What are the cons of being a carpenter?

The cons of being a carpenter include physical demands, safety risks, income variability, and work conditions that can be challenging despite rewarding aspects. Physically, carpentry is hard on the body, requiring heavy lifting of lumber and plywood often 50 to 100 pounds, prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, and working on ladders and roofs, leading to fatigue, back pain, knee issues, and repetitive strain like carpal tunnel over years, with many carpenters experiencing joint wear. Safety risks are significant, including cuts from saws, nail gun injuries, falls from heights which are leading cause of fatalities in construction, hearing loss from loud tools without protection, and exposure to dust and chemicals. Work conditions can be tough, with outdoor work in extreme heat, cold, rain, and dust, plus early start times and tight deadlines that create stress. Income can be inconsistent, especially for non-union residential carpenters and self-employed, with seasonal layoffs in winter in northern states, gaps between jobs, and expenses for tools, trucks, insurance, and taxes that reduce net income even when charging $50 per hour. Job requires precise math and problem-solving where mistakes are costly, and dealing with difficult clients and contractors can be stressful. Benefits like health insurance and retirement are often lacking for non-union and self-employed carpenters compared to union jobs. Career advancement may require additional training. However, many carpenters mitigate cons with safety gear, fitness, and specialization in finish work that is less physical, and still find career fulfilling for tangible results and good wages.