Published 12 Mar 2023
The Truth About Ditching the Desk for a Blue-Collar Job
Michael Yi 
If your desk job is starting to feel draining or stressful, like Billy’s, maybe it’s time to swap white-collar work for a blue-collar job. Here’s why.
Meet Billy, a mature aged carpentry apprentice who decided it was time for a change. After seven years pursuing a white-collar career as a work cover case manager, Billy followed his passion for trade work and hasn’t looked back since. Through a labouring apprenticeship, Billy was able to transition into his dream trade: carpentry.
“I feel a lot better about the work that I’m doing. At the end of the day, I actually feel like I’ve accomplished something, and I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done.”
Many people choose to leave the confines of the desk and stressful paper deadlines for the freedom to work with their hands and achieve tangible results. With mature-aged apprenticeships and training opportunities available, age and prior experience are no longer barriers to making this exciting career shift.
We spoke to Billy about what his transition from a desk job to blue-collar work was like — and why it might be just the answer you’ve been looking for.
Why it’s time to make the change
Billy was feeling the negative impact an unfulfilling white-collar job was having on his mental health. This pushed him to decide to leave his position as a work cover case manager.
“It was a very stressful position. It was probably something I should have never really gotten into. I was never well suited to it.”
Many white-collar workers identify their jobs as stressful, largely due to reported difficulty switching off after work hours.
“The pressure of the volume of the work, I just couldn’t keep up with it…I had to be honest with myself and say, ‘This has been going on for a long time in different positions, in different companies. So, it’s clearly me that’s the issue. It’s not the right field for me anymore.'”
After leaving his job as a casework manager, Billy began applying for other positions in related fields. During this time, he realised it was time to direct his efforts towards roles that would actually make him happy.
“In the end, I was like ‘Well, I may as well use this as an opportunity to chase something that I actually want to do, rather than chasing a job just for the money”.
Choosing your blue-collar career
For some, trade knowledge is inherently part of their skill set. Maybe your parents dragged you into helping to fix up things around the house when you were a child. Maybe you took woodwork in school, or maybe you’ve always had an affinity for tinkering and fixing. Whatever the reason, it’s important you choose a blue-collar pathway that will bring you the most satisfaction and joy.
For Billy, this was carpentry.
“As an adult, I’ve enjoyed working with my hands. Just little things like building fences at home and fixing up cupboards, I just wanted to keep learning more.”
“I just found doing little odd jobs around the home, and watching the construction process during my (home’s) renovation I was like, ‘well, that’s something I could do and enjoy.'”
To work in most trades, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship. This will give you paid on-the-job training and a support system to see you through to becoming a licensed trade professional. Many professionals making this career shift will complete a pre-apprenticeship to brush up on all the basic skills and knowledge required to feel confident and ready.
Billy chose to complete a pre-apprenticeship in labouring, which allowed him to land a mature-aged carpentry apprenticeship successfully.
“The intention was always to get a position in carpentry. Labouring as a way to introduce myself and show mobilities and work ethic and things like that, in a way that didn’t amount to a commitment on the employer’s part. And, that worked out very well.”
More blue-collar career pathways
Being a newbie
It’s important to remember that moving into a completely new industry means that you’re starting again. This can be daunting and frustrating. But don’t let this put you off.
“You gotta find that balance of having some experience in the world and understanding that you’re starting at 0.”
Transitioning into blue-collar work means combining your years of experience in the workforce with actively learning completely new skills. You will most likely take a salary cut, and like Billy says:
“Everyone is at 0 until they’ve proven themselves and done some time.”
The differences
“It’s very rare that there’s any stress. I don’t feel any particular stress that I don’t feel like I can deal with, that I can’t manage.”
Billy now knows and feels the difference between stressful versus challenging work and how one keeps him excited to work while the other left him unhappy.
“There are times when it’s really hard. You’re covered in sweat and dirt and coughing up dust. But, even still, I’m still quite happy doing it again. I enjoy the labour side of the job. I enjoy the learning and taking on new skills. That’s something I’ve always enjoyed when I was very young.”
Blue-collar work is more physically demanding than its white-collar counterpart and may leave you sore and tired at the end of the day. However, for some, the fulfilment they receive from a hard day’s work is a healthier alternative to the stress they feel behind a desk.
“For the most part, I enjoy the doing of the work.”
If this sounds like you, it’s time to make the change.
Don’t let your white-collar background deter you from jumping into a hands-on, active career. If you’re feeling drained and unmotivated, or you’re just ready for the next adventure that can offer you more, it’s time to consider your blue-collar options.
Begin your fresh start today.
Find the best trade courses that fit you and your needs.
