Note to the moderators: Would this be considered a field report or meta or...?

Summary

I'll go over what I've learned in many years of construction work, specifically entertainment construction (TV sets, office/store scenery and such). Some if not most may apply to other careers. I never wore a suit, so can't give any guarantee this will help you in your white collared job. Construction work is much different from office work because it attracts a lot of fuck-ups and morons and not many people are willing to do it and even less people are good at it. For this reason, the social dynamics change. What is and is not allowed also changes. No one ever working construction was fired for calling another man a faggot. This freedom of speech may confuse apprentices, specially millennials who were so sheltered their whole lives. I'll go over the different types of men you'll run into and how to deal with them. I'll give you tips to succeed in this area of expertise and I'll give a quick but on-point chronology so you get an idea of where you are at the moment and what must be done to move on to the next stage.

Body

So you're a young man starting from the bottom. Joining the workforce can be a scary experience at first. After all, the unknown always is. Specially when you're surrounded by what seems to be much more experienced men. It is easy to be intimidated. This fear is irrational. When you think of an alpha, maybe a silverback or a lion comes to mind. You might think the same dynamics come into place for us humans. Wrong. Though there might be similarities, there's also one great difference: human alphas are NOT threatened by young alpha prospects. The contrary is true: they want to see you succeed. YES! WE DO! It is the betas you must be wary of, and, ironically (or not ironically if you've been around these parts long enough) they will present themselves as your friends. First and foremost you must learn to identify them. It can be tricky at first, for betas do find their way into management or supervising roles. There's however traits present in all betas regardless of their place in hierarchy.

The know-it-all:

If you're young and/or inexperience in your field, you might actually fall victim for his tricks. He doesn't know nearly as much as he claims, hence why his need to claim it. His loud-mouth is nothing but a projection of his own insecurities. Think of a beta mateguarding, saying with his body-language "This is my girl". You know very damn well if he needs to mateguard, it is because he doesn't trust his SMV enough for it to speak for itself. The same applies here. This kind of beta must defend his self-proclaim exceptional-worker status.

The gossip:

He talks shit about everyone behind their back. He however tries to phrase it so he comes out as a caring individual. "Did you hear Michael is about to get fired if he's late another day? I feel bad for Michael, such a good man, but can't seem to get the importance of punctuality" At first thought, the gossip might seem like he actually cares for Michael, but what the gossip is really saying is "Did you know I'm a better worker than Michael because Michael is always late?" The gossip might also present himself as a friend, earn your trust, and ask you private questions. Do not play his game. He'll do nothing but tell your secrets to others. He might also pretend to be your partner in crime "You know, if you want, you can take an extra doughnut, no one will know!" Of course, the gossip will know, and you bet your right testicle he'll snitch.

The annoyance:

There'll always be the asshole who actively tries to piss you off. He wants you to fall for his trap so he can then take the position of victim and play the better man, thus exposing your worst to the rest of the group while exposing his altruism as well. "New guy, please, don't be angry. Let's be friends!" This guy will bug you about everything, he'll get in your way, he'll point out your mistakes, he'll steal your ideas, he might even take it up a couple notches and straight up insult you or invade your private space. This kind of beta is the hardest to deal with, because if you tell a supervisor, regardless of what the supervisor might say, regardless of what company policy is regarding this matters, you will always come out as a tattle-tell. Tattle-telling is what betas do when they can't deal with a problem themselves. Forget what the hamsters say, deep inside, everyone hates the tattle-tell. Specially when he's a man. Your best bet is to bring out the Machiavelli in you and do something as voicing your 2nd best solution to the problem so when the annoyance tries to claim it as his you say "That's a good idea, annoyance, but here's a better solution!" Boom. Headshot. He knows what you did but won't dare say anything or else he'll expose his ways. From there on it'll be game on, though. Good thing is the annoyance usually doesn't have enough brains to compete with you as long as you keep your cool. Read The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. It'll help you a lot in these circumstances. It's such a short read there's no excuse not to pick it up today and finish reading it tomorrow.

How to spot the alphas:

Alphas know what they're worth and are not threatened by an apprentice. As long as you show them respect they'll point you in the right direction. They might even teach you a few of their tricks. Do not ever contradict the alpha, though. Alpha does not like it when little baby alpha tries to one-up him. In the words of one of my mentors "Here's how you do this, and if you find a better way, well good for you but I don't need to hear it" Simple as that! Alphas are generally straight to the point, no bullshit.

