Jumping off the Roof

In our youth, most of us feel rather invincible. We can do stupid things like drink all night, ride a bike for 20 miles without training, and jump off the roof with few, if any, significant effects. But as we get older, such activities tend to result in greater and longer lasting pain.

The typical painting contractor is not immune to this sense of immortality. Just as jumping off a roof will ultimately have some negative physical effects, climbing ladders and pushing a roller will as well. Years of physical work will eventually wear on the body.

If you don’t believe, go jump off your roof about 50 times in a row. Then you will have some idea what it’s going to feel like doing it when you are 50 years old. You might be thinking that that is a silly idea. And you would be right. But I think it is a silly idea to think that your body can take a daily pounding and keep on ticking. As somebody once said, it ain’t gonna happen that way.

A contractor I work with has had a bad year. He has had several medical problems, the last of which will keep him out of work for several weeks. I know of a carpenter who broke his wrist and is in a similar situation.

If you are in the bucket, that is, you earn your money slinging a paint brush, you could be one accident or illness away from serious financial problems. If you can’t work, how will you pay your bills and feed your family?

This isn’t intended to ruin your day. But if you fall off a ladder and aren’t financially prepared, that will ruin a lot more than your day.

© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008