I married a construction boss. (Tips & Trends).

The spouse of a construction boss is perhaps the most unsung hero or heroine of the construction industry. Since the majority of construction spouses are women, we dedicate this article to the great women who live with the ups and downs of the construction industry while being "hitched" to the construction boss.

Being married to a construction boss is often filled with unexpected surprises. Whether it is that late-night phone call just after you have turned out the lights or the troubled worker who shows up on your doorstep because his girlfriend just kicked him out of their apartment, there are seldom 2 days in a row without incident.

Recall what your perspective was when you first married your construction boss. Most likely you never dreamed that your husband's job would be like a doctor's--24/7.

Slowly you become more and more uncomfortable with the amount of time your spouse spends at the job. Maybe initially you held your own job, perhaps even within the same construction company as your spouse, but still you never dreamed how all-consuming construction could be.

At the 2003 World of Concrete, we are holding the first-ever 3-hour workshop just for spouses. The session "I Married a Construction Boss" will explore what you can do to strengthen your relationship with your spouse, your family and friends, and most importantly, with yourself.

One of the important issues we will address during the session is learning how you can keep your sanity amidst all the craziness that your daily and weekly schedule probably involves. Many spouses of construction bosses admit that it is important that they keep their feet on solid ground. This is often due to the realization that the construction business is cruel, unfair, and never quite stable.

Let's examine a few techniques that many spouses of construction bosses subscribe to:

* Schedule "alone time."

Even Jesus spent time alone, praying, thinking, preparing for the day. (Try reading Mark 1:35.)

* Develop two hobbies: one indoor hobby and one outdoor hobby.

Remember, a hobby is not something you feel confined to work at but rather unleashes new and creative energy within you.

* Plan two getaways a year with a close friend or friends.

The getaway can be close to home or in another state or country. The focus isn't on the thing done or experienced but the "who" with whom you can relax.

* Exercise your body and your mind!

Exercise--not to maintain any "Miss Universe" stature but to keep all your joints flexible and the blood moving. Exercise actually stimulates the mind to think clearly, sanely, and creatively.

* Join a local Toastmaster's group; "polish" your image.

Overcome the biggest fear for most adults--speaking in public. This achievement will leave you smiling more, taking a more proactive approach to problems and concerns, and provide you with a confidence that will be the envy of others and drive your spouse straight into your arms.

Marriage and construction can go together and stay together for many years. If you ever get the 'I'm-married-to-the-construction-boss blues" and want to know how to positively deal with them, then don't miss this personal workshop just for you.

Remember, at this workshop, construction bosses are not allowed--just their spouses!

World of Concrete Seminar "I Married a Construction Boss" with Brad Humphrey Pinaccle Performance Group Wednesday, February 5, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.