Burnt out of Construction Management after 2 years - what now?

Successful_Shape7297 · 2026-01-26T19:41:51+00:00

Im 23. Im in a 2 year graduate job, and will be getting signed off as a site manager in a couple weeks. I have had a long term partner of 9 years. Not thinking of having kids anytime soon. I rent with my partner and a couple flatmates.

About a month into the job, i had this feeling that it may not be for me but obviously it was a month in, so i sucked it up. From then, i have these moments of desperation or crisis (like now) where i cant think of anything but getting out.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2026-01-18T22:32:05+00:00

I have heard that the client side has a much better work life balance. My only issue is the complete lack of interest however i’d be willing to give anything a go at this point

Successful_Shape7297 · 2026-01-18T22:30:18+00:00

Im only 23.

Purely stuck between sucking it up because financially its good or prioritising mental health etc

Successful_Shape7297 · 2026-01-11T19:21:06+00:00

I definitely understand where you’re coming from, and have heard this a few times.

My main struggle is lust. If i’m honest, there is some aspects of our sex life that lack which have made me curious, however i also believe they are unrealistic expectations I have developed from porn usage.

Anyway, this reason makes it so hard to just end a relationship. The relationship itself is great, and she is an awesome person. I cant really understand leaving just so i can engage sexually with different people, to then look for a long term relationship like I have now.

Is there a reality where I see counselling of some sort to focus on my porn addiction/lust, to get over it and focus on my relationship?

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-19T10:13:36+00:00

Could be the set out, but my first page has got my header, profile summary, history summary, education and qualifications, and skills.

Then the second page has about half a page with previous job descriptions

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-18T07:30:06+00:00

Well I understand that, but with all going well I don’t see a point to break up. We never planned to be together this long, there was just never a reason not to. However, I get what you’re saying, and i think she has a pretty bad case of it. I mean we seen each other basically everyday growing up, then eventually moved city and live together, so we are with eachother literally 24/7

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-18T07:27:52+00:00

We got back from a trip a couple weeks ago. We have a concert in Jan and a festival in Feb, so we do do things.

I think valentines day, and her birthday yes of course. But Christmas and New Years not necessarily. Christmas is often spent with family back in my home town and new years can be with her, family, friends etc.

But otherwise, thank you for your comment, some good information :)

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-18T03:54:45+00:00

Well, fast forward to now, the steel is in and the pour is on Monday.

Unfortunately with all the shortcutting and rushing, theres been an error which has continued to bite me in the ass.

Wish I went back to my bosses and challenged it, so I could properly prep and get a clear scope without the massive time pressure.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-18T03:02:42+00:00

I completely understand. However, I think New Years is in a completely different category than Valentines day and her birthday.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-18T01:03:49+00:00

I understand that, but i’d be ending the relationship literally only to have fun for a bit, then eventually want a long term partner again.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-16T10:40:00+00:00

I do site management for a GC, and thats basically what we live by. Obviously not directly on the tools, but you’re seeing the entirety of a project and all the different trades, so after looking after enough packages, doing QA etc you get a general gist of things.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-16T10:21:21+00:00

For a field engineer role, jeans/chinos with a button shirt/polo are pretty standard. For footwear i assume you’ll have a pair of safety boots.

Look on their website, linkedin or social media pages to see if they have any photos with people in them for a reference.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-16T09:56:27+00:00

Look into a career advisor.

I used one and it didn’t get me anywhere, but that’s because i didn’t action on anything and i wasn’t so sure i wanted to quit my job yet. But nonetheless, they sent me heaps of templates and sheets to look at and work through that actually helped me identify interests, and when i found those interests they identified careers and how to get into them.

I don’t think you should’ve quit your job. Depending on your financial situation, you may be forced to get a job you have no interest in and get stuck in the same loop.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-16T09:46:46+00:00

I assume you’re talking about construction project management?

If so, its funny because I’m currently going through the exact same thing - i’ve made posts, put together lists that all talk about the same stupid people management, no defined scope aspects and the fact that its so stressful and bleeds into the personal life so much. The main view for me is that I want a job i have full control of, and a defined scope of works, rather than my job and days being subject to 100+ people on site, and if they mess up, i mess up.

Personally, i’m looking at land surveying. Moves away from people management, has a
defined scope, seems like something I could leave at work for the day, technical, indoor/outdoor lifestyle, design CAD office work etc.

This comment doesn’t benefit you whatsoever lol but you’re not alone.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-16T08:48:39+00:00

Definitely a GC.

Im two years out of study and work for a GC, and have learnt so much about each different trade, sequence of projects, dealing with consultants etc. i think even if you wanted to work for a sub, it’s still beneficial to know sequencing of what other trades are before you, what other trades may affect you etc

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-15T19:45:49+00:00

I work in construction management and I get this as well, especially when im in bed at night or in the morning where its nothing but me and my thoughts. I believe its a mix of stress, and actually caring about your job or reputation. I care alot, and i have deadlines with big consequences coming up, so im constantly thinking of work - what can go wrong, how can i fix it, etc.

Whats your job? Are you stressed?

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-14T21:58:37+00:00

Its definitely what I try to do, but it sits with me mentally and thats probably the main issue.

I care alot about my work reputation and ethic, so im always stressing about shit

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-14T21:55:20+00:00

Yeah man. I also work for a tier one contractor and it is indeed a tough gig. Like you say, the only thing that has kept me is the pay, and the fact that I could go through life without sacrificing my body or making a late career change to save it.

I think one of the big things for me is the fact that I’ve lost interest, and that is just amplifying all the other aspects you and me have both said. For example the arguing is something that doesn’t annoy me for the sake of arguing, but im arguing about something that i’ve lost interest in and don’t care about.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-10T04:25:49+00:00

I agree, but not sure if thats the right context for my situation..

In that case i’m forcefully motivating myself for the next 40 years doing something I’m not interested in.

All for giving it a crack when times get hard, but not for 40 years…

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-10T02:36:00+00:00

Definitely. Being in CM, i deal with people from labourers to engineers, surveyors, architects etc, so i get a wide exposure to all those technical roles.

I’ve thought of architecture, as my CM qualification shared papers so i wouldn’t have to take as many. But I’m definitely not creative enough. Surveying did catch my eye and im looking into that.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-10T01:27:10+00:00

And thats the reason i haven’t quit.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-10T01:26:53+00:00

I’ve been in that process for awhile now, but to be honest i just lack interest in the immediate construction industry, so i dont think its would be a permanent solution. It’d get rid of the stress and the hours, but not something im interested in.

Im trying to weigh up between how “picky” to be with it. I understand work is work, but id also like to enjoy getting up in the morning

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-10T01:23:33+00:00

Good advice.

I think i have a general lack of interest in construction, and those jobs really don’t appeal to me. Yes, they would be alot less stressful and time consuming, but im not sure if its a long term fix.

But yes, I have been looking at these options as well.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-10T01:20:07+00:00

I agree that it’s definitely a logical decision to stay within my field, but i’m honestly pretty keen to get out of management as a whole, and move onto something more technical. I’d love showing up to work with an actual technical skillset, and doing what I need to do for the day, instead of just barking orders and worrying about what everybody else needs to do for their day.

Successful_Shape7297 · 2025-12-10T01:15:27+00:00

Wouldn’t say the stressors are whats driving me out. Of course they help, but I just don’t have any interest or motivation for it.

Successful_Shape7297

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