How Tradies Can Manage Stress
This topic is close to my heart. Coming from a family full of tradies, including my husband, I’ve seen firsthand the effects it can have on loved ones.
With rising food prices, power bills, and rent and mortgage interest rates, it’s harder than ever to stay on top of things.
But there are ways to manage the load and take care of yourself when things get tough.
Coping with rising costs and unsteady work
Right now, Tradies across New Zealand are feeling the pressure from all sides. With the cost of living rising, material prices going up, and labour costs adding to the load, it’s getting harder to stay ahead and remain positive.
On top of that, work can be unpredictable – one week, you’re flat out, and the next, you’re chasing jobs. This makes it tough to plan ahead or know where the next dollar is coming from.
Signs you’re heading for burnout
It’s easy to push through when things get tough, but burnout can hit you like a brick if you don’t pay attention to your body.
Watch out for these warning signs:
Feeling tired all the time, even after a good sleep.
Your work standard has dropped, or you miss deadlines.
You feel irritable, unmotivated and disconnected from your job.
Making more mistakes than usual.
Balancing workload and personal life for well-being
Looking after yourself when times are tough isn’t easy. But stepping back and making small changes can help you find a better balance.
Here are some things to think about:
Set working hours and stick to them.
Try to get quotes out as soon as you can after a site visit so the details are fresh in your mind. This way, you don’t have to work too hard trying to remember the layouts, materials, or client comments.
Delegate admin tasks, like quotes and invoicing, to a Virtual Assistant to free up time.
Make time for family and friends.
Even if it’s just a 20-minute walk each week, exercise- start small!
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health
Many tradies in New Zealand, especially men, don’t talk about their struggles. There’s a stigma around opening up, but it’s time to change that.
Mental health is no joke, and the “harden up” attitude isn’t helping. With men making up nearly 75% of suicides in NZ, it’s time to speak up and make it easier to ask for help.
Free support for New Zealand tradies
If you're feeling overwhelmed, there are places you can turn to. MATES in Construction offers mental health support for those specifically in the building industry.
For tradies in general, the First Steps Wellbeing Programme, supported by Business New Zealand, provides free resources, including confidential support from professionals, to help you manage stress and mental well-being.
Lighten the load
Remember, you don’t have to carry this weight alone.
Reaching out to family, friends, or professionals and taking small steps to care for yourself can make a big difference.
By speaking up and getting help when you need it, you’re not just protecting yourself but also those who care about you.
At the end of the day, the heaviest load isn’t the one you carry on site – it’s the one you keep to yourself.
Finding balance
If things feel too heavy, delegating tasks like admin can help free up your time and energy, giving you space to focus on what matters most – your well-being and mental health.
Building a routine outside of work is key, too. Whether it’s starting a hobby, making time for family, taking time out to relax, or doing activities you enjoy, it can make a big difference to your mental health and help you recharge.
