I was kind of expecting the construction/trade labor job market to "stabilize" at some point. Meaning supply/demand would drive trade work prices up. I can't stop hearing employers complain about lack of slightly skilled and somewhat reliable. I'm offered laborer jobs regularly but the pay just isn't there.

When I was doing construction at 17-18 yo, I was making $18.50/hr + 1.5-2x overtime (working two jobs 70hrs/week). I was was not skilled in the trade. Skilled guys on the job were getting ~$25.

The best pay I'm seeing for actually skilled labor now is $20-25/hr. 8-9 years later. Some management positions are capping at $25/hr + OT. These guys only make money running 70+ hour work weeks. Some of my friends are pulling 14s or risk losing their jobs making $22.25/hr.

I got tired of being tired all the time. I just slept on my days off. When you get home, you shower, sleep, then wake up and do it again. Your sore all the time.