Career advice - quantity surveyor in a rut :(

[aero12]

Hi guys,

I have been a regular reader on the forum, but this is my first time post. I am aware that you all come different walks of life and what unites us all is the love of cars / motoring etc.

I am a QS who has worked in various roles (started at trainee level) Have got 7 years experience. Currently not working as a QS and have not done since being made redundant in June 2011.

Have got some PQS, some local authority and some main contractor (decent homes stuff) experience. not really been mentored in any of the jobs so have had a pretty c#@p career so far . Also have a degree in Quantity surveying.


In a bit of a rut at the moment life doesn't seem to be going anywhere, have a young family etc.

Any ideas / opinions on where I could go from here?

I have sent my CV to around 25 firms offering to work on an unpaid / voluntary basis - not had one reply. Maybe my CV is poor?

I would like to get a career break, don't mind starting from the bottom if need be.

Im just in need of advice form fellow pheaders.

Thanks

[s2kjock]

How old are you?

If you are considering retraining, accountancy may be worth a look.

[jules_s]

Pretty much all of the QS's I've worked with are now Project managing...

[castex]

Maybe go and see RICS. Talking to people: it can only help.

[aero12]

Aged 32.

Don't really fancy accountancy.

Project management? Have looked at the post grad degrees and they cost like £9000 to complete. Money I don't have I'm afraid :-/

[TLandCruiser]

Have you looked at qs roles on the railway? My background was HM forces to offshore crane engineer to engineering manager and now I changed career and work on the railway, it's by far the best industry I have worked in.

If you did not want to work in a QS role, management role you could look at becoming a service technician, I know of ex kitchen fitter that got recruited as a service tech or even a train driver.

[CRB14]

What's your location?

I've never been out of work and I'm currently getting inundated with jobs from recruiters. Mostly London based but more recently more jobs in the north.

I'd say your CV probably needs tinkering with if you're coming up with blank responses.

I'd also get in touch with some recruitment agencies. Maybe take on a freelance role with a view to a long term position?

I can maybe help if you need any suggestions.

[rog007]

And happy to give some feedback on your CV to confirm or not your view of it. Good luck!