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11 Pros and Cons of Switching From a White-Collar to Blue-Collar Job

Before you take the leap, keep these things in mind.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

If you are burned out on your white-collar job, you might consider switching to blue-collar work.

Or perhaps you're a retiree who is thinking about earning extra income by getting back into the workforce in a blue-collar job.

Before you take the leap, understand that there are both pros and cons to making the switch from a white-collar past to a blue-collar future. Here are some things to consider, especially if you're close to retirement.

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The pay is sometimes better

Some blue-collar jobs actually pay better than white-collar jobs. You may earn more if you are working in a specialized blue-collar job or one that is in high demand.

If you have management skills from your time in the white-collar workforce, those talents might transfer to highly paid blue-collar jobs such as construction management that can help you get ahead financially.

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You can be be more physically active

Retirees don’t always get the same level of physical activity they once did when they used to leave the house to go to work.

Many blue-collar jobs offer a good way to get physically active.

You might get to work outdoors

One of the great things about blue-collar jobs is that some of them require work outdoors.

Find a job that allows you to work outside — such as landscaping and construction — so you can enjoy some time in nature and the outdoors.

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You can avoid stress

If you have a lot of responsibility in your white-collar job, you might feel burned out and stressed. Or if you are retired, perhaps you are stressed out by always sitting at home and feeling unproductive.

Blue-collar work is a good way to relieve stress and feel active and productive, especially if you don’t like sitting behind a desk worrying about projects, meetings, and emails.

You probably won’t have to dress up

One of the reasons it’s called a “white-collar” job is because many workers have to wear white business shirts.

So, if you are sick of wearing business attire, a blue-collar job can be a good option to consider instead. You usually don’t have to wear business attire in these jobs and can enjoy working in comfortable clothes.

You can work with your hands

Blue-collar work is more likely to involve manual labor, which can be a good thing if you enjoy working with your hands instead of sitting in front of a computer with a keyboard.

Think about jobs that suit your talents if you like working with your hands.

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Work is often seasonal

If you are retired, you might plan a return to the workforce with a blue-collar job that doesn’t require you to be a full-time worker throughout the year.

Perhaps you are a snowbird who spends time in two different places throughout the year, or you want to travel more.

Some blue-collar work is seasonal, such as summer construction work or winter snow removal. That gives you flexibility in your schedule for other activities.

The cons of blue-collar work

Blue-collar work can be appealing for older workers or retirees, but there are some downsides to these types of jobs.

Consider the following downsides before saying “yes” to a blue-collar job.

1. Women might feel less comfortable

Men often dominate blue-collar fields, but more women have been taking on blue-collar jobs in recent years.

Still, some women might feel uncomfortable working in a male-dominated profession.

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2. Pay can be less

Some blue-collar roles offer great pay. But many other blue-collar jobs pay lower wages. That is especially true of jobs that don’t require a college degree.

So, some blue-collar positions may not get you the cash you need.

3. You might experience physical wear and tear

Blue-collar jobs are often physically demanding, which can create health issues if you are repeatedly doing physical activity on a job site.

The issue can be even worse for older workers or retirees getting back into the workforce. You might have some difficulty keeping up with younger workers or meeting the physical demands of a particular position.

4. You might have to work in extreme heat and cold

Some blue-collar jobs allow you to work outside instead of being cooped up in an office.

But pleasant days outside will likely be balanced out by hot, cold, or rainy weather. So, it’s important to factor the elements in when you are going outside to work.

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Bottom line

Blue-collar jobs can be great options if you are looking to try something different. Some of these jobs even pay enough money that you might lower your financial stress.

But it’s also important to factor in the potential downsides of working in blue-collar positions, especially as you get older.

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