Doing HVAC work can be lonely
I have been an HVAC technician for almost a decade now.
I like my work, but there are days when I couldn’t help feeling a bit lonely.
I often found myself contemplating how much I like my job when I drove my HVAC van from one task to another. I would reflect on my life, my family, and my friends. Most of all, I reflected on the reality that I spent most of my days alone. I engaged with people on my job, but they were always short or working, basically, they were businesslike. Beyond the small conversation I made figuring out what was wrong with someone’s HVAC system, I barely knew any of my clients. It was a lonely life that weighed heavily on me. I hoped that I could work in an office, surrounded by colleagues. At times, I wished for more active work that would allow me to become more engaged with people. Despite my infrequent feelings of loneliness, I appreciated the work I did. I realized that I was giving the local people a valuable service by keeping them warm from their heater in the winter or cool with their air conditioning in the summer. I knew I was excellent at what I did. I was experienced and capable to diagnose and repair the most difficult HVAC systems. So I drove and job to job, sometimes talking to my clients but nothing really has changed, I’m still working alone. I know it felt lonely at times, but I was doing essential work that is important for everyone.