Construction industry stress drives new-career searches

Burnout is nothing new in the construction industry. The inability to control certain factors while facing deadline pressure leads to stress, and burnout will occur when a person endures too many overwhelming situations.

Construction managers are used to the challenges of bad weather, scheduling woes, economic changes and decreased income during the winter months. A more recent unmanageable factor is the highest rate of personal bankruptcy in the history of the nation, costing many industries hundreds of thousands of dollars in unrecoverable revenue.

The shortage of labor resulting from the low unemployment rate is the last, back-breaking straw, causing more administrative staff and owners to make career moves away from construction.

For the person whose experience is in construction, the career options available outside the industry depend on which skills the person enjoys using the most. Following is a sample of careers that can build on the foundation of your construction industry experience.

Operations manager. Management abilities second nature to you are in demand in today's job market. Companies in every industry realize it is easier to train a new employee about their industry than to teach them how to manage departments and personnel.

You already possess budgeting, supervision, sales and customer service experience. These credentials transfer easily into any industry. Your initiative and ability to build teams, delegate, manage conflict and handle multiple priorities simultaneously are sought-after traits in business.

Purchasing agent. All those years spent sourcing and determining materials suppliers will pay off in this occupation. Positions are available in many different types of companies. Individuals in this profession perform inventory control, assess reorder times, locate vendors, negotiate prices, assess quality and specify delivery dates. Good judgment and competencies in data analysis, communication, negotiation, math and planning will be valued.

Human resources. Talents in recruiting, interviewing and making selection decisions are a solid foundation for this occupation. Expertise in safety, workers' compensation issues, training, discipline and termination will make you even more successful.

Interpersonal skills, stress management, fair-mindedness and the ability to cope with conflicting points of view are required personal qualities. Experience in dealing with the unexpected and unusual will also come in handy.

Quality control. The key duty of this job is performing continual inspections to guarantee products are built according to customer requirements. An integral aspect is emphasizing quality to employees while helping catch human errors early in the game. Attention to detail and follow-up are the most important strengths the applicant needs.

Research shows the average person changes careers three times during his or her life. To be certain your move is successful, follow these three steps:

First, obtain career testing to determine the profession that will make you happy and satisfied. A good test will reveal your vocational personality characteristics and provide statistical verification of your top job picks. You will then feel more secure about pursuing your new occupation.

Second, prepare a resume. Don't underestimate its importance. Your resume will literally make or break your bid to land an interview. Highlight your proficiencies that are applicable in your new field. Significantly downplay information in your past that is not related.

Third, brush up on your interview skills. Even though you have hired people, it is definitely different to be on the other side of the desk. Practice answering potential questions so you don't have to wing it.

You have a lot to offer. Let the lowest unemployment rate in 29 years work for you. This is the perfect time to explore new options if you want to stop constructing buildings and start constructing your new career.

(Lynne Haggerman is president/owner of Haggerman & Associates, an employment, management training, human resources consultant and outplacement firm.)

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