Why More Tradies Are Hanging Up the ABN and Joining the Right Crews
Why More Tradies Are Hanging Up the ABN and Joining the Right Crews
There’s pride in running your own show. ABN in hand, tools in the back, chasing contracts and knocking over jobs. For many, it’s how things start – but what happens when the cracks begin to show?
After years in the recruitment space, working with both sole traders and top-tier construction companies, I’ve seen the pressure that builds when tradies go it alone. And it’s worth talking about the other side – the benefits of joining the right company.
The Hidden Load of Flying Solo
Being your own boss sounds like the dream. But too often, it becomes a nightmare when you’re wearing every hat in the business:
You’re the accountant – chasing invoices and keeping the books balanced.
You’re HR and recruitment – trying to find a labourer for tomorrow while sorting last week’s dramas.
You’re sales and admin – quoting, emailing, scheduling, and praying it all sticks.
And that’s before the real work even begins on-site.
Contracts end without warning. Work dries up in the quiet months. Tools break. Utes die. And you're stuck asking your partner to help run your books when you both just want time back. Worst of all? The stress of not knowing if your next payment is coming on time – or at all. That stress doesn’t just sit in the back of your mind. It affects your work, your family, and your ability to deliver what your clients actually hired you for.
Joining a Crew Doesn’t Mean Selling Out
There’s a big difference between any job and the right job. Good companies are out there – ones that know the value of experienced tradies and want to see you win, both on and off the tools.
Here’s what to look for:
Epic pay frameworks – Think beyond base rates. Look for companies that offer productivity bonuses or commission-style setups. Your output should equal reward.
Legit licensing and insurances – You don’t want to be stuck cleaning up someone else’s mess because their paperwork is dodgy.
Support for your tools and time – Some of the best crews now offer vehicle allowances, tool support, and proper leave entitlements (yes, even parental leave!).
They respect where you’ve come from – A good company won’t expect you to drop your staff and everything you've built. They’ll take the time to understand how you’ve run your jobs and look for ways to blend that into how they operate.
Culture that doesn’t suck – If a company can’t be bothered running a Christmas party or putting on a team BBQ, chances are they won’t bother checking in when it matters most. Culture speaks volumes.
The Wrap Up
Going from contractor to employee isn’t stepping backwards – it’s stepping into a role that lets you focus on your trade, not the stress. It frees you up to get on with the work you’re good at, while a company has your back with the stuff you shouldn’t be losing sleep over.
The key? Don’t run to the first offer. Be picky. Ask questions. Find a team that treats you like a pro, not a number.
Because being backed by the right company isn't a weakness – it’s smart.
Written By:
Matthew Beckhouse
Recruitment Lead