April 2022

Work/life balance matters — we’ve even hosted a webinar about it. But for those who travel for work, especially in the skilled trades, striking that balance isn’t always easy. Some of our FlexTrades technicians are on the road for weeks or even months at a time. That level of travel comes with real challenges, especially for anyone with kids, families, or responsibilities waiting back home.

So how do you make it work?

We asked our most experienced traveling professionals, and here’s what they had to say. Whether you’re new to the road or a seasoned road warrior, these tips can help you find your own version of balance.

Before the Project: Set the Stage

Communicate Clearly

Talk with your project manager about job expectations, timelines, and challenges
Keep your family informed about your location, schedule, and availability
Be proactive about updates. If your flight gets delayed, let people know — don’t leave them wondering

Use a Calendar

Request time off early for important dates like weddings, graduations, or concerts
Even if you can’t attend an event in person, you can still follow up and ask about it
Put family milestones on your calendar so you don’t forget to check in

Plan for Home Coverage

Who handles emergencies while you’re gone?
Who’s feeding the dog, checking the mail, or watering the garden?
Plan ahead and have a backup for every critical task

During the Project: Stay Connected

Use Technology to Your Advantage

FaceTime. Zoom. Snapchat. Whatever the platform, use it.

A nightly call still goes a long way, but real-time updates, shared photos, and group messages can make miles feel shorter.

One FlexTrades technician said his family stays connected through a shared Snapchat group with his four daughters. “It lets me stay involved on their schedule, not just mine.”

Stay Involved from Afar

Ask your spouse or friend to livestream a game or concert
Use apps like Zoom or Houseparty for family game nights
Help with homework, celebrate wins, or just chat — even from a hotel room

Share the Trip

Send a photo of something interesting. Buy a souvenir. Bring back something small — a shell, a postcard, even hotel shampoo. These tokens remind your loved ones that they’re still part of your journey.

Some FlexTrades techs even have family or friends visit during longer assignments. It’s a great way to make the job feel more like home — even for a weekend.

After the Project: Reconnect and Reflect

Debrief and Improve

Spend your first night back simply reconnecting
The next night, talk through what worked and what didn’t
Make a plan for how you’ll handle things better next time

Write it down so it doesn’t get forgotten in the rush of the next trip.

Use Your Perks

You’ve earned rewards — use them.

Got hotel or airline points? Book a trip with your family
Have extra gear or swag from a project? Bring it home for your kids

When the benefits of your travel are shared, the time away gets a little easier to accept.

Embrace Imbalance

There’s no such thing as a perfect 50/50 balance between work and life.

As one of our technicians said:

“Ninety days on the road and thirty days at home might seem out of balance, but when I’m home, I’m 100% there. I take the kids to school. I volunteer. I do projects. I make that time count.”

Sometimes balance isn’t about the day or the week. It’s about the season. What matters most is being intentional with the time you have — wherever you are.

Want More?

If this helped you think about work/life balance differently, check out our Road Warrior Webinar to learn more about what life is really like as a traveling technician with FlexTrades.

Still have questions? Or maybe you have a blog idea you want us to cover? Send your thoughts to the FlexTrades Writing Team — we’d love to hear from you.

April is the month of showers — we all know they bring May flowers. But have you ever thought about the showers that keep us smelling fresh all year round?

Roughly two out of three Americans shower every day. But it hasn’t always been that way.

The history of the modern shower is long, winding, and surprisingly global. From waterfalls to water heaters, here’s how we got here.

From Rivers to Rome: The Origins of Showering

Early humans cleaned themselves in streams, waterfalls, rain, and any natural water source they could find. As communities formed, the systems evolved.

The ancient Egyptians created ceramic jugs to mimic the feel of cascading water
The Greeks developed piping systems to move water where it was needed
The Romans brought the concept of hygiene to the masses, building public bathhouses across their empire

When Rome fell, the infrastructure crumbled with it. Medieval Europe lost access to Roman engineering, and the public bathhouse culture disappeared in many places.

