Personal labor performed in one's free time, whether for personal use, as a favor, or on a reciprocal basis, should not be confused with either "undeclared work" or so-called "grey work." This is the view of Prof. Dr. Horst Opaschowski, scientific director of the BAT Leisure Research Institute in Hamburg. Undeclared work primarily refers to illegal full-time employment without an invoice, taxes, or social security contributions, while grey work refers to paid secondary employment outside of regular working hours. In both cases, the aim is to earn money.

The situation is different when it comes to self-help. Many citizens have no other option but to do the work themselves. Without their own labor, many private investments in houses, apartments, and gardens would be inconceivable. While household incomes stagnate or decline, the price index for small jobs around the home (for example, plumbers, carpenters, electricians) has been rising steadily, reaching 140.7 last year since 1976 (index = 100).

Prof. Opaschowski: „If it weren’t for this leisure work, which doesn’t take away any jobs from the unemployed, countless apartments would remain unrenovated, playgrounds unbuilt, and many hobbies a pipe dream. The increased personal effort often compensates for the stagnant household budget. Maintaining a certain standard of living in this way is only possible because of the increased leisure time that German citizens have available compared to the past.“

The DIY sector is benefiting most from this new trend, with double-digit growth rates. In 1982, the figure was 11.4%.

Leisure workshops offer holiday courses

This summer, introductory courses in plumbing, bricklaying, painting, and gardening are proving very popular. Adult education centers, community workshops, and, more recently, holiday clubs are responding to the growing trend of DIY. The necessary skills can be learned almost effortlessly.
The city of Trier, for example, offers a "workshop holiday" as a special tourist attraction. Blacksmiths and stonemasons, potters and carpenters share their master craftsman experience with interested holidaymakers.