Note: Some alphas won't point you in the right direction nor show you how to do you job. After all, it is not his job to teach you. You'll know he's not a beta because he won't fall into any of the three beta categories.

Note #2: Beta supervisors and managers can fall into any of the three beta categories. i.e if your supervisor or manager is the kind of guy who won't listen to his crew at all or will actively try to fuck with you, he's a beta.

Classic beta supervisor trap:

So you've spotted him. Big fag of a man trying to keep you down. Respect him. He is your superior, after all. He might do something as follows: "Apprentice, I need to you do X task, do it in this manner" you've been around long enough to realize he just told you the slowest most ineffective way to do it. Fuck with his mind by doing it your own way and making that shit on point. When done, ask him what's next. He'll be surprised you finished so quick and did an excellent job. Look at him and with a grin tell him "It was all thanks to your guidance" Powertalk that fucker into submission.

The chronology of success, in my experience:

  • You work hard and people hate on you for showing off and making them look bad. Some of them try to get you to work slower, shamelessly telling you "work slower or we'll run out of work!" (Which is a lie. There's always more work. Don't let betas trick you)

  • You network. You treat management as equals (best thing you can and should do. It demonstrates higher value to your employer and supervisors) as a result you get what losers will refer to as special treatment.

  • After some months, you can finally afford an automobile. People talk about how you obviously must have gotten a substantial raise (since they don't understand the concept of saving as much as possible) and clearly, it must be due to your friendships in management.

  • You took care of the number one priority: transportation. This allows you to work longer hours when requested. No longer must you say "I would, but last bus arrives at..." You don't settle. You still save, and invest in tools that'll make you more productive and self sustained. No longer must you borrow tools from the tool room.

  • You spend countless hours researching online how to perfect your trade. You read. You watch videos. You take notes. Study. Put the knowledge to practice at work. Clearly your supervisor must have secretly taught you all his secrets. What other explanation is there?!

  • Your supervisor notices your potential and how seriously your taking your role and starts giving you more responsibilities. Clearly your supervisor must be kissing ass to your friend in management. Why else would this 20 something year old be moving up so much quicker than the rest of us?

  • Eventually, your supervisor announces you as a supervisor yourself. People don't dare say anything, but you see the hate in their eyes.

  • Now your coworkers have divided in two categories, those who kiss your ass and those who are resentful of you (but only behind your back)

  • One or more of the ass-kissers will inevitably also be a snitch. All the shit they talk about you behind your back, he'll make sure to communicate to you. Except of course the shit the snitch himself talks about you. That's right. He's not your friend. Repeat after me: NO ONE IS MY FRIEND AT WORK. I MUST DESTROY THE COMPETITION.

  • You now see people for what they really are: lying, fake, gossiping, resentful scum. You now understand why managers are dicks. You become a dick yourself.

  • Upper management notices you finally get it. You now see the world through the same lenses as them. No longer do you show your humanity to morons, you keep it %100 professional, no excuses, no handouts. It is time to take you from supervisor to manager.

  • Your new title freaks people out. You can now fire them. Everyone of lower rank will now stop interacting with you for anything other than greetings and a "yes sir". Hell, they'll even stop talking amongst themselves when you come around, which is not often since you now spend the majority of your time taking care of more important things than constantly babysitting a bunch of grown as babymen.

  • A young prospect is hired. He has discipline, social and work skills, presence, self-respect and a three digit IQ. Also betas are hired, by now you've become an expert in identifying them. And so the cycle of alpha vs betas carries on. Except now you decide who succeeds and who doesn't. Such is life.

Source: years in management. Started doing clean up... Was everyone's "bitch". Even the most low ranged apprentice could tell me what to do. Entertainment construction company if you care.

Here's some tips on networking:

Figure out who the top dogs are. Do so from a distance, figure it out yourself. Don't ask ANYONE for this information. Do this on the first day and be quick about it. By the time lunch comes, you talk to the big dogs as if you didn't know who they were. As if they were any other worker. Yes, have the balls to sit at their tables. Be charming. Gossip is the number one thing people talk about at work. You know this. They know this. If you convince them you're truly clueless they might even test you. The simple fact you are not gossiping will set you apart and will earn you huge brownie points. Do not try to prove what a great worker you are. This is not the point. You just want them to learn your name and see you as a good man.

