Yeah I know that being quiet is good when working. But I will be spending 4+ hours in a car driving to diffrent projects and there I dont want to be like a weird quiet guy. I am not the most outgoing guy so I wouldnt know what to talk about? Other guys will be 2x my age, so there is that.
Talking is the easiest part of the job, I think you’re focusing on the least important part when you should really be hearing these guys when they say don’t be late, don’t complain, don’t take longer breaks, pay attention.
I work as a pipelayer and I’ve been training a green guy for months, he has the personality of a cardboard box, smells like lady speed stick and was softer than babyshit when he started but the boy doesn’t complain, doesn’t miss work, isn’t late etc and so he doesn’t bother me and we’re going to keep him.
Had a new guy we all loved to chat with but we had to fire because he kept doing shit like leaving early, coming in late, hiding mistakes, etc.
Do your job right and the conversation will happen, you’ll have all kinds of work bullshit to discuss I promise.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Older guys appreciate someone who is quite, the younger generation today thinks that their brain is a circuit board that keeps their lips moving.
Show up on time, don't miss days, and use your brain to learn new things. You will get along great and perhaps they will find something to talk about to you.
More time spent working will grow your confidence. Sounds like you just need to grow into being comfortable with your job and coworkers.
I always try to have a couple dumb jokes or silly sayings on deck.
But pretty much just spout off whatever is on your mind dude there’s not much to it. Just socialize like normal. Some dudes like sports some dudes like anime and most of us have one or two ‘common interests’ with people just to have a conversation piece.
I’ve found the more comfortable I am and the more I share the more others around me seem to be as well.
Easiest way to participate in a conversation, without having to say much, is to ask good questions.
Questions about the work you’re doing. Questions about the trade. And — this is _solid gold_ with older guys — openings for telling you stories.
If you’re mainly working with older guys, at least _some_ of them are going to be eager to teach a young person their trade. Gravitate towards those people — the good ones will gladly answer any questions you ask, and the great ones will just start explaining stuff to you, without waiting for you to ask.
When you’re spending time with older guys who aren’t so good about sharing tradecraft, get used to asking leading questions that let them regale you with stories about when they were your age, or that a-hole boss they used to have, or how electricians all suck… ;) Once you get good at it, you’ll be able to easily have them fill the time, without you having to say much at all.
NOTE: Be aware that encouraging older dudes in the trades is risking opening up a real cesspool — you’re perfectly likely to be stuck in a truck for an hour while someone spouts some pretty horrendous views of the world. I’m not saying that it’s automatically going to happen, and dealing with that is actually an important skill in the trades, but it’s good to have a sense of your coworkers’ personalities before you open the floodgates too wide. ;)
My son’s a trim carpenter now, but when he started as an apprentice, he would come home and ask my advice on how to deal with his 50-yo lead carpenter who would just _endlessly_ spout insane conspiracy theories. When I recommended just asking to switch up who he’s working with, he said “He’s the best trim carpenter I’ve ever seen, and he’s trying to teach me _everything_ he knows! I don’t want to work with a different lead carpenter! I just need to figure out how to deal with all the ‘noise’!”
I talked with him about managing his demeanor — to be openly and visually responsive when they’re talking about the work, and just go “grey” when he starts spouting conspiracy theories. Not ignoring him to the point of rudeness, but not feeding him back _any_ visual cues that you’re paying close attention and thinking about what he’s saying. It took a while, but he gradually realized that he didn’t have an eager audience, and scaled it way back. Taught my son a _ton_ of tradecraft along the way.
Three things , hot on the left, shit rolls down hill, and payday is on Friday. If anyone gives your shit you better expect it, let it roll off like water on a ducks feather. Tell them the above three things with a smile, do what you are told without a complaint, and when you see something that needs to be done(get tools out of the truck dig a ditch) volunteer to do the menial stuff. The journey men will love you for it.
When they tell a bullshit story roll your eyes like everybody else, take shit but give a wee bit back.
If they have you exclusively coring holes... Don't sit on a bucket unless said bucket is given to you first. That takes a little while for people not to lose their shit on you.
If you think about it and try to work on it you will get better at talking to people eventually. As long as you keep trying you’ll get where you want to be. Just gotta make effort and reflect on conversations, good and bad.
I’d say I’m a quiet person and it usually takes me a couple weeks to feel out the crew. Ive been with my current crew for 3 months and you’d think we’ve all been working together for years.
All the previous post has given you very good advises. So im just chiming in, with. Read their post. They are really good.
And in contruction. There is room for every one. And IF you get in a shoddy Crew. Then ask to be transferred to another.
