Wow, wages are getting so, so low for hard work! DH has done brickies labouring before, but not for a few years. I just can't believe the hourly rate some companies are offering. I just saw a MR truck driver with forklift offering $20 an hour CASUAL. I work in hospitality and take home $23.50 an hour and my job is not hard at all. No wonder people can't make ends meet these days. It's really sad
Yes, it is hard, especially for people who don't have qualifications.
It really is worth doing your trade/uni/course/qualification when you are young and free from responsibility and can afford to live on the bones of your a$$.
Trying to do this and provide for children and other responsibilities is nigh impossible on unskilled wages.