Yep klydon it's rough for sure on the family and life in general. Pays well but the family pays too. As for the rest we consider it part of the job. I've been lucky enough to see most of the U.S. because of this job.

I still remember when I started I thought "WTF did I get myself into?" but there was no way I was going to quit. Wasn't raised that way. Then I got to where it was in my blood and from there the rest is history. Most of the other workers seem to be the same way or are 2nd and 3rd generation linemen. Most of it is as safe as you make it though except for your body breaking down, that just comes from doing everything like you mentioned.

You listen to some people on storm they think we just sit in the truck and do nothing or sit on union breaks all day.....LMAO