By Karalynn Cromeens, Cromeens Law Firm, PLLC
85% of people dislike their jobs. 85. That’s incredible and not very inspiring if you’re entering the workforce today.
You’re probably thinking, “well, I guess I’m going to be stuck doing a job I hate for the rest of my life.” But that isn’t true…or at least it doesn’t have to be. The beauty about a job in the trade is that there’s a lot of space to create the career you want for yourself. There’s not so much set structure of business as there is in the corporate world.
With that in mind, let’s get into a few ways that you can build the contracting career you want for yourself.
1. Listen For Opportunity and Take It When It Calls
Every day you’re alive is a new opportunity to change your life, but only if you’re listening for it. Starting out in the industry, you’re probably thinking, “ok…how do I get started…?”
The truth is there’s no one way. That can be good or bad depending upon how you look at life, but I encourage a glass half-full mentality. If you can think that the best is just around the corner, you’re more likely to see it there.
If your parents are getting work done on their house, ask the contractor if he’s hiring or needs help. If you hear through the grapevine that someone is looking for help, offer it. Life’s full of opportunities, and by reading this blog, you’re already halfway to acting on a few of them.
2. It’s Always Going To Be Hard, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Bad
Anyone who said, “it gets easier” is a f’kin liar. I’m just going to call it like it is. Your career doesn’t get “easier” because as you move and progress, new challenges present themselves to you. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing, though. Nothing that you’re going to enjoy is going to be a cake walk because if you care about it, you’re putting a lot
of yourself into it.
So dispel the idea that good work needs to be easy work. It doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be agonizing, but nothing good ever came for free. Just remember, don’t put your career on cruise control. If you want to be successful,
you’re going to have to work hard and overcome obstacles on your road to greatness.
3. Appreciate
There’s a lot of projects. There’s a lot of grind. You’re always starting one thing and ending another. If you want some career advice from someone who’s been in the field for over 20 years now, take time to appreciate every day you’re in it. Every project. Every stage. No two will be totally identical and I think the reason most people feel
disconnected from their work these days is because they don’t take the time or make the effort to be connected to it. Do that for you.
4. Slow Or Fast, There’s Always Work. Find It.
We’ve all heard people talk about slow and fast seasons. Things like economic conditions are not in our control and can affect how much work is seemingly out there. But here’s the thing. In construction, there’s always something. Even if it’s small or even if it’s not perfect. It’s like I said about looking for opportunities: stay optimistic, stay
creative, and keep your ear to the ground. There’s always work for someone willing to do it, and that someone could be you!
5. Build and Reinforce Your Reputation Early and Often
Showing up early to the site, asking questions. Your reputation is everything in this business. Do your best to make great first impressions and follow them up with even better successive ones. Remember, every time you’re in front of someone could be a potential new job or opportunity.
If you’re just starting out in the field, you might not want to bother the boss with too many questions, right? But would you rather make an easily avoidable mistake on your first job? Or if you do make a mistake and try to hide it, would you rather the boss found that out? It’s best to consider that early in your career, you’re hired with the idea that you’re going to need to learn some stuff on the job. You don’t need a reputation of being perfect out the gate, you need a reputation of being someone who’s trustworthy, honest, and good to work with. Remember that.
About the author:
With more than 18 years of experience in construction and real estate law, Karalynn Cromeens has filed more than a thousand lawsuits to foreclose or remove mechanics liens successfully. Her family also owns a material supply company, providing Karalynn first-hand knowledge of the construction industry. This personal understanding, combined with her extensive legal experience, guides The Cromeens Law Firm’s true purpose— To protect and defend all that you have worked hard for and be your partner in business. She is also a best-selling author and podcast host for Quit Getting Screwed.
