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I subscribe to number of construction/trades-related sub-Reddits, mostly to learn since I'm starting to do a lot more DIY work on my house. It really is a tough job physically, both in overall strain and specific injuries. Many people on those groups (especially the older ones) talk about downing painkillers just to get themselves through the day.

Edit: Actually reading the article now, and...

> One slip and you get a hand or foot bitten off. A jack slipped once and smashed the side of his jaw, requiring $20,000 in dental surgery. “I kept working that day, though.”

That's insane and just toxic. I feel like so much of this "working with your hands" is joined with this idea of making people "tougher" because that's intrinsically better.

Edit 2: And this:

> You know, I’m more proud of being a journeyman bricklayer than being a college biology graduate. To know how to work with your hands is a great gift, good for your body and your heart.

Why? I get this is a politician saying this, but I see little reason why one should be mythologized more than the other.