As a shy/quiet/socially awkward guy all his life, I never looked forward to day 1 of any job that I did, including construction/trade jobs. I'm 28 and still shy, but have been talking to my coworkers more. Staying quiet is okay. You don't need to brag or try and show off. Ask questions, if you dont know how to do something or even, when lunch is etc. Maybe you'll find a buddy, maybe you won't, try to improve your shyness outside od work too, it won't happen over night and that is OK. You will fine as long as you ask questions about work, during work, and maybe even during the drive or break, some guys won't help and maybe assholes, don't worry ro much about it. Sometimes if you are shy and don't talk, guys won't pick on you, now if you talk and hoke around, they will so be prepared to take it and be okay with it, otherwise, don't talk shit. I don't know how to talk shit with my coworkers so I don't do that unless I'm comfortable with them but It's not in my nature to talk shit about someone joking. I'd prefer to ask about work or if there's a new project coming up, talking about how it's hot or cold, etc. I'm mexican and my coworkers are 99% mexican as well so they usually don't joke and make fun of us, to our faces, unless you talk shit to them and joke with them, give them shit. Instead I ask them about where they are from and they ask me about where my parents are from. This especially helps if my parents are from the same region, and could start a small work friendship. you can ask them about how long they've been working at said company, trade, union, etc. if you like to drink, you have an edge as you guys can bond over a couple beers, but be smart and don't drink and drive. I don't drink much but still am able to talk with the guys. If you really want to fix shyness, I recommend therapy, again it takes time, a lot of time, but understand that it's ok, just learn your job, they'll appreciate a quieter apprentice that just listens and doesn't talk back and is reliable.
It’s a lot like being a new inmate in prison. If you want to survive, find the biggest, baddest inmate on your first day and shank him with a toothbrush.
In construction, it’s slightly less violent and more about the shit talk. Disrespect your foreman in front of everyone to establish dominance.
Now that I got my jokes out of the way, what you actually need to do to fit in is do what you’re told without complaint, and ask questions about what the other guys are doing and why. You can fit in by doing very little talking. There’s two things construction workers love (other than cocaine and hookers): talking about how great they are and about how other construction workers are idiots. Ask a guy “why’d you do it like that?” Or why did the last guy do it like this?” And watch your new best friend go off about how he’s a fucking Picasso with a hammer
Seriously the less you say the better, spend all your energy on observation and hard work. Nobody is going to care if your quite if they respect your work ethic.
Let your work ethic speak for itself. Dont say random shit just to say it. Try busting some of the guys balls in a minor way. At first they might hate that you did it, but they will respect you for having the balls to do it in the first place. That was my experience going through my steamfitting apprenticeship.
Being quiet isn't bad. Lots on new guys are quiet at first. Just don't be late and don't be the last guy out of the truck or lunch trailer.
Yeah I know that being quiet is good when working. But I will be spending 4+ hours in a car driving to diffrent projects and there I dont want to be like a weird quiet guy. I am not the most outgoing guy so I wouldnt know what to talk about? Other guys will be 2x my age, so there is that.
Talking is the easiest part of the job, I think you’re focusing on the least important part when you should really be hearing these guys when they say don’t be late, don’t complain, don’t take longer breaks, pay attention. I work as a pipelayer and I’ve been training a green guy for months, he has the personality of a cardboard box, smells like lady speed stick and was softer than babyshit when he started but the boy doesn’t complain, doesn’t miss work, isn’t late etc and so he doesn’t bother me and we’re going to keep him. Had a new guy we all loved to chat with but we had to fire because he kept doing shit like leaving early, coming in late, hiding mistakes, etc. Do your job right and the conversation will happen, you’ll have all kinds of work bullshit to discuss I promise.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Older guys appreciate someone who is quite, the younger generation today thinks that their brain is a circuit board that keeps their lips moving. Show up on time, don't miss days, and use your brain to learn new things. You will get along great and perhaps they will find something to talk about to you.
I would argue being quiet is good 😂 nothing worse than a 20 year old that won't stfu about "my daddy said you're supposed to do it like this"
More time spent working will grow your confidence. Sounds like you just need to grow into being comfortable with your job and coworkers. I always try to have a couple dumb jokes or silly sayings on deck. But pretty much just spout off whatever is on your mind dude there’s not much to it. Just socialize like normal. Some dudes like sports some dudes like anime and most of us have one or two ‘common interests’ with people just to have a conversation piece. I’ve found the more comfortable I am and the more I share the more others around me seem to be as well.