Courses found:
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Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (SE Melb Only) CPC50220
This course (CPC50220) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry whose intention is to become a Registered Building Practitioner, satisfying the education requirements of the VBA. It is specifically designed for learners...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +2
Job Outcomes Carpenters
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (SE Melb Only) CPC40120
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry and who aim to be builders and managers of small to medium-sized building projects. This nationally recognised qualifica...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Carpenters
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne Only) CHC50121
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a highly sought-after qualification within the early childhood education sector. Upon completion, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to become a lead educator in the delivery of Early Child...
Study Method Blended, Online
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Day Care Workers +1
Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315
Would you like to follow a career path that will equip you with specialised skills to lead and counsel people towards a brighter future? If a career providing counselling to those impaired by mental health interests you, the Diploma of Mental Health qu...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Mental Health Outreach Worke... +4
Diploma of Nursing (SA Only) HLT54115
Build a career that’s meaningful, fills you with a sense of purpose, and provides diverse job opportunities, with this Diploma of Nursing course. Offered via a blend of on-campus and online learning the HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing is the ideal starting...
in partnership with
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia
Job Outcomes Enrolled Nurse
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Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (VIC ONLY) SHB40115
This nationally recognised course, allows you the chance to flourish in the world of beauty and pursue a career in your niche, whether it be spray tanning, waxing, make-up, lash application and nail services. Hands-on training in The Studio, practical...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Beauty therapist +2
Certificate III in Beauty Services (Geelong Only) SHB30115
This nationally recognised course, qualifies you to work in the beauty and self-care industry. Learning the art of pampering and beauty treatments in a salon or day spa, you will get the chance to learn and train at the state-of-the-art STUDIO salon, w...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Beauty therapist +1
Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational) (Geelong Only) 22261VIC
Are you looking to enter the electrical industry, or get a taste for the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed to give you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and increase your opportunities...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Electrical apprentice
Certificate III in Floristry (Geelong Only) SFL30115
This nationally recognised course, provides the chance to level up your love of flowers. A course designed for budding florists who dream of styling weddings, running their very own floristry business, or simply designing beautiful bouquets. Your love...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Florist +2
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (Geelong Only) CPC50220
This course gives you the qualification and skills to become a construction supervisor or manager, specifically in medium-sized construction companies....
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Building works supervisor +3
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) (Geelong Only) 22477VIC
This course prepares you for a career as a building designer, with the practical skills, knowledge and qualifications to work in the residential and commercial design and construction sectors. This course also gives you a great edge if you’re planning...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Draftsperson in building des... +1
Certificate III in Pathology Collection (Geelong & Werribee Only) HLT37215
This nationally recognised course, is ideal for those who loves a structured environment, have a natural curiosity for science, and enjoy being super organised. Our Pathology Collector course delivers a 6 month, hands-on journey, where you’ll mas...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Pathology specimen collector... +1
Diploma of Nursing (Geelong & Werribee Only) HLT54121
This nationally recognised, Free TAFE course is designed for individuals who love to care for others, learn and work in the health and medical sector. With a focus on practical skills and knowledge, this course empowers you to register as an enrolled n...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Enrolled nurse in a variety of sett...
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Job Outcomes Site manager +3
Diploma of Work Health and Safety (VIC ONLY) BSB51315
Are you currently working in a Work Health and Safety role, and would like to extend your skills and knowledge? This qualification is suitable for people who coordinate and maintain the Work Health and Safety (WHS) program in an organisation. It reflec...
Study Method Blended
Location East Geelong Victoria +2
Job Outcomes OHS (WHS) officer +1
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (Geelong Only) BSB41419
Are you looking for a career in Work Health and Safety (WHS)? This course provides training for those either seeking to enter a WHS role or who are already working in some form of WHS capacity, such as a safety coordinator, in a workplace setting....
Study Method In-class
Location East Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Work health and safety officer
Certificate III in Horticulture (Geelong Only) AHC30716
If you enjoy being outdoors, have an interest in plants and gardens, and are looking for a hands-on career, then horticulture could be for you. This is a generalist horticulture course that will equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge to succ...
Study Method In-class
Location East Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Horticulturalist +4
Certificate III in Individual Support (Geelong & Werribee Only) CHC33015
Do you have a compassionate nature and good people skills? A career in aged care, disability, or home and community care could be for you. This is a new qualification that replaces the Certificate III in Aged Care, Certificate III in Home and Communit...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Personal care worker +2
Diploma of Beauty Therapy (Geelong Only) SHB50115
This nationally recognised, Free TAFE course, is very highly regarded in the industry with our graduates achieving a 100% employment rate for the last two years! Advance into the next level of your beauty therapy career, expanding on your foundational...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Senior beauty therapist +3
Diploma of Engineering – Technical (Geelong Only) MEM50212
Are you looking to develop your engineering career, or gain practical engineering experience before undertaking a university degree? This course is designed for those wanting to work as an engineering technician, carrying out tasks such as engineering...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Engineering technician – d... +2
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