ruskdev

A concept image of a person at a desk with "Leadership" on it

Employee Empowerment – Create Entrepreneurial Employees Who Own Their Success

Employee empowerment isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a game-changer for businesses and employees alike. A truly empowered team doesn’t just show up to work; they take ownership of their roles, make smart decisions, and drive success as if they were running their own business.

Too many companies focus only on what employees can do for them. But the best workplaces flip that mindset—what can the business do to help employees succeed in their own lives? Read More »

What Are Four Causes of Loss in Job Satisfaction?

If you’ve ever felt drained, frustrated, or just plain stuck at work, you’re not alone. A lot of people start off excited about their jobs, only to find that over time, their enthusiasm fades. But why does this happen? What are four causes of loss in job satisfaction that make people feel unhappy at work?

In my experience, most job unhappiness comes down to a few basic things. People want to be valued, they want to grow, they want good management, and they want to work in a good environment. When any of those are missing, it's simple to lose momentum. The best news? Once you know what the issue is, you can start taking action to fix it.

There are a lot of reasons someone might feel dissatisfied in their career. But let’s break it down into the four major categories of why people stop enjoying their jobs: Read More »

A photo of a tradesperson holding tools and components in front of a blue background

How to Get Into Trade Jobs – Finding Your Career

Hello and welcome to all aspiring tradespeople! If you're exploring how to get into trade jobs, you've arrived at the perfect starting point. In an era where college degrees are often seen as the default route, considering a career in the trades presents a refreshing and practical alternative. Whether it's the appeal of hands-on work, the quest for a tangible and skilled profession, or the practical decision to steer clear of substantial student debt, your interest in the trades is a step towards a rewarding career path.

Ready to figure out where to get started? Let’s dive into the essential steps to embark on a career in trade jobs. From selecting the right trade that sparks your enthusiasm to acquiring the necessary training and qualifications, we'll cover all the crucial aspects in a quick and easy read. Read More »

Top 10 Highest Paying Trade Jobs in 2025

In 2025, trade jobs are not just a backup plan—they are some of the best-paying and most in-demand careers. Many skilled trades offer six-figure salaries, job security, and high demand, all without requiring a four-year college degree.

If you're looking for a career with great pay, stability, and hands-on work, this guide will walk you through the highest paying trade jobs of 2025 and how to get started. Read More »

A skilled tradesman working on a ladder

The Skilled Tradesmen Shortage: Why It’s Happening and How We Can Fix It

What happens when the people we rely on the most are no longer regularly available? The skilled tradesmen shortage. Across industries like construction, plumbing, electrical work, welding, and HVAC, there just aren’t enough men and women to keep up with demand. Millions of jobs are sitting unfilled, while older workers are retiring at record rates. Meanwhile, younger generations aren’t stepping in to replace them fast enough.

This growing gap isn’t just bad for the workers and businesses involved—it’s affecting the entire economy. Housing costs are rising, infrastructure projects are delayed, and companies are struggling to keep up with demand. The worst part? These are high-paying, stable careers that don’t require massive student loan debt. Yet, for some reason, they’re not attracting new talent like other careers. Read More »

Person holding hard hat wondering how to get into construction jobs

How to Get Into Construction – A Reliable Career Path Without College

If you're seeking a practical, reliable career without taking the traditional route of attending college, learning how to get into construction might be the perfect solution. Construction offers steady work, strong earning potential, and opportunities for growth—without requiring a degree.

This guide will show you exactly how to break into the field, even with no experience, and build a successful career. Read More »

An aircraft mechanic working in his hands-on career

The Top 10 Hands-On Careers That Are Satisfying and Well-Paying

Hands-on careers are a perfect fit for people who enjoy practical work, solving real-world problems, and seeing the direct results of their efforts. If the idea of sitting through years of expensive college classes doesn’t appeal to you, or you’d rather build something with your hands than work behind a desk, these careers offer an exciting alternative. Many hands-on professions don’t require a four-year degree but still provide excellent pay, job security, and personal fulfillment.

From building homes to repairing vehicles or keeping critical systems running, hands-on careers are in high demand and often come with the added bonus of learning on the job. Read More »

A notepad with the text Start New Career? and a "Yes" checked.

Switching from White Collar to Blue Collar | Ken Rusk

There's a growing trend of professionals leaving their white-collar jobs for blue-collar trades. This shift reflects not just a change in career but a fundamental transformation in lifestyle and values. Have you been feeling like the desk job isn’t everything you were hoping for? Maybe it’s time to take a look at a new career path!

Read on to explore the reasons behind this movement, the benefits of blue-collar work, and provide practical advice on how to make this transition smoothly. Read More »

An aerial view of a wind turbine installation, a new popular green collar job

What Are Green Collar Jobs?

Have you been hearing about “green collar jobs” lately? They represent a growing sector within the global workforce, focusing on environmental sustainability and renewable energy. Encompassing a wide range of roles, they directly contribute to the development and maintenance of environmentally friendly infrastructure and practices.

As the world’s focus towards more sustainable energy sources and practices grows, the demand for green collar jobs is surging, offering numerous opportunities for workers, particularly those with a blue-collar background or those looking to get into the lucrative trades. Read More »

A tradesperson teaching person from Gen z blue collar work

Gen Z Blue Collar: Navigating the Future of Work in 2024

Employment has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. And there’s been a massive shift in the way younger generations view career paths. Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is now entering the workforce and challenging traditional norms. While white-collar jobs have long been the aspiration of many, a new trend is emerging: Gen Z is beginning to explore and embrace blue-collar careers. But what does this mean for the future of work, and why is this shift significant?

How Are Blue Collar Jobs Doing in 2024?

In 2024, blue-collar jobs are experiencing robust growth across several key sectors. Fields such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical work, and construction are projected to grow at rates that outpace many other industries. This surge in demand is largely driven by the retirement of older generations, creating a vacuum that requires skilled workers to fill. Read More »