Recession putting the dampers on job progression?
Discussion
Has anyone else got the feeling that the economy is hampering their progression? I'm mid 20's working as a manager for a large construction company. Traditionally in this industry most people tended to change employers to move up the ladder, going for a better role / more money. Now nobody dares to do that so not only will I not benefit from that, none of the older guys are moving on so not opening up any opportunities internally.
Less projects so plenty of staff to fill spaces before me. Less successful projects too so hardly look like we are performing well too!
Do other people see this. I'm just trying to do some courses etc to get ahead.
Less projects so plenty of staff to fill spaces before me. Less successful projects too so hardly look like we are performing well too!
Do other people see this. I'm just trying to do some courses etc to get ahead.
Yep
Recession lost me my new MD role as the company closed all of its operations in England, Scotland and Wales. I was MD for 6 months!
Now all MD vacancies have lots of people with many years experience at that level applying.
So I have changed my focus, working more on Private Equity backed developments on the investment and development sides. Seems I can earn a lot more and have learnt much
Construction industry is very tough, its best to hold tight for now and be grateful that you have a job!
Recession lost me my new MD role as the company closed all of its operations in England, Scotland and Wales. I was MD for 6 months!
Now all MD vacancies have lots of people with many years experience at that level applying.
So I have changed my focus, working more on Private Equity backed developments on the investment and development sides. Seems I can earn a lot more and have learnt much
Construction industry is very tough, its best to hold tight for now and be grateful that you have a job!
I'd say so
Now I prematurely bailed out of the grad scheme I was on last year...
Turns out it wasn't a bad decision in the round as the guys who stayed on have come to the end of the grad scheme and are now just floating around the various departments doing further 3 month placements until a proper job turns up! I believe they had 5 grads and 1 job (a job no one really wanted at that) so 4 of them are still doing the rounds, packing their stuff every 3 months to go sit in the corner of the next department probably working on contracts the company hasn't won yet (and may not do). What they'll do when they run out of departments I don't know!!! I suppose they are getting experience, but its limited experience (not staying in a dept long enough to be useful) and its bloody demoralising!
I know not all grad schemes lead to permanent jobs, but the company does want to keep these guys on to make up for the retirees!
Now I prematurely bailed out of the grad scheme I was on last year...
Turns out it wasn't a bad decision in the round as the guys who stayed on have come to the end of the grad scheme and are now just floating around the various departments doing further 3 month placements until a proper job turns up! I believe they had 5 grads and 1 job (a job no one really wanted at that) so 4 of them are still doing the rounds, packing their stuff every 3 months to go sit in the corner of the next department probably working on contracts the company hasn't won yet (and may not do). What they'll do when they run out of departments I don't know!!! I suppose they are getting experience, but its limited experience (not staying in a dept long enough to be useful) and its bloody demoralising!
I know not all grad schemes lead to permanent jobs, but the company does want to keep these guys on to make up for the retirees!
High quality candidates are ten a penny in the construction world. The trouble is no-one wants them. The few firms doing the hiring are paying recruiters 10%, and are not taking calls from anyone who is not their preferred supplier. Added to this is the fact that any even vaguely competent recruitment firm can find great candidates, ergo no room for those firms like mine - who thrive on hard to fill roles other firms won't touch.
In my mind, I'd suggest you seek to specialise elsewhere asap. My colleague deals with sales personnel of asbestos removal/demolition, and has placed circa £400k's worth of staff this year to date. I'm sure there are other niche areas where business is still taking place; the challenge is finding them.
Good luck!
In my mind, I'd suggest you seek to specialise elsewhere asap. My colleague deals with sales personnel of asbestos removal/demolition, and has placed circa £400k's worth of staff this year to date. I'm sure there are other niche areas where business is still taking place; the challenge is finding them.
Good luck!
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