue-collar workers, and the reality might upset you.
Blue-collar workers are often regarded as nothing more than "the help." Affluent employees won't perceive an intelligent person who has the potential to go far in life when he or she is in a blue-collar uniform.
Your perspective will change dramatically out of this experience. You may well learn how it feels to be a blue-collar worker treated like garbage by people with a superiority complex. This can make you a better leader, and you'll appreciate everything your subordinates do even more.
