I work in healthcare. Between verbally abusive patients and families, understaffed hospitals , and burned out staff who sometimes don’t seem to care, it is very difficult to love. And I can’t say it’s much different anywhere. I can lower my expectations, but that may affect patient safety. I am not sure how these could be applied. I am not sure where my profession would be any different.
Given your extensive experience in the construction industry, I’d value your perspective on a hypothetical career path. Imagine someone who, like you, has a strong background in construction, including a Construction Management degree. They spend a year gaining experience in construction project management in an office setting. Then, they shift to an electrician trade, motivated by the prospect of better benefits and higher wages. Once they attain their journeyman’s card, they consider returning to an office role, potentially with union trade wages and benefits. What are your thoughts on this career trajectory? Do you see it as advantageous for someone looking to maximize their skills and financial opportunities in the industry?
The answer is I don’t really know. I’ve never heard of that before. But I love the idea. It sounds like it will give you more experience and a wider knowledge base.
Actually, I did something similar. I worked as a millwright for 6 years and while I worked I got my degree. After finishing my degree and my apprenticeship, the company I was working for hired me on as a project engineer. However I never started in the office, but having had my hands on nearly everything in the trades, it definitely helped with getting an office job, and I have ultimate job security. I only joined the union the last two years of those 6 that I was a millwright. I would say, for your hypothetical case, being in a trade isn't all it's cracked up to be. A lot of people that I worked with were straight-up assholes, alcoholics, drug addicts, and construction culture out in the field really sucks a lot of the time. Also, you make more money in the office for the amount of work you have to do. My question to you is what is it that you're looking to gain from being in the field or picking up a trade? Edit: I also just want to add that no company is going to let you back in the office and pay Union wages. Office roles are salary, union wages are hourly, and union labor only accounts for 17% of the construction industry right now. The company I work for is a union first company and we still can't man jobs full union. You could become a part time instructor after 10 years of being in a trade and double dip. Or you can be in your trade for 20-30 years, retire from the union, then continue to work in construction as a PM and double dip that way.
Excellent content!
I work in healthcare. Between verbally abusive patients and families, understaffed hospitals , and burned out staff who sometimes don’t seem to care, it is very difficult to love. And I can’t say it’s much different anywhere. I can lower my expectations, but that may affect patient safety. I am not sure how these could be applied. I am not sure where my profession would be any different.
Another great video!
Thank you so much.
Given your extensive experience in the construction industry, I’d value your perspective on a hypothetical career path. Imagine someone who, like you, has a strong background in construction, including a Construction Management degree. They spend a year gaining experience in construction project management in an office setting. Then, they shift to an electrician trade, motivated by the prospect of better benefits and higher wages. Once they attain their journeyman’s card, they consider returning to an office role, potentially with union trade wages and benefits. What are your thoughts on this career trajectory? Do you see it as advantageous for someone looking to maximize their skills and financial opportunities in the industry?
Union*
The answer is I don’t really know. I’ve never heard of that before. But I love the idea. It sounds like it will give you more experience and a wider knowledge base.
Actually, I did something similar. I worked as a millwright for 6 years and while I worked I got my degree. After finishing my degree and my apprenticeship, the company I was working for hired me on as a project engineer. However I never started in the office, but having had my hands on nearly everything in the trades, it definitely helped with getting an office job, and I have ultimate job security. I only joined the union the last two years of those 6 that I was a millwright. I would say, for your hypothetical case, being in a trade isn't all it's cracked up to be. A lot of people that I worked with were straight-up assholes, alcoholics, drug addicts, and construction culture out in the field really sucks a lot of the time. Also, you make more money in the office for the amount of work you have to do. My question to you is what is it that you're looking to gain from being in the field or picking up a trade?
Edit: I also just want to add that no company is going to let you back in the office and pay Union wages. Office roles are salary, union wages are hourly, and union labor only accounts for 17% of the construction industry right now. The company I work for is a union first company and we still can't man jobs full union. You could become a part time instructor after 10 years of being in a trade and double dip. Or you can be in your trade for 20-30 years, retire from the union, then continue to work in construction as a PM and double dip that way.