3000-3500 calories enough/too many

[Climber18]

I'm a nineteen year old male. I work about eight hours a day doing various work that varies from sitting and inventorying in a warehouse to shoveling and moving wheelbarrows of sand and gravel and mixing concrete for the majority of the day.
On days where I don't do much at work, I either try to play sports with my friends or work out at the gym. I used to work out about five times a week, during the school year, but now I have less time with my job and social schedule.
I weigh about 150 lbs, and I was wondering if 3000-3500 sounds like its the right caloric ballpark for me. My weight seems to be pretty steady, but perhaps increasing slightly/slowly.
So - Is it not enough or too much?

[Lady C]

Only you and your mirror can be the judge. Sorry what works for one may not work for others. No rules.

[Maxgain]

Start with it monitor your weight over 2-3 weeks and adjust appropriatly

[.V.]

I'm going through the same thing right now - thinking I'm not eating enough. The only way to find out is gradually add calories, for example increase by 250 cals a day this week. See how it goes, then 250 more next week... when you feel like you have good energy, are gaining the size, strength, whatever you are going for that you want - and not getting fat - then you have it right. Gain too much, cut back...gains still too slow, increase again.

I feel for ya, it stinks not eating enough.

[standAPART]

What is yuor bodyweight adn body fat percentage? I can give you a clsoe estimate of what your caloric needs are. The mirror will only take you so far. Give me some data and I can give you a more definitive answer.

[DBZ Status]

everybody is different. Its pretty simple if your starting to get fat your taking in more calories then your burning so cut it back. Try taking pictures and looking at them in 2-3 weeks. Pictures dont lie Keyboards do........

[Maxgain]

The only person that can give a definitive answer is himself all we can do is give a good starting point and 3-3500 cals is good start for an ectomorph of his age

[maverick]

Pesonally, I think anything less than 3500 would be too low for a nineteen year old guy that has a job that includes intense labor. I would start there and proceed as suggested by others, tinkering your intake based on re-evaluation periodically.