Union sheet metal worker. I started at age 22 after I dropped out of college. I worked very hard. I had debt (student loan and the like) and bills to pay. A few years later the 2008 crash happened and I refused to be laid off. If I wasn't working my wife and I were fucked so I went out and proved myself everyday. A few years ago all the grey beards started to retire and they offered me a foreman position. I've cooled my jets slightly since then but I still have this feeling like I have to prove myself everyday. I dont know how old you are but the crash in 2008 was a scary couple years to be a construction worker and I will never forget that.