The Hidden Cost of Staying Comfortable
Skilled Trade Rescue Weekly Newsletter: Mentoring Skilled Trades Professionals for Success in Business and in Life
Chris had a solid gig.
Ten years in the electrical trade. Just got on with a new company. Good pay. Benefits. Steady work. Respect.
But every day, the same headache: outdated processes. Paper work orders. Handwritten documents. Radios that cut out more than they work.
He pitched updated ideas: Automation, cloud-based inventory, a crew group text, updated tech.
His boss? "That’s not how we do things. What we're doing works."
Chris wasn’t trying to play tech whiz. He just saw the gap. Other companies were moving faster, getting better results. Meanwhile, he was stuck doing things the old way. And it was starting to show.
He didn't just want to be good; he wanted to stay relevant.
Comfort Has a Cost
Let’s get to the heart of it.
Comfort feels good—right up until it starts costing you money, growth, and relevance.
You might be the guy they call when stuff hits the fan. You’ve got muscle memory for your tools and a reputation that holds weight.
But if you're not pushing to stay sharp, someone else is.
And guess what? They're using updated tech. They're learning faster. And they're getting ahead while you may be coasting.
The Trades are Evolving. Fast!
The Solution: Trial. Prove it. Win!
If you like where you work overall—don’t storm out. Play it smart.
Ask for a trial run.
Bring your boss a simple plan.
Try this: "Hey, I think this [tool or method] could improve the workflow. Can we test it on a small job? See if it helps the business and the customer?"
Frame it like a win-win.
Not just personal preference—talk about real results.
Run a Trial
Pick one tech upgrade you believe in. Something small. Manageable. Pitch it. Prove it.
Track the Results
Did it save time? Reduce errors? Make life easier for the crew?
Get that data.
Talk the Talk
Bosses love efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. Show how the upgrade helps those three.
Best case? It works. You get credit. You become the guy who made the company better.
Worst case? They shut you down hard.
And now you know what you're dealing with.
Then, it's your call:
- Adapt to the old way and accept the ceiling.
- Or get ready to pivot and start looking for a team that wants to grow like you do.
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