Hey everyone, I'm 26 and currently unemployed, trying to start my own landscaping business. I've been offered some work from a friend to save up for tools like a weedwhacker and lawnmower. I took on this intense job involving cutting down a huge patch of elephant grass for about 3 hours, took a short break of around 10–15 minutes to drink water and sharpen my machete, and then worked for another hour before I had to call it a day because I was super tired. My friend said that if I can't keep up for 5 hours straight, I won't succeed in this field and even joked about deducting my pay for taking such a short break. I felt he was disrespectful, considering landscaping is way more physically demanding than most typical office jobs. So, am I just not cut out for this job? Do I have a bad work ethic for not pushing through more hours?
3 Answers
Your friend has a point about the physicality of the job, but I think he's handling it wrong. You need to pace yourself while building strength and endurance. The hardest part is likely getting into a rhythm, and yes, some areas can be much more strenuous than others! Focus on consistency and gradually you'll find yourself getting stronger and able to handle longer hours. Also, don’t forget to enjoy your work when you're getting your feet wet!
You definitely need to prepare properly for landscape work—solid breakfast, hydration, proper rest, etc. But at the end of the day, physical labor takes time to get used to. The key is to give yourself grace as you build up that stamina. It doesn’t happen overnight, and nobody is expecting you to perform like a seasoned pro right away!
It sounds like your friend isn't the best manager. Building up endurance is key, and it's normal to struggle at first. Remember to take breaks and stay hydrated—especially in the heat! Starting with smaller projects can help you adjust to the physical demands without overwhelming yourself. Everyone has to get used to this kind of work, so don't beat yourself up too much; you're just starting out!
Exactly! Hydration is super important; I made that mistake too when starting out. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Absolutely! It's about progress, not perfection. Just keep working on your fitness and you'll see improvement over time.