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> the future may be brighter for people who can install plumbing systems than those who perform tasks easily done by machine. “It’s the end of the white-collar
by francisofascii 4y ago
> the future may be brighter for people who can install plumbing systems than those who perform tasks easily done by machine. “It’s the end of the white-collar knowledge work,”
As someone who has been struggling to find a person to update our bathroom who isn't charging obscene prices, this kinda resonated with me. It dawned on me that these guy's hourly rate might be higher than mine right now. Rather than leetcode or side projects I actually started watching YouTube videos about home improvement. I successfully installed a new vanity / sink. Very satisfying to accomplish. I suppose we are all engineers, and can transition to what is in demand. A shower install could be a higher lift, though. :)
- antisthenes 4y agoYour experience is actually quite solid argument for blue-collar workers not taking over. White-collar professionals aren't dumb and incapable of screwing in their own light bulbs. They can do the math on ROI of DIY projects and complete them if need be. If you can do some light plumbing with a couple of youtube videos, then that right there already eats a bunch into their margins. And if we're talking about more difficult projects (e.g. replacing underground pipes, excavating, etc.) then the margins aren't nearly as high.
- Gud 4y agoThe difference is that a skilled blue collar worker can do it much much faster and with better results
- antisthenes 4y agoFor small jobs better results is dubious. I mean, yes, I know some people who would screw up installing a faucet, but most people are competent enough to follow instructions and not flood their house. Does the difference in quality justify paying someone $150 to install a $50 faucet? Personally, I don't think so, but YMMV.