Life at Great Heights: The Hilarious Adventures of Don Wade, Skyhook Crane Operator
Being a crane operator might sound like a serious, high-stakes job (which it absolutely is), but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of humor. In fact, spending your days hundreds of feet in the air, maneuvering colossal machinery, and witnessing bizarre job-site antics provides a treasure trove of comedy gold. If you think your job is full of strange moments, try spending a day in the cab of a crane with Don Wade from Skyhook Crane. Here’s a look at the life of a crane operator—complete with mishaps, close calls, and the undeniable perks of literally working above everyone else.
1. The Morning Commute: Climbing Everest, But With More Coffee
Most people complain about their morning commute. “Oh no, traffic was awful today!” Meanwhile, Don Wade laughs in the face of traffic—he has his own Everest to climb every morning. Literally. Depending on the height of the crane, climbing up to the cab can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes, and let’s not forget that one forgotten item (like lunch, gloves, or the bathroom trip you should have taken). That means another climb down and back up. If you see Don with rock-solid calves, now you know why.
2. The Best (and Worst) Office View in the World
There’s nothing quite like the view from Don’s crane cab. One minute he’s watching the sunrise, feeling like the king of the world, and the next, a bird has decided that his windshield is the perfect bathroom. You never really know what you’re going to get.
One thing is certain: Don has front-row seats to some of the most interesting workplace drama. If Jerry from welding is having a spat with Bob from electrical, he sees it all unfold like a real-life soap opera from 300 feet up. Forget reality TV—Skyhook Crane’s job sites have enough drama, action, and accidental slapstick comedy to keep Don entertained all day.
3. The Struggles of Talking to the Ground Peasants
Communication is key on any job site, but when you’re perched atop a steel giant, your ability to chat with coworkers is limited to radios, hand signals, and the occasional scream (which is not exactly OSHA-approved).
Miscommunication can lead to some truly hysterical moments. Ever had someone try to describe a load over the radio with no sense of direction? “Uh, yeah, bring it left—no, your other left! No, down! No, up!” At this point, Don just lowers the load slowly while waiting for the ground crew to figure out what left actually means.
4. The Wind Factor: Nature’s Way of Testing Don’s Bladder Control
Most people don’t think about how much wind affects crane operations. Well, let me tell you—it’s a real thrill ride. A gust of wind can make a perfectly normal lift turn into an impromptu rollercoaster experience. One minute, Don’s steady; the next, he’s gripping the controls like his life depends on it (because, well, it kind of does).
And let’s not even talk about the swinging loads. There’s nothing quite like watching a porta-potty dangle in the wind, knowing someone down below is about to have the worst surprise of their life.
5. The Bathroom Dilemma: A Strategic Challenge
Ah yes, the question on everyone’s mind—where does a crane operator go to the bathroom? The answer: very carefully. Some cranes are equipped with emergency facilities, but for most operators, bathroom breaks are an ordeal. It’s all about hydration strategy. Drink too little, and dehydration kicks in. Drink too much, and, well, you’ve got a problem.
Don has perfected the art of timing bathroom trips to coincide with shift changes or slow work periods. As for the less-experienced operators? Let’s just say there are some interesting stories involving plastic bottles and extreme improvisation.
6. Unexpected Visitors: Birds, Bugs, and That One Guy Who Thinks He Can Climb
Being a crane operator means you have the occasional visitor in your cab. Birds, wasps, and the occasional overly ambitious coworker who “just wants to see the view” (despite strict safety protocols). Birds, in particular, have a way of making themselves at home, sometimes building nests in places that were definitely not designed for wildlife real estate.
Then there are the bugs. Ever tried to concentrate on a precise lift while a wasp buzzes inside your helmet? It’s the kind of stress that should qualify for hazard pay.
7. The Joy of Being Everyone’s Personal Elevator
When you’re the crane operator, people seem to think you have nothing better to do than lift non-essential items for them. “Hey Don, can you lift my lunch up?” “Can you bring my jacket up?” Some days, Don feels less like a highly trained heavy machinery operator and more like a glorified Uber Eats service for the job site.
And of course, every once in a while, someone gets the brilliant idea to ask if they can ride the hook like an action hero. The answer is always no. Always.
8. The End of the Day: Climbing Back Down with Grace (or Not)
At the end of a long shift, climbing down can be just as much of an adventure as climbing up. Tired legs, sore arms, and the knowledge that one misstep could turn you into a very embarrassing job-site legend all make for an exciting descent.
By the time Don hits the ground, he realizes two things: 1) He deserves a nap, and 2) He really, really hopes he didn’t forget anything in the cab.
Final Thoughts: The Best Job on the Planet (Literally)
All jokes aside, being a crane operator is an incredible job. It requires skill, patience, and a love for working at heights that most people find terrifying. There are challenges, there are laughs, and there are moments of pure adrenaline.
So, next time you see a crane towering over your city, take a moment to appreciate the person sitting at the top. If it’s Don Wade from Skyhook Crane, he might just be watching the world go by, dodging birds, or listening to the latest workplace drama unfold from the best seat in the house. And if he ever looks like he’s laughing to himself? Just know—it’s probably for a very, very good reason.
