A day in the life of a Fiberglass Technician 🛥
My day starts off at 8 am. I wake up to my amazing girlfriend caroline 🫶🏼 . who wakes me up every morning with a cup of coffee just the way I like it. Talks with me while I brush my teeth and put my clothes on. And when I leave, she makes sure I get a kiss and hug bye for the day. Studies show men who have the privilege of kissing their Partners before they leave for work live (on average) up to 5 years longer than those who do not. I'm SO Blessed for the love of my life caroline 🫶🏼.
I leave at 8:40 AM and I drive 10 minutes down the road, pick up my boss (he just lives a minute down the street) and sometimes we talk for a little bit before we start work which is something I'm very thankful for. I've never experienced happiness at a job before, and my mentor is the best in the state of SC at this LITERAL art form of a career. (Fun fact about me, I failed art class in the 7th grade, and now I paint vehicles😆)
My Boss isn't really a boss, He's been a mentor to me, though I have previous experience in auto body (not marine which is the bulk of our jobs) he basically had to reteach me almost everything, it had been a long time since I did that work. The saying goes, "If you dont use it, you lose it," and I did, I lost the vast majority of my muscle memory and skill. This didn't upset him. He's been very patient with me, very willing to teach me anything I wanna know. And for those of us who have been around the block in the world of trades, they know how much gatekeeping there is during these times. Finding someone like him is like finding a diamond in a bucket of manure. I was really lucky.
Typically, we get into the shop at about 9-915am, we turn on the radio, put our safety equipment on, and get to work. We go really hard every day in that shop. And I truly like being at work. It feels good to walk in there. We take some breaks to sit down in front of a fan. He does everything he can to make sure I'm comfortable and taken care of. Again, this is ULTRA RARE in the workforce at all.
At the end of the day, we have a quick pow-wow about how the day went, what were doing tomorrow, and we always tell eachother to be safe, and call the other if one needs anything (and its genuine). Who has a boss like that? 99% do not. 💯
I consider myself very blessed to have this job that I enjoy and work with someone who truly cares about my development and well-being.
Fiberglass technicians play a vital role in industries such as marine, automotive, and construction by applying fiberglass materials to craft durable, lightweight structures. The work involves layering resin and fiberglass cloth, sanding, painting, and finishing surfaces to meet precise specifications. This specialized skill requires both artistic ability and technical knowledge. The mentor-mentee relationship highlighted in the daily experience of this technician underlines the importance of skilled guidance and continued learning in trades. Many experienced professionals face challenges in maintaining their skills if they do not practice regularly, emphasizing the old saying, "If you don't use it, you lose it." Patience and willingness to re-teach are crucial for skill retention and advancement. Safety is paramount in fiberglass work due to exposure to chemicals and particulates; thus, personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to best practices protect technicians’ health. Breaks and comfort measures also contribute to workplace well-being and productivity. Moreover, the emotional and psychological benefits of having a supportive work environment and meaningful personal relationships, such as the positive impact of a morning ritual shared with a loved one, can enhance overall life satisfaction and longevity. Handmade and rolled flooring, a specific technique mentioned, showcases the craftsmanship involved in fiberglass applications—this type of flooring requires meticulous preparation and expert painting to ensure both functionality and aesthetics. Before and after visuals illustrate the transformative effect of skilled work. Fiberglass technology continues to evolve with advancements in materials and techniques, creating opportunities for innovative applications. For those interested in pursuing a career in fiberglass work, seeking mentorship, continuous practice, and a passion for craftsmanship are key factors for success.
I love you and I’m so proud at how hardworking you are! ❤️