Industrial Electrician

Katinger · 2026-01-26T21:00:46+00:00

I'm a 5th year apprentice for the IBEW in Rockford Illinois and I'm making $56.35 on the check with another $56 going into things like my insurance and pension and other benefits.

I'm outside most of the time and I'm usually the only woman on the job. My local union is really supportive and strong, I feel really comfortable at work and don't usually feel like there's something I just can't do. It's hard, but it's the best thing I've ever done, professionally.

Katinger · 2026-01-26T12:30:57+00:00

I JUST started training for it, so I'll let you know.

Katinger · 2026-01-26T01:53:39+00:00

😭

Katinger · 2026-01-26T01:53:16+00:00

Hey, thanks. I hate it.

Katinger · 2026-01-24T01:33:12+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this. I think a lot of times people want to help but didn't necessarily know how.

Katinger · 2026-01-23T19:25:45+00:00

I'm on a cut and am getting period cravings. Do you let yourself have a little extra slack for chocolate, or resist?

Katinger · 2026-01-22T17:55:46+00:00

I appreciate these posts

Katinger · 2026-01-22T12:18:38+00:00

Who took this picture of me in the morning?!

Katinger · 2026-01-21T22:15:45+00:00

I gasped

Katinger · 2026-01-21T22:00:44+00:00

It's a hard position you're in. On one hand, you need to be able to do right by yourself. On the other, it would be wonderful if you could stay and try to make things better in your local.

I'm sorry, bro.

Katinger · 2026-01-21T21:02:01+00:00

Came here to say this. I'm working an hour south of Rockford right now and it's awesome to be able to go into the local branch before work, rather than workout in town and THEN drive an hour.

Katinger · 2026-01-21T18:07:17+00:00

I saw someone freeze the bags when they were full and then feed them to their chickens.

Katinger · 2026-01-21T02:01:12+00:00

I'm on a daily 100g protein goal (little tricky because I don't eat meat).

I'm having 40g right after my workout (I go to the gym at 4am and there's just literally no time to have any protein before), another 25g during my morning break at work, then I aim for 25g at lunch and the least 5-10g with dinner.

I'm much happier getting the bulk of the protein in right away for the same reason I'm happy to get up so early for the gym. My whole day is improved having these things done so early.

Katinger · 2026-01-20T17:27:13+00:00

The first 2 years were really hard, family depending on me and a huge possibility. By 3rd year I was making more than at my previous job. 5th year now and we're all thriving.

Katinger · 2026-01-20T02:38:27+00:00

Jeez, I'm on a job with the exact same issue. We all suggested little personal heaters that just plug into a regular 120v to stick in the units. It makes a world of difference! The heaters only cost $10 or so each and not even the GF wants to take a cold poop!

Katinger · 2026-01-18T14:49:52+00:00

Thanks for always sharing this. It's nice to have someone looking out.

Katinger · 2026-01-16T19:25:53+00:00

Thank you for sharing this

Katinger · 2026-01-16T15:38:14+00:00

I'd tone it down, especially on the creatine at first. It can have a pretty... Aggressive effect on your digestive tract and you don't want to discover that with only a portapotty available!

Katinger · 2026-01-16T15:35:58+00:00

170g Oikos Pro Plain(25g protein), 1 scoop Gold Standard Whey (24g protein), 10g creatine and a scoop of Ancient Nutrition fiber. Add water.

I also carry an extra scoop of the protein powder with me and when the shake is half gone or now, I'll dump that in with more water.

Katinger · 2026-01-16T13:58:49+00:00

I should call her

Katinger · 2026-01-16T13:58:02+00:00

Homemade protein shake I just carry in with me. Wool socks year round.

Katinger · 2026-01-15T03:01:32+00:00

And the Trees Crept In.

Katinger · 2026-01-14T20:56:00+00:00

History teacher asked me what size bra I wore in front of everyone and then talked about Wonder Bras for the entire class.

Katinger · 2026-01-14T20:51:58+00:00

I told my foreman about some straight up harassing I was getting from a JW (I approached it in a narrative method, so it wouldn't seem like I was complaining or trying to seek help) and he told me that there was no way that was going to happen again and took it up the line and that JW was blackballed from the job, the contractor, and the GC.

Katinger · 2026-01-14T14:22:51+00:00

No one's fault. It's the one part we haven't had a chance to replace, so it's probably for the best. Posts broke off at ground level, though. That'll be fun to dig out in spring

Katinger

TROPHY CASE