I grew up blue collar and am still a tradesman. I technically live in the Midwest, but lots of Appalachian people. Of course my social circles include a vast swathe of socio-economic levels so you might still be right.

I'll have to watch closer to see if there's a pattern

I'd say your definitely correct when it comes to people with "low skill" or high turnover type jobs. If they work at dollar general or McDicks they don't talk about work much. Also, there's no such thing as a low skill job, and we all know who was essential and who could stay home for a few months