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The Hidden Battle: Fatigue

Writer's picture: Tiffany TillemaTiffany Tillema

Fatigue Makes Cowards of us all
Fatigue Makes Cowards of us all


The quote "Fatigue makes cowards of us all" has been attributed to many different people. However, it was first penned by William Shakespeare. What does it mean? The Construction trades can be difficult for all of us mentally and physically, but it can especially be hard on women as they are juggling a physically demanding job along with mental challenges that can knock them for a loop. Couple that with family obligations, and sometimes it seems they should take the easy way out by quitting even when they may have established themselves as a hard and dedicated worker.


In an industry dominated by men, women in the trades face multiple hurdles to prove their capabilities. From battling stereotypes and societal expectations to overcoming physical challenges, these women have proven time and again that they belong in the trades. However, another silent adversary often tries to push them back: fatigue. In this blog post, we will explore how fatigue can affect women in the trades, leading them to give up and impacting their work-life balance. We will also discuss why it poses unique challenges for these trailblazing women.


1. Fatigue: The Breaking Point


Fatigue is not just a matter of feeling tired; it is a debilitating condition that affects physical and mental well-being. Fatigue can become the breaking point for women in the trades who already face numerous obstacles. The demanding physical labor and long hours can quickly drain energy levels, pushing women to their limits. The constant struggle to keep up with the demanding work takes a toll on their mental health, potentially leading them to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Many times, however, the fatigue comes mentally more than physically. Mental fatigue often comes with roadblocks of their own making. Self-limiting thoughts and behaviors can drain the energy and confidence they had when they began their journey.


2. The Temptation to Give Up and Quit


When fatigue sets in, it can be tempting to give up and quit. The constant exhaustion leaves little room for motivation and resilience, leading women in the trades to question whether they are cut out for this career path. The constant barrage of people around them telling them they are not cut out for the job can let doubts creep in, causing fear. The fear of failure and relentless fatigue can make them question their abilities and whether it is worth the sacrifice. Consequently, many aspiring women in the trades leave the industry prematurely, missing out on the diverse perspectives and skills they bring to the table.


3. Impact on Work and Family Life


Fatigue affects a woman's career and can seep into her personal life. Balancing work and family commitments can be a significant challenge regardless of the industry, but it becomes even more daunting when fatigue compounds this struggle. After physically demanding workdays, women may find themselves with little energy left for household chores, quality time with loved ones, or personal care. The fatigue-induced strain can lead to feelings of guilt, impacting relationships and overall well-being.


4. Unique Challenges for Women in the Trades


While fatigue affects individuals in various professions, it poses particular challenges for women in the trades. These challenges stem from both physical and societal factors. Physically, women generally possess lower muscle mass and may experience different physiological responses to fatigue compared to men. Additionally, societal pressures and stereotypes often add an extra layer of stress, as women feel the need to prove themselves more than their male counterparts, potentially exacerbating the impact of fatigue. Not bieng able to balance physical and emotional boundaries with a realistic view often makes a woman quit when she is ahead.


Fatigue's influence on women in the trades cannot be underestimated. It has the power to turn strong, determined individuals into self-doubting, exhausted souls. Recognizing fatigue's impact on women in this industry is crucial to ensuring their well-being and continued success. As a society, we must support and empower women in the trades, addressing the fatigue issue by implementing new strategies and promoting a supportive work environment. Only then can these resilient women truly thrive and demonstrate their invaluable contributions to the trades.


In our next blog post, we will discuss how women can balance their lives to avoid the fatigue that causes many to give up.

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Dec 22, 2023
Rated 3 out of 5 stars.

Depressing and no explanation or solution

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