Man in Tweed dot Com

One Year Later

This post was written by Mike

I, Michael Davis, without mental reservation, do solemnly swear on my honour to uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the International Association and Local Union number 95 and to carry out their just demands during the period of my apprentice/improver/helper membership. I will support the rights of all workers to organize. I will support the goals of the International Association and Local Union Number 95 to organize all workers in our industry into local unions. I shall do all in my power to aid and assist my fellow apprentice/improver/helper members as well as the mechanic members of the local and shall comply with all local union laws while an apprentice/improver/helper member.

With this oath I officially became a sworn member of the Insulator’s Union. A year ago ago I started on a new path. A year ago I said “No more” to the never ending circle of contractual library work. A year ago I put the well-being of myself and my family ahead of any supposed loyalty to an industry in which I enjoyed working. A year ago I found myself in a brand new job, a brand new life, and a brand new set of surroundings.

Today I find myself enjoying what I do. I find myself truly learning a set of skills and a trade. I find myself knowing that if I do get laid off — and in a position where doing the work means you are one step closer to finishing the job — I simply have to wait for someone to give me a call because my name has reached the top of the list. I find myself surprising those around me because I not only tried this but seem to be thriving. I find myself getting better most every day.

I have found myself.

I am now an insulator.