'Become a plumber': Why Australian children dream of blue-collar jobs and what psychology says about the power of respect
ETimes | July 5, 2026 7:39 PM CST
In many Indian households, children often grow up hearing that they should study hard to become doctors, engineers, or other professionals. Sometimes, jobs like plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work are unfairly used as examples of what might happen if someone doesn't do well in school. But an Indian man living in Australia says the reality there is very different. In a recent Instagram video, Addy Khaneja shared how trade jobs such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work are not only highly paid in Australia but are also respected by society. His observations have sparked conversations online about how different cultures view blue-collar work and why that matters.
'Many children here actually want to become plumbers'
Sharing his experience, Khaneja said that while growing up in India, children were often warned that poor academic performance could lead them to become plumbers or carpenters. In Australia, however, he says these professions are seen very differently. According to him, many children genuinely aspire to become plumbers, electricians, or carpenters because they know these careers can provide financial stability and a good quality of life. "They pay really well here," he explained.
High earnings make these careers attractive
Khaneja also spoke about the income trade workers can earn in Australia. He said that a construction manager can make as much as 'AUD 200,000' a year, while experienced electricians and plumbers can earn more than AUD 120,000 annually. Recalling a personal experience, he shared that a carpenter visited his home to fix a stuck door lock. The repair took only about 15 minutes, yet the carpenter charged AUD 150 for the service.
That incident made him reflect on the difference between Australia and India. He remembered a carpenter named Bhupinder who worked in his housing society in India and, according to him, earned only a small fraction of what skilled tradespeople earn in Australia. The contrast left a lasting impression.
A different way of thinking about careers
Khaneja admitted that his perspective on success has changed. He joked that, unlike many Indian parents who encourage their children to become doctors or engineers, he would first tell his child to learn carpentry. His reason was lighthearted; he joked that it would save him from paying AUD 150 every time something needed fixing, but it also reflected a larger point. For him, learning a practical skill now seems just as valuable as earning a university degree.
Respect matters as much as money
While the salaries caught his attention, Khaneja believes the biggest difference is the respect these professionals receive. He said tradespeople in Australia are appreciated for their skills and expertise. Whether someone works with tools or in an office, their work is treated with dignity. He feels that this level of respect is still lacking in India, where blue-collar jobs are often viewed as less prestigious than white-collar professions. According to him, changing this mindset is just as important as improving wages.
Trade skills also bring greater freedom
Khaneja also pointed out another advantage. He explained that if he wanted to move to another Australian city for work, he would first need to find an employer willing to hire him. However, someone with a trade skill like plumbing or electrical work could relocate almost anywhere in the country and still find opportunities. In his view, having a practical skill offers both financial security and career flexibility.
What psychology says about the value of respect at work
Psychologists say that the way society views a profession can have a powerful impact on how people feel about their work and even the careers they choose. According to , developed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, people are more motivated and fulfilled when three basic psychological needs are met: competence (feeling skilled and capable), autonomy (having control over their work), and relatedness (feeling respected and connected to others). When a profession is valued by society, it strengthens a person's sense of competence and self-worth, making their work feel more meaningful.
This is supported by Gallup's workplace research, which has consistently found that employees who feel respected and valued are more engaged, more satisfied with their jobs, and experience better overall well-being. Respect, therefore, isn't just about status, it plays an important role in motivation, confidence, and long-term career satisfaction.
In many countries, skilled trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work are recognised as essential professions. When these careers are treated with dignity rather than stereotypes, more young people feel confident choosing them based on their interests and abilities instead of worrying about social judgment.
Perhaps every job deserves equal respect
Khaneja's video is not just about Australia or India. It raises a broader question about how society defines success. Whether someone is a doctor, engineer, teacher, carpenter, plumber, or electrician, every profession plays an important role in keeping communities running. Perhaps the real lesson is that no honest work is "small." When children grow up believing that every skill deserves respect, they learn to choose careers based on passion, ability, and opportunity, not social stereotypes. And that may be one of the most valuable lessons of all.
'Many children here actually want to become plumbers'
Sharing his experience, Khaneja said that while growing up in India, children were often warned that poor academic performance could lead them to become plumbers or carpenters. In Australia, however, he says these professions are seen very differently. According to him, many children genuinely aspire to become plumbers, electricians, or carpenters because they know these careers can provide financial stability and a good quality of life. "They pay really well here," he explained.
High earnings make these careers attractive
Khaneja also spoke about the income trade workers can earn in Australia. He said that a construction manager can make as much as 'AUD 200,000' a year, while experienced electricians and plumbers can earn more than AUD 120,000 annually. Recalling a personal experience, he shared that a carpenter visited his home to fix a stuck door lock. The repair took only about 15 minutes, yet the carpenter charged AUD 150 for the service.
That incident made him reflect on the difference between Australia and India. He remembered a carpenter named Bhupinder who worked in his housing society in India and, according to him, earned only a small fraction of what skilled tradespeople earn in Australia. The contrast left a lasting impression.
A different way of thinking about careers
Khaneja admitted that his perspective on success has changed. He joked that, unlike many Indian parents who encourage their children to become doctors or engineers, he would first tell his child to learn carpentry. His reason was lighthearted; he joked that it would save him from paying AUD 150 every time something needed fixing, but it also reflected a larger point. For him, learning a practical skill now seems just as valuable as earning a university degree.
Respect matters as much as money
While the salaries caught his attention, Khaneja believes the biggest difference is the respect these professionals receive. He said tradespeople in Australia are appreciated for their skills and expertise. Whether someone works with tools or in an office, their work is treated with dignity. He feels that this level of respect is still lacking in India, where blue-collar jobs are often viewed as less prestigious than white-collar professions. According to him, changing this mindset is just as important as improving wages.
Trade skills also bring greater freedom
Khaneja also pointed out another advantage. He explained that if he wanted to move to another Australian city for work, he would first need to find an employer willing to hire him. However, someone with a trade skill like plumbing or electrical work could relocate almost anywhere in the country and still find opportunities. In his view, having a practical skill offers both financial security and career flexibility.
What psychology says about the value of respect at work
Psychologists say that the way society views a profession can have a powerful impact on how people feel about their work and even the careers they choose. According to , developed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, people are more motivated and fulfilled when three basic psychological needs are met: competence (feeling skilled and capable), autonomy (having control over their work), and relatedness (feeling respected and connected to others). When a profession is valued by society, it strengthens a person's sense of competence and self-worth, making their work feel more meaningful.
This is supported by Gallup's workplace research, which has consistently found that employees who feel respected and valued are more engaged, more satisfied with their jobs, and experience better overall well-being. Respect, therefore, isn't just about status, it plays an important role in motivation, confidence, and long-term career satisfaction.
In many countries, skilled trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work are recognised as essential professions. When these careers are treated with dignity rather than stereotypes, more young people feel confident choosing them based on their interests and abilities instead of worrying about social judgment.
Perhaps every job deserves equal respect
Khaneja's video is not just about Australia or India. It raises a broader question about how society defines success. Whether someone is a doctor, engineer, teacher, carpenter, plumber, or electrician, every profession plays an important role in keeping communities running. Perhaps the real lesson is that no honest work is "small." When children grow up believing that every skill deserves respect, they learn to choose careers based on passion, ability, and opportunity, not social stereotypes. And that may be one of the most valuable lessons of all.
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