Personality types
There has been no scientific exploration into exactly what personality types will make a successful brickmason. However, the Myers Briggs personality type of ISTP, or otherwise known as ‘the craftsperson’, is likely to be a successful brickmason. This is because these types are able to tackle problems in their immediate environment, with an innate mechanical ability and they enjoy building and fixing objects. ISTPs are typically very attentive to detail, independent, adaptable and self-directed, which are key skills for brickmason.
Accomplishment and mastery
As brickmasons enter the profession without much education, learn a lot of skills in a short space time and get to use these skills reasonably quickly, there is a high sense of accomplishment and mastery. Furthermore, brickmasons can progress easily into supervisor, superintendent, or other construction management positions. Experienced masonry workers may choose to become independent contractors. Masonry workers in a union may also find opportunities for advancement within their union. This quick career progression offers a high sense of accomplishment and mastery.
Meaning and contribution
As brickmasons have a unique set of skills the help to progress society and build safe buildings, there is a lot of meaning and contribution in their work. On top of this, brickmasons will also do work for residential homes. This work will have a huge impact on the lives of their clients, which is very meaningful.
Life fit
Brickmasons tend to work full time. Due to weather conditions, such as extreme heat, brickmasons tend to start work earlier than other professions. This means that masonry can offer a good life fit, as masons will typically have evenings free to spend time with family or do leisure activities.
Who will thrive in this career?
In order to thrive as a brickmason, it is essential that you are physically fit and have the stamina to lift heavy building material and to keep up with the general demands of the job. On top of this, those who are good at mathematics and have the ability to pay excellent attention to detail will thrive, as a brickmason needs to follow specific instructions and blueprints. Finally, excellent communication skills will help brickmasons thrive as they can clearly communicate with their clients and other construction workers about the progress and requirement of their projects.
Who will struggle in this career?
You are likely to struggle with working as a brickmason if you don’t enjoy working outside, especially in extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Similarly, if you do not like to pay attention to detail or have patience, then as a job a brickmason requires the work to be finished to the highest of standards, you might struggle in this career. Finally, as brickmasons need to lift heavy materials, if you are not physically fit you may struggle to keep up with the demands of the job.