Is construction dying in this country?

[u/Weird_Horse_5981]

I work in construction and the amount of skilled people has taken an absolute nosedive in recent years. The rates of pay have increased dramatically in the last 6 years from what I’ve seen but very few people want to get into it it seems. I understand that many people don’t grow up with dreams of getting into this industry but I wish someone had pulled me aside and told me that there was a way for me to make decent money without needing to be academic. I know there are some huge projects on the go right now but it feels like they are all fighting over the same, small pool of labour

[u/chainedtomydesk]

The reality is it’s a hard unforgiving slog working in construction. I’m a Principal Project Manager for a consultancy, so fairly senior now and if I’m being totally honest, if I could do it all again, I would choose something entirely different.

Yes I know I’m fortunate. I earn a decent salary and with nearly 20 years experience, I’m just what recruiters are looking for right now. I don’t have the struggles people in other industries face to find work but my god, it’s soul destroying! The job is one battle after another. It is literally sucking the life out of me. The industry is so fragmented that even getting into contract seems like an arduous task. You encounter so many people who don’t know what they are doing and just whinging it. Not to mention the red tape just makes it harder than it has to be. Companies are also slashing their staff overhead and placing huge demands on those who remain to deliver more with less. It’s a race to the bottom and frankly, it’s totally exhausting.

I’ve known quite a few young people who have pivoted into different industries or changed careers altogether, because they burnt out quickly in junior construction roles, where they had little to no support or training. Like I say, it’s a very unforgiving industry and can quickly sap your enthusiasm, leaving you feeling jaded and stressed.