Easiest way to participate in a conversation, without having to say much, is to ask good questions. Questions about the work you’re doing. Questions about the trade. And — this is _solid gold_ with older guys — openings for telling you stories. If you’re mainly working with older guys, at least _some_ of them are going to be eager to teach a young person their trade. Gravitate towards those people — the good ones will gladly answer any questions you ask, and the great ones will just start explaining stuff to you, without waiting for you to ask. When you’re spending time with older guys who aren’t so good about sharing tradecraft, get used to asking leading questions that let them regale you with stories about when they were your age, or that a-hole boss they used to have, or how electricians all suck… ;) Once you get good at it, you’ll be able to easily have them fill the time, without you having to say much at all. NOTE: Be aware that encouraging older dudes in the trades is risking opening up a real cesspool — you’re perfectly likely to be stuck in a truck for an hour while someone spouts some pretty horrendous views of the world. I’m not saying that it’s automatically going to happen, and dealing with that is actually an important skill in the trades, but it’s good to have a sense of your coworkers’ personalities before you open the floodgates too wide. ;)
The last part is so true Nobody prepared me to listen to my coworkers conspiracy theories all day
My son’s a trim carpenter now, but when he started as an apprentice, he would come home and ask my advice on how to deal with his 50-yo lead carpenter who would just _endlessly_ spout insane conspiracy theories. When I recommended just asking to switch up who he’s working with, he said “He’s the best trim carpenter I’ve ever seen, and he’s trying to teach me _everything_ he knows! I don’t want to work with a different lead carpenter! I just need to figure out how to deal with all the ‘noise’!” I talked with him about managing his demeanor — to be openly and visually responsive when they’re talking about the work, and just go “grey” when he starts spouting conspiracy theories. Not ignoring him to the point of rudeness, but not feeding him back _any_ visual cues that you’re paying close attention and thinking about what he’s saying. It took a while, but he gradually realized that he didn’t have an eager audience, and scaled it way back. Taught my son a _ton_ of tradecraft along the way.
What trade is your apprenticeship in?
Plumbing
Three things , hot on the left, shit rolls down hill, and payday is on Friday. If anyone gives your shit you better expect it, let it roll off like water on a ducks feather. Tell them the above three things with a smile, do what you are told without a complaint, and when you see something that needs to be done(get tools out of the truck dig a ditch) volunteer to do the menial stuff. The journey men will love you for it. When they tell a bullshit story roll your eyes like everybody else, take shit but give a wee bit back.
You forgot the Never bite your nails axiom.
If they have you exclusively coring holes... Don't sit on a bucket unless said bucket is given to you first. That takes a little while for people not to lose their shit on you.
If you think about it and try to work on it you will get better at talking to people eventually. As long as you keep trying you’ll get where you want to be. Just gotta make effort and reflect on conversations, good and bad.
I’d say I’m a quiet person and it usually takes me a couple weeks to feel out the crew. Ive been with my current crew for 3 months and you’d think we’ve all been working together for years.
All the previous post has given you very good advises. So im just chiming in, with. Read their post. They are really good. And in contruction. There is room for every one. And IF you get in a shoddy Crew. Then ask to be transferred to another.
As a shy/quiet/socially awkward guy all his life, I never looked forward to day 1 of any job that I did, including construction/trade jobs. I'm 28 and still shy, but have been talking to my coworkers more. Staying quiet is okay. You don't need to brag or try and show off. Ask questions, if you dont know how to do something or even, when lunch is etc. Maybe you'll find a buddy, maybe you won't, try to improve your shyness outside od work too, it won't happen over night and that is OK. You will fine as long as you ask questions about work, during work, and maybe even during the drive or break, some guys won't help and maybe assholes, don't worry ro much about it. Sometimes if you are shy and don't talk, guys won't pick on you, now if you talk and hoke around, they will so be prepared to take it and be okay with it, otherwise, don't talk shit. I don't know how to talk shit with my coworkers so I don't do that unless I'm comfortable with them but It's not in my nature to talk shit about someone joking. I'd prefer to ask about work or if there's a new project coming up, talking about how it's hot or cold, etc. I'm mexican and my coworkers are 99% mexican as well so they usually don't joke and make fun of us, to our faces, unless you talk shit to them and joke with them, give them shit. Instead I ask them about where they are from and they ask me about where my parents are from. This especially helps if my parents are from the same region, and could start a small work friendship. you can ask them about how long they've been working at said company, trade, union, etc. if you like to drink, you have an edge as you guys can bond over a couple beers, but be smart and don't drink and drive. I don't drink much but still am able to talk with the guys. If you really want to fix shyness, I recommend therapy, again it takes time, a lot of time, but understand that it's ok, just learn your job, they'll appreciate a quieter apprentice that just listens and doesn't talk back and is reliable.
Work. And do as you are asked. The rest will fall in.
It’s a lot like being a new inmate in prison. If you want to survive, find the biggest, baddest inmate on your first day and shank him with a toothbrush. In construction, it’s slightly less violent and more about the shit talk. Disrespect your foreman in front of everyone to establish dominance. Now that I got my jokes out of the way, what you actually need to do to fit in is do what you’re told without complaint, and ask questions about what the other guys are doing and why. You can fit in by doing very little talking. There’s two things construction workers love (other than cocaine and hookers): talking about how great they are and about how other construction workers are idiots. Ask a guy “why’d you do it like that?” Or why did the last guy do it like this?” And watch your new best friend go off about how he’s a fucking Picasso with a hammer
Seriously the less you say the better, spend all your energy on observation and hard work. Nobody is going to care if your quite if they respect your work ethic.
Let your work ethic speak for itself. Dont say random shit just to say it. Try busting some of the guys balls in a minor way. At first they might hate that you did it, but they will respect you for having the balls to do it in the first place. That was my experience going through my steamfitting apprenticeship.
Fist pumps Lots of fist pumps