Anyone Else Make This Switch?

BlenderWizard

I recently switched from doing remodels, decks and basement finishes to being a new home construction superintendant for a big builder here in Atlanta. My days mostly involve walking around looking at things and making phone calls.

With my old business, it was very hands on, as I did a lot of the work myself, if not all of it.

I gotta say, I'm kinda depressed. The money's definitely better wth my new job, but I don't ever have that same sense of satisfaction at the end of the day that I used to. I also think I've gained a little weight.

Anyone else have any experiences like this?

dirt diggler

I go to great lengths each day to make sure I do not share that experience

tcleve4911

Hey Blender.......Sharing your experience...........
Many years in the remodeling business (15 owning my own ), I took a job with a large remodeling firm as Project Manager. No hands on, walked around, looked around, pushed paper, submitted schedules & budgets. Got real depressed when I looked back after a year and a half and felt like I had accomplished nothing. Went to the boss & asked for Lead Carpenter position. Now I am hands on, making things work, job satisfaction and a better understanding of the administartion part of any company.
It was like going to college. Take this opportunity and learn. Go back to hands on & you'll find that admin stuff is much clearer.
Lots of luck & never stop trying new things.

__________________
Back in Maine
Dubbin' Around
Doin' good stuff ......

copusbuilder

I know when my business grew and I went from the field to the office I packed on some pounds. The stress level went a lot higher and hours increased.

I was able to make changes to correct the situation but I was self employed and had direct control over my life.

Working for someone you are at their beck and call? Maybe you can jog and look around

__________________
www.copusconstruction.com
www.etexasrentals.com
www.thelakevoice.com
AkA Richard Cranium

AtlanticWBConst

I know what you are saying.

I have to spend alot of time driving around these days when I would rather be in the trenches working with our crews. There is definitely ALOT more job satisfaction in the hands-on area....

Like any job, if you are missing something, then maybe it isn't the job for you...
However, if it puts a roof over your family's heads and food on the table - every day...then that's what's it's all about, and that is very satisfying....

__________________
- Build Well -

dirt diggler

also ...

when one door closes ... another one opens

yeah, i know -- cliched... but still

Driftwood

Hi Wizzard' All you need to do is listen to yourself ! Time to give the
tool belt another shot. Try to improve on your buss. figure out why you wern't making $$$$$. Most of our work is T&M. When possible I use the
Home tech remodeling and cost estimator. I've been using this for the last 20 or so years. It's simple and fast ! It's also adjusted for the cost of doing buss. in every area. Mine is Ca. zone 11. One caution , the prices
per item are higher than you are use too. You have to be a beliver.
Also You should be getting 1 out of 5 bids you do! Getting most you bid?
You are probably not making $$$. Just got My 2007 book in the mail yesterday $99.50. Still wear a tool belt ,by choice, after 45 years.
I love my work. people are amazed I'm 64 and in great shape. Not as good as when I was a 19 year old Marine, But who is.
Good luck with your decision . Drift

BlenderWizard

Well, i've only been "on the other side" for about 4 months... maybe i just need more time to adjust.

My wife can't believe what I'm saying about not being on the management end, though. When I was out swinging hammers every day, I always told her I wanted to be in more of a supervisory role.

The grass is always greener, I guess.

wackman

Hey Blender,

When I went mostly to the office in my own company and gained some weight I started going to the gym in the mornings. It was the only time I had to regularly go and not have bad traffic or surprise meetings. I find it works well for me because now I can stay active and in good shape without the hurt back, shoulders and elbows.

As far as getting out in the trenches, I still do it occasionally when I feel like it, but it's nice to not have to do it all the time.

Don't give up yet, it's only been 4 months. Give yourself some time and then make the change when and if you're sure. Office work isn't for everyone.

Wack

dirt diggler

blender -

also

don't just jump back into it because "you're following your heart"

THAT is exactly what gets some businesses in trouble

you've got to make business decisions. You cannot just simply go back to something because you want to.

In reality ... just cuz you want to make something happen -- does not mean it will. You've got to figure out how to make it happen

and not only there do you stop and get a bus license

your plan must go into effect.

i am not saying just accept things for the way they are --- that is completely against what im saying


im saying go for it --- but take advantage of this time you have "off"

think about what went wrong. Be honest with yourself --- now's the perfect time for that kinda stuff.

Can you honestly come up with a plan --- and, on paper prove to yourself how you will make a living.

That's also where an element of risk comes in. You will need the work. Without the work, you won't bring in cash. And meanwhile, cash will be going out --- just from you waking up to another episode of "Running my own business"

That risk aside --- you are faced with two options: Get work THAT WILL COVER YOUR EXPENSES AND PROVIDE A LIVING or ... become a statistic.


But ... if it's in your blood ... you're just going through a "hiatus" of sorts right now.

If I went bankrupt and outta biz tomorrow ... it'd take another year and I'll have already started something else up. Whether in contracting or computer software, furniture, the hospitality industry.

Tom M

Superintendent--I ve been wondering about dropping the tools and getting a job that has steady pay,vacation time, and benefits myself. Leaving my own thing is the hardest decision I will ever make its killing me. I definetly still enjoy getting into the mix hands on and adminstrative things from time to time. I guess the grass is always greener but I know guys that dont know sh t and pull in over a 100k being a super. Me I know 30 trades hands on and clerical and I hit a dead spot this year that is buring me in debt. If I can get busy and put together a crew make a run maybe next year this time I will even out. A wasted year with no vacation. It never, ever used to be this hard in small business. It always seems like someting taxes repair bills weather and lately just the work. I fear feeling the same as you described if I left and yet I know there is always that monster project that can pull you out turn you around at anytime. Its a constant gamble of time and a little good fortune.