Traditionally, it was thought that white-collar workers would wear a suit to work and with that a white shirt and tie. Their blue-collar worker counterparts would instead wear blue coveralls protecting their clothes from the dust and dirt of manual labour. Of course, not all white-collar workers wear suits nowadays or even white shirts, and not all blue-collar workers wear coveralls.
However, the terms are still used to differentiate between the professions where the work takes place behind desks in offices versus those that are more manual or skilled trades related to various job sites.
One of the big differences between the two types of employment that was brought into stark contrast during the recent COVID-19 pandemic is that because of the nature of the work, most white-collar jobs can be done remotely, so long as the worker has a computer with internet access. Blue-collar jobs, by contrast, usually have to be performed in-person on location.
But, obviously, that’s not the only difference between blue and white-collar jobs. Let’s take a closer look at what separates the two, some of the pros and cons of each, and how you can make a career transition from one to the other.
Blue-Collar Jobs
Blue-collar jobs are generally considered to be those that involve manual labour and that are paid an hourly wage. This includes the people who work in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, maintenance, agriculture, automotive, mining, and many others.
The barrier to access can be lower for many blue-collar roles than their white-collar counterparts as they do not usually require a university degree. Most of the skills for a great many jobs in these sectors can be obtained through college programs, apprenticeships, or on-the-job learning. While certification is required for many skilled trades, you do not need four years of formal university education to earn this accreditation.
Pros of blue-collar work
Stay physically active – A job that requires manual labour keeps you moving throughout the day. This physical exercise can protect you from many of the health hazards that come from a sedentary lifestyle.
Work outdoors – Many blue-collar roles, from groundskeeping to construction, roofing, carpentry, and more allow you to work outdoors. This is an asset that many white-collar workers envy from their office windows.
Variety of job sites – There's a chance that your blue collar-job will take to you a number of locations where the work is being performed. This range of job sites keeps the work interesting and gives you a broader range of experience.
Job satisfaction – When you've painted a house, put up a building, or fixed up an old car so that it is running like new, you can step back and appreciate what your work accomplished. It is a rewarding sensation to know at the end of the day that you built something or made something better than it was.
Work/life balance – As much as people tout the work/life balance benefits of working remotely – a perk that is largely available only to white-collar workers – blue-collar workers have the edge when it comes to separating their professional life from their personal life. That is because when you set your tools down at the end of the shift, your workday is done. There's no pressure to take your work home with you or to be available for work during your vacation.
Cons of blue-collar work
Physically demanding – As much as it is good to be active and exercise your body, the demands of a full-time job doing manual labour can take their toll on your muscles and joints over time. This can lead to injuries and pain later in life.
Weathering the weather – While working outdoors can be a perk, laying roofing tiles in the scorching sun in August might have you envying white-collar workers in their air-conditioned offices. You could also find yourself temporarily out of work if a prolonged weather event closes down a job site for days at a time.
On-the-job hazards – Working with construction or manufacturing equipment and power tools, or on roofs, cranes, ladders, and forklifts all come with some degree of risk. The potential for accidents and on-the-job injuries is higher in blue-collar jobs.
White-collar jobs
The very basic description of a white-collar worker is someone who works in an office environment. This can be the Human Resources director, the graphic designer, the sales representative, the accountant, or the IT manager, just to name a few possibilities. Typically, these roles do not include manual labour and are performed while sitting at a desk, usually on a computer.
White-collar workers generally receive an annual salary that is based on an assumed 40-hour workweek. A bachelor's degree is often – although certainly not always – considered to be the level of education required to be hired for most roles.
Pros of white-collar work
Upward mobility – In an office environment, you can usually map out the career progression you would like to achieve and strategize the steps necessary to accomplish that goal. There are job titles you can aspire to and promotions you can work towards. On a construction site or a factory floor, upward mobility may not be as clear-cut.
Safe physical environment – There are far fewer on-the-job accidents, injuries, or deaths among white-collar workers as offices are safer places to work.
Constant learning – There is an element of creativity and innovation required for most white-collar jobs as the business landscape, technology, and software used to communicate and accomplish tasks are constantly evolving. This means that office workers are always increasing their knowledge and skills to keep up with the times.
Cons of white-collar work
Sedentary lifestyle – As much as offices are safer than construction sites, the people who work in them have the health risks associated with sitting at a desk all day. Workers who care about their health need to find the time to hit the gym or exercise in some other way on their own time.
Stressful work environment – The potential for upward mobility that makes white-collar jobs good career choices can also make them highly competitive. This can lead to employees putting in long hours and feeling the constant pressure to outperform their colleagues.
Lack of work/life balance – While being able to work from home is a perk, and it kept many white-collar roles operating through the pandemic, the lack of separation between work and home life has allowed the anxiety and obligations of the job to extend well beyond the hours of the workday. Many white-collar workers feel compelled to take phone calls and answer emails in the evenings and on weekends. They often take their work cell phone and laptop with them on vacation and rarely completely separate themselves from the job.
How to transition careers
There are upsides to both kinds of careers. Blue-collar work is more physically demanding than working in an office setting, but it can come with a high degree of job satisfaction and the ability to unwind at the end of the shift. White-collar jobs are safer but more sedentary. They often offer a clearer path for career progression, but this can come with a highly competitive environment and reduced work/life balance.
As with any career transition, if you are aiming to shift from one kind of work to the other, think of your transferable skills. Demonstrate to potential employers that you have a positive work ethic, proven teamwork and communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn. These attributes are sought after in candidates across industries.
When you change career paths, be prepared to take a step downward in the ranks and work your way back up. You often have to begin at a lower level when changing fields. Showing what you have done in the past and your potential for the future may get an employer interested enough in your skills to offer you a job, but it is what you actually deliver for them that will earn you rewards and recognition in the workplace.
Be prepared to undertake some further education or training. When you have targeted a role that you would like to transition toward, find out what certification or skills you will need in order to be a viable candidate for it. Entering a new role with the proper skills to hit the ground running and a diverse background of experience in other sectors can make you a star candidate.
Consider using a functional or hybrid resume to highlight your abilities over your work history when changing from one sector to another.