Most top dogs are older. They are the smoker generation. If you smoke, go out for smoke breaks and small talk with them. If there's plebes out there, involve them in the conversation too. Chances are the plebes will be intimidated to talk to managers, thus making you look even manlier. Again, don't gossip. If anyone including management tries to gossip you ignore it and change the subject or simply remove yourself from the conversation when possible.

Befriend everyone on the front office. You'll get special perks such as getting your check before anyone else. Having them look the other way if you're ever late or leaving early. They'll lend you their parking spot when they're sick. They'll keep you updated with management gossip. Which you should ONLY HEAR. Never engage but respectfully listen. Most of them are women and women love to gossip. They'll be your best informants.

For the same exact reason, befriend the janitors. They go all over the place listening to all kinds of private conversations. They will also give you valuable information if you earn their trust.

Always ask people about their families. Take notes on what they tell you. Remember their names. Their birthdays if you want. Always ask how their family is doing. Refer to them by name when possible "Hey, Ron! How are you today? We haven't chatted in a while, how's Linda and the kids doing?" Another example "Hey, Bryan! How's life treating you? Good to hear. Little Aaron is turning what, 10 this month? They sure grow up fast don't they?" Use your imagination.

Leave your morals and religion or lack there of behind. No one gives a shit you're an atheist. No one gives a shit you hate Islam. No one gives a shit you're whatever. If asked, give a ambiguous response such as "I'm a man of principle" Let the hamster define what that means. The Christian will believe you mean Christianity makes you a man of principle. Atheists will believe altruism and knowledge of the universe do.

On ass-kissing: When you befriend management, the gossips, the annoyances and the know-it-alls will ask you "what's that brown on your nose?" and things of that nature. Ignore it or, if you're ALONE with whoever is being a smart-ass, tell him "your wife doesn't understand how important hygiene is to a lady" and walk away. This way if he is to tell others, it will be met as what it is: a rumor, possibly a lie. He'll make himself look weak. Showing your superiors respect by not gossiping behind their backs and by looking them in the eye and talking to them as you do to any other human being IS NOT ass-kissing! To the betas it may seem to, for the alternative would be to admit to themselves they are beta. To the alphas, you stand out as one of our own. Respect, do not ass-kiss. This does not mean you cannot compliment them ever. Just make sure you only compliment your supervisors/managers when they've earned it. That is a show of respect and gratitude, not ass-kissing.

General tips

NEVER COMPLAIN. If they ask you to stay late. Say there's not problem as long as... Remember, you're not their slave. Demand something in return. I always demanded dinner. No dinner, no double time. Bye. Don't confuse hard work with being a pushover. If you ever need a day off, do not ask for it, announce it. If you give people options, they'll always choose the one most beneficial to them. If you announce what'll you do next, they'll think twice before contradicting you. You might not get your day off every time, but at least you've communicated not only what you want, but also who you are as a man. If you work your ass off no respectable leader will deny you a day off.

Dress to impress. It doesn't matter if by the end of the day you'll be covered in sweat and dirt. It doesn't matter if the clothing you're wearing will tear and wear in a matter of months. You absolutely always must look sharp. Clean haircut, clean shave, only grow facial hair if you can actually grow it and make sure to groom it. Do not look like Shaggy from Scooby Doo or like some hobo. Wear clothing that fits right. It is not stupid nor a waste of money to wear plain designer t-shirts to work, specially if you have the body to show it off. Wear jeans that fit well, don't be sagging, pulling your pants every 5 minutes, showing butt-crack. Wear suspenders, they're not geeky! As long as you wear suspenders designer for labor they are not. Buy your own safety glasses. Buy the badass kind. If you wear prescription glasses, they sell safety prescription glasses. Invest in them. Don't be the weirdo wearing two pairs on top of one another. Invest in good boots. Do not wear tennis for fucks sake. Do not wear those shitty $40 "work boots" you can spot a mile away. Get yourself some Red Wings or something. Buy the protective spray for it. It works. Learn to not make a mess of yourself when working. i.e don't be careless with where you lay, don't wipe your hands on your clothes, and beware how you carry things that will stain you. Keep an extra clean t-shirt in your toolbox. Buy a couple of those mint sprays for breath and keep one on you at all times and one in your toolbox. Ever had to work up close with someone and you can smell what they had for breakfast? Don't be that guy.