Despite popular belief, hygiene didn’t vanish during the Dark Ages — but the systems that supported it did.

The Invention of the Shower

Fast forward to the 18th century, when interest in personal hygiene came back into focus. In 1767, William Feetham, a London stove maker, patented what is recognized as the first modern shower.

It wasn’t perfect.

It pumped cold water to a basin overhead
It dumped reused water on the user’s head
It wasn’t exactly refreshing

But it was a start.

By 1810, inventors added heated water. By 1850, modern plumbing was back in action — solving the whole “recycled water” issue and setting the stage for what we now recognize as a real shower.

Showers Gain Popularity

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, showers grew in popularity, especially in England and the U.S. But the bathtub still reigned supreme until the 1980s, when showers took over as the go-to option in most households.

That’s when the customization boom began. Shower heads, body jets, built-in lighting — all became part of a new era in home design. The growth hasn’t stopped since.

The Shower Industry Today

The global market for bath and shower products is now worth nearly $50 billion a year.

It’s driven by more than just hygiene. Today’s consumers care about:

Efficiency – modern showerheads use significantly less water than bathtubs
Sustainability – water-saving technologies and eco-conscious materials
Experience – from rainfall heads to digital temperature control

In fact, a 10-minute shower today can use up to four times less water than a typical bath. That means getting clean doesn’t have to mean wasting water.

Curious for More?

If this kind of thing interests you, check out our post on the history of foundries to see how another everyday process evolved. Or, for something a little more modern, watch this video on how showerheads and hoses are mass-produced today.

And remember, the next time a question hits you in the shower, we’d love to help answer it. Send your ideas to writingteam@flextrades.com and we just might feature it in a future blog.

The future of manufacturing is being built by automation. That future is already here — it’s called Industry 4.0 — and it’s driven by robotics, PLCs, and CNC technology.

If you’re already in the machining trade or want to break into it, transitioning from CNC Operator or CNC Machinist to CNC Programmer is one of the smartest moves you can make. And the best place to start? School.

Why CNC Programming Is the Next Step

A CNC Programmer is the person behind the code that tells machines how to move, cut, and shape parts. The job requires a solid understanding of materials, machine operations, tooling, and software. It’s high-skill work, and demand is growing across every sector of U.S. manufacturing.

So if you’re committed to becoming a CNC Programmer, start by enrolling in a technical college or trade school that offers a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in CNC Programming.

Here’s what to consider as you explore your options.

How to Choose the Right CNC Program

1. Look for NIMS Accreditation

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is the gold standard in CNC training. Schools with NIMS-accredited programs follow a curriculum that aligns with current industry needs — which means you’ll graduate ready to work.

NIMS also offers CNC Programmer Certification, which can boost your résumé and credibility on day one.

2. Check for Hands-On Training and Software Access

Quality CNC programs give you access to:

Modern machine tools
Industry-standard software
Real-world shop environments

If your school teaches Mastercam, you’re in good shape. It’s one of the most widely used CNC programming platforms in the industry, and it’s what many employers expect their programmers to know.

3. Weigh the Length of the Program

Your time matters. Here’s a breakdown of typical options:

Certificate – fastest path, focused curriculum
Diploma – adds more coursework and training hours
Associate Degree – two-year commitment, broader education

Choose the one that fits your schedule, goals, and learning style.

4. Understand the Cost and Value

Cost varies widely by program and location. Make sure you’re getting real value in return — up-to-date equipment, experienced instructors, and job placement support.

And don’t forget to ask about financial aid, scholarships, or employer-sponsored reimbursement options.

5. Choose a Location That Works for You

Some programs are fully in-person. Others offer online or hybrid options. Choose the format that gives you the best shot at success.

Whether you’re balancing work and family or starting fresh, the right location and learning style make a big difference.

FlexTrades Can Help Pay for Training

Already working in the trades? FlexTrades offers a training reimbursement program for our technicians. You can receive up to $2,000 toward approved courses that build your trade knowledge and boost your career.

It’s one of the ways we invest in your future — because when you grow, we all win.