31-Year Old Woman Ditched Her Design Career, Now Earns Six-Figure Salary As A Construction Worker

In a remarkable career shift, Camila Bernal, a former graphic designer who invested five years studying her craft, boldly decided to leave it all behind and pursue a career in construction.

Embracing the role of a caulker, she has now spent seven years honing her skills on construction sites, building a successful business, and earning an impressive six-figure salary.

Camila's remarkable journey has not gone unnoticed, as she recently caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her being hired for her exceptional skills on the popular renovation show, The Block.

In an interview with FEMAIL, the 31-year-old described her entry into the trade as a fortunate and unexpected turn of events. She said, "I was working in hospitality at the time, and a friend asked me if I wanted to get into caulking, and I jumped at the opportunity."

Camila, originally from Colombia but now residing in Melbourne, expressed that her caulking job is gratifying despite the challenges.

She received a call from The Block producers on Channel Nine last year asking her to join the contestants as a caulker during the final week, which was an exciting turn of events. Camila considers this opportunity a dream come true.

Her unique background in design gives her a distinct advantage over others in the industry.

"Caulking is all about the finishing touches and the final product; I've fallen in love with my job, and I'm a real perfectionist regarding my work," she said.

Camila found it logical to switch to a trade career as she had lost her passion for graphic design. Caulking, like any job, presents its challenges.

Starting her day at 7 a.m. on the job site, Camila often spends hours on her knees, striving for precise and flawless results. Unfortunately, this has taken a toll on her scoliosis, leading to severe back pain.

Although Camila received an official diagnosis of scoliosis in 2021, doctors believe she has been living with the condition for years, possibly since childhood.

"I need to make sure I take care of my health; I stretch, exercise, take vitamins, have massages, run baths, and do all the right things because the pain can be unbearable," she said.

After spending eight hours on her hands and knees last week, Camila described her back pain as nearly unbearable, rating the sensation as a "20 out of 10."

"We tradies suffer a lot, and I must ensure I look after my body. I've been on the strongest painkillers at times," she said.

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Camila considers herself fortunate because she owns her business and can choose her work assignments rather than following an employer's instructions.

Despite doctors' suggestions to quit her job as the only solution to ease her pain, Camila firmly rejects that option. Living with her condition has become second nature to her, and quitting is out of the question.

While facing physical challenges, Camila finds her work to be highly rewarding. Witnessing her clients' reactions to the final results brings her immense joy, which she describes as the ultimate satisfaction.

Initially, Camila encountered discrimination due to being a foreign woman, facing language barriers, and receiving discriminatory treatment on the job site.

Being the only woman among 30 men resulted in differential treatment, but she also faced uncomfortable comments about her Colombian heritage, often associated with illegal drugs.

Fortunately, she has witnessed a positive shift in behavior in recent years, with women in the construction industry receiving recognition and respect.

Camila views working in construction as a privilege now, with employers actively seeking more women to join their teams.

Her advice to aspiring women in the field is straightforward: "Just do it." If construction is their dream and passion, she encourages them to take action without hesitation.

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