2 answers
Violet
Student
Astoria, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
434 views
General questions from someone going into construction labor.
Hello, I have some questions for those in the construction industry.
What kind of jobs can you find in the private sector? I can easily imagine doing public works kind of things but I'm curious what there is past that.
For anyone working in the private sector, or maybe running their own business, how did you get to that point in your career?
What kind of salary can I expect if I work in public construction over private?
If you have a private business what does your day to day look like?
How much does it cost to try and start a business in construction?
And lastly, what other careers could I move to with the skills from this line of work?
2 answers
Kelin Gordon
Owner - Gordon Custom Homes
2
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Kelin’s Answer
Hi, Violet.
I’ll try to answer as many of your questions as I can based on my experience in the field.
Private sector jobs - Honestly, your imagination is the limit right now. EVERYONE needs more labor help right now which is good for YOU being entry level into any sort of trade. As long as your dependable (show up when you’re scheduled to and expected to) and give effort (focus on your job or task and not on your phone or computer) anyone would love to have the help. You could do landscaping, carpentry, electric, plumbing, hvac… The list goes on and on. Also if you are both those things people will pay you well to stick around. Take advantage of it and learn while you do.
I have my own business. I got here by first working for my uncle who was a framing carpenter who moved into remodel work as he got older. I paid attention to all the other trades we’d work with and around. I asked questions and learned everything I could. Then I took a job as a project manager for a remodeling contractor and worked that job for a couple years. Again, learning everything I could. Then I wanted to have my own since I felt like I was doing most of the work already, but splitting the pay for it.
A public works job isn’t bad at all, especially if you can get retirement through the city, town or county you might work for. You’ll make less annually, but be set up for a more stable retirement. Private or even personally owning your own business or contracting out will make you more per year, but your retirement is all up to you and what you put away for the next 40 years and what little social security (if it’s around by then) gives you.
My day is full of driving, texts, calls, emails and sometimes getting my own hands dirty to get a project across the finish line. I work from 7am to 7pm A LOT of days. My only typical day off is Sunday. I make good money though and love that every job is a new challenge.
Cost of starting a business depends on what trade you’d be focused on.
Right now I feel like I could move into any management role within another company, construction or not, and feel very competent.
Hope these helped you!
I’ll try to answer as many of your questions as I can based on my experience in the field.
Private sector jobs - Honestly, your imagination is the limit right now. EVERYONE needs more labor help right now which is good for YOU being entry level into any sort of trade. As long as your dependable (show up when you’re scheduled to and expected to) and give effort (focus on your job or task and not on your phone or computer) anyone would love to have the help. You could do landscaping, carpentry, electric, plumbing, hvac… The list goes on and on. Also if you are both those things people will pay you well to stick around. Take advantage of it and learn while you do.
I have my own business. I got here by first working for my uncle who was a framing carpenter who moved into remodel work as he got older. I paid attention to all the other trades we’d work with and around. I asked questions and learned everything I could. Then I took a job as a project manager for a remodeling contractor and worked that job for a couple years. Again, learning everything I could. Then I wanted to have my own since I felt like I was doing most of the work already, but splitting the pay for it.
A public works job isn’t bad at all, especially if you can get retirement through the city, town or county you might work for. You’ll make less annually, but be set up for a more stable retirement. Private or even personally owning your own business or contracting out will make you more per year, but your retirement is all up to you and what you put away for the next 40 years and what little social security (if it’s around by then) gives you.
My day is full of driving, texts, calls, emails and sometimes getting my own hands dirty to get a project across the finish line. I work from 7am to 7pm A LOT of days. My only typical day off is Sunday. I make good money though and love that every job is a new challenge.
Cost of starting a business depends on what trade you’d be focused on.
Right now I feel like I could move into any management role within another company, construction or not, and feel very competent.
Hope these helped you!
Elizabeth Lambert
Dentist Biology BS, DDS
55
Answers
Burton, Ohio
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Currently there is a huge shortage of construction workers. It is predicted to be in great demand with an increase in compensation as well.
There's lots of options.
Building homes for a company or perhaps having your own company. You could also be a contractor and build homes for private clients. You probably will not have a shortage of work. You can transition from learning and working for someone else into eventually running your own show if you want. Another option is to transition into finish carpentry and do more refined construction. The future looks good for this trade. I like all the options. Good luck!
There's lots of options.
Building homes for a company or perhaps having your own company. You could also be a contractor and build homes for private clients. You probably will not have a shortage of work. You can transition from learning and working for someone else into eventually running your own show if you want. Another option is to transition into finish carpentry and do more refined construction. The future looks good for this trade. I like all the options. Good luck!
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