We have YouTube nowadays. Learn from videos. Apply acquired knowledge immediately.

Pay close attention to what experienced workers do. Mimic them at first until you find your own way of doing things.

Always be 5 minutes early. Always.

Always think one step ahead. Know what you'll do next. If not sure, ask your supervisor what the next step is. Do not stand around like an idiot waiting to be told what to do.

Do not start working until it is time. Your time is not free.

Do not sacrifice break time to please anyone but yourself. Fuck that. What I mean by "but yourself" is that you should only sacrifice break time if it'll make your job easier when break is over. For example, say you're building a hollywood wall, the time to lay luan sheets on your frame comes, you've smeared glue all over that frame and suddenly it's lunch time. Damn, time goes by fast when you're not screwing around, doesn't it? For fucks sake, don't let the glue dry just because the bell rang, kid! Finish laying it and then go eat your lunch. It'll be a pain in the ass to carry on when you come back and the end product will be of lower quality. It'll take you longer to finish, you'll look like a moron grinding the glue off, and you'll make yourself look careless.

TAKE SHITS ON YOUR OWN TIME. It might be tempting to shit on the clock, but your superiors wont like it. Even if they say they're cool with it, you're now one step lower than the dude who doesn't shit until break time. Change your diet if necessary. If you know OJ in the mornings gives you the shits, then stop drinking it!

NEVER tattle-tell! Unless things have escalated to physical violence, you deal with it yourself! This is not corporate America. No one will feel bad Johnny called you a fag. No one will care you were triggered. Fuck your triggers! We may act like we care since a cry-baby is always a liability, but we really don't and we'll find a way to legally get rid of you if you whine too much. There's no HR here.

Keep your goddamn phone in your toolbox. You don't need it on you. "But, I was just using the calculator!" Maybe. But the higher ups don't know that. The gossips might know it, but they'll still use it against you. Yes. They'll lie and claim you fuck around with your phone all the time. One day your superior will see you with your phone in your hands and he'll think "Guess the gossips were right". Get yourself a real calculator if you truly need one (I mean WTF are you building anyways, pyramids?). Wear a watch to tell time. So old fashioned. I know. Beat it.

Be funny, but not by berating others. That's a construction classic right there, am I right? It might seem like fun and games, but really it is the beta's attempt at powertalk. Be wise about it, sometimes you will have to engage in this little games, but avoid them when possible.

Your coworkers opinion of you do not reflect your manager's opinion of you. Do not confuse both.

Finally and most importantly: Do not work for shitty companies. If you are constantly disrespected, move on.

Lessons learned

The whole post is a lesson. Read it.

EDIT Something super important just came to mind. I can't believe I left it out! In this line of work, more people than you'd like to believe use and abuse drugs. It is not uncommon to catch a coworker snorting coke. It is not uncommon to stumble upon a secret stash (snort that shit quietly and go get'em tiger haha). It is not uncommon to see coworkers drinking beers in the back of a company box-truck. It is not uncommon to smell marijuana. Nowadays they try and be stealthy and do dabs in one of those e-cigs things. They think we don't notice lol It is also not uncommon to be invited to partake in these activities. I'm not gonna tell you not to do cocaine or smoke weed or drink. That's very much your problem. I will however tell you that all it takes is for you to be involved in that shit ONCE for ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE to know. Burned for life. Promotion? Raise? Get the hell out of here you crackhead.

Do not do it. Consume your drugs and home and keep them there. And when it comes to weed, I hope you're not a regular smoker and I hope you have a clean diet and exercise frequently or else if you ever get in an accident at work you will most definitely, without exceptions, be out of a job and unable to collect. A little stupid mistake as stapling your fingers together will get you fired. "Just say no" haha This coming from a man who grows his own weed and has been there, done that. Advice: if you get into an accident and you were not operating power tools or machinery, DO NOT PEE IN THE FUCKING CUP. Just keep repeating "I was not using power tools or operating machinery. No drug test is necessary" You'll probably be forced to pee in the cup eventually, but you should've bought enough time to cleanse the THC out of you if you only smoke once a week or so.