Blue collar workers get a huge wage for their job and get a great work life balance. Most blue collar jobs don't need college (at least in Australia) and you can get into the workforce at a young age. Remember that many blue collar workers get up very early in the morning and overtime would be very common from what I know.
Work-life balance to my knowledge is excellent despite having overtime and long hours. The jobs can be very dangerous, hence why many tradies need a union.
I'm not a blue collar worker but if you love to get yourself dirty and want to get practical use with your body and want loads of cash without doing any after hours stuff, then being a tradie is the job for you.
There's construction work, plumbing, electrical work, factory work, truck driving, etc.
