Working as a contractor can be an incredibly liberating pursuit. You likely spend most of your days outside as opposed to couped up in an office. It’s also likely that you work for yourself, deciding your hours and clients alike.
However, none of that takes away from the unique challenges contract work can pose. Facing the elements most days can take its toll, and that’s before considering the physical labor involved. Your health needs to be your utmost priority.
To this end, we’ve compiled a list of our top 4 tips for looking after yourself as a contractor. From monitoring your diet to ensuring you’re qualified for the job, there are many ways to take extra care at work.
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1. Dress for the Weather
Few jobs spend as much time outside as contractors. You work year-round in all weathers, from scorching summers to bitter winters. There’s no central heating to switch on or window to crack open when things get a bit too much. This exposure to the elements can be taxing to the body, so you need to make sure you’re thoroughly protected.
That’s why the clothes on your back are imperative to staying healthy. Breathable clothing in summer. Thick, layered clothing in winter. Both can make a significant difference. Sunscreen can also fall into this category. It may sound overly simplistic but looking after yourself all begins with what you’re putting on your back!
2. Make Sure You Know What You’re Doing
Contractors are hired for specific tasks that require specialized knowledge. Whether you’re fixing a roof or dealing with a complicated leak, you need to know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you may end up causing more damage to both yourself and the client’s property.
This is why achieving proper licensing is integral to your role. There are many courses available at contractor training center that can help with this. The education that comes with the licensing process may separate you from experiencing a nasty workplace accident.
3. Drink Enough Water
This may be somewhat of a cliché, but it is essential as a contractor to stay hydrated. Being outside and working, it is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s so important to have water on hand. It’s even more essential when you are moving and lifting heavy items.
Contract work usually involves a lot of heavy lifting, sometimes in the sweltering heat. Dehydration can cause a loss of focus, which may lead to a costly accident. It’s easy to forget to keep a bottle of water with you on the job, but such a small change can make a big difference!
4. Hit the Gym
No one doubts the physicality required to be a contractor. It is not work designed for the idle. If you find yourself becoming increasingly exhausted after a day at work, it may be time to revisit your exercise regimen.
This doesn’t have to be to get ripped. If you’re tired from work, the last thing you want to think about is exercise. However, the more you train yourself, the more stamina you will develop over time. This extra energy boost may be the perfect thing to keep you steady at work. Tiredness, just like dehydration, can lead to disastrous mistakes.
Staying Safe is Part of Your Job
Your clients hire you and trust you to complete a specific task. You need to honor that by completing the task at hand and doing it to the best of your ability. This is only possible with the right care for both yourself and your work.