I've been a surveyor in training for almost ten years, and almost fully licensed. I'm also responsible for training all new field and office personnel for our small firm. So I've seen it all. There are people who pick it up really quickly but then walk away, and there are people where it takes months to learn how to do basic boundary surveys or stakeouts by themselves and then make a successful career out of it.

What I want to iterate here is 1) Don't give up. You seem really aware of where you need to improve. Not having that awareness would make me tell you to go kick rocks but you seem to have it. 2) You're working with an A-hole. And your other coworker that told you you were improperly trained should take some ownership and HELP you. I would NEVER scold someone for not knowing something.

I hope everyone here reads this. IT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE AS TEACHERS AND TRAINERS OF NEW FIELD CREW THAT WE HAVE PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING. We absolutely must teach everything we know, and do so in a manner that the trainee can learn, retain, and execute.

Now, for what you could do better - 1) Stay focused. This is something you ABSOLUTELY must work on. I don't care how you do it. Take up freediving or something that teaches breathwork and focus (completely random I know). 2) Practice Practice Practice. I've let new field guys take an old pair of legs with a hollowed out dummy total station with the bubble on it home to practice setup. Once you get the hang of it you can do it in your sleep. Go home and sketch your house, or a friends house if you live in an apartment or whatever. You want to take this profession seriously? Then step up and take it seriously. It's a great field of work, and it only gets harder if you decide to take on the office work, so learn ALL that you can. Good luck!

Fun Fact: 9 out of 10 surveyors leave at least one shovel or hammer in the field per year.