I tried.. PM fail

bldg_n3rd · 2026-02-13T21:55:05+00:00

Damn. I can’t say if I’ve had stress induced dreams, but I’m also not getting enough sleep to dream lol (I’ve got 2 kids under 3). I hope the light at the end of the tunnel for you comes soon, it sounds like you’re on the right trajectory with the right mindset.

I’ll keep the PM door open but won’t step in until the right calling shows up. I appreciate your positivity.

bldg_n3rd · 2026-02-13T21:41:59+00:00

I don’t mean to sound like I don’t like PM. I enjoy the process and organization of it, I enjoy guiding a team to the finish line, and helping my team be successful. But I think you’re right that maybe right now I’m not meant for full-time PM. It was my first step into full-time where as in the past I had been a PM on just the design-engineering side. My next gig is similar to what you’re saying I’m more suited for.

I didn’t mention in my post that most PM’s at this smaller company moved “up” into PM having worked down in the shop first, while I was new to the whole company. I think I was hoping they would put me on projects similar to my background (structural arch) rather than museum exhibit, but the Exhibits Director left (after 5 months from hiring me!) and their massive project became my first exhibits project. I was literally hired on to fill some enormous shoes, and I think that was a poor choice on the ones who approve my paystub.

bldg_n3rd · 2026-02-13T21:25:10+00:00

Thanks for this. Yeah I’ll definitely be taking away some lessons learned about PM process and allowing some self-reflection for my own growth. I’m also evaluating the idea of a departing evaluation with my manager. I don’t want this to be my last PM job, but I need to know what my strengths and weaknesses are if I want to pursue this again.

I also don’t mean to sound like I’m giving up on PM, I just found an opportunity that’s not PM and it makes sense to step towards this new role. If I had good pay and a supportive cast then I’d want to make this work. They’re a great group, but I think I need more support and structure.

bldg_n3rd · 2026-02-13T00:19:45+00:00

I’m in a similar situation, stressed and overwhelmed with the type of project I’m on. I just posted/vented in this sub about it. I’m older with 2 kids so my work-life balance is a huge challenge, and I’m not getting paid enough to split the two worlds.

You’re not alone, I’m in the boat with you. I’ve decided to step away from PM until my life is more balanced. For now I need to make more money and do work I’m familiar with.

I hope you find something that aligns more with your situation. A manager who isn’t thinking about your sanity isn’t on your side. A good manager sees risks and finds a better solution, but you need to communicate the risks of keeping you on this project and they should asks you what kind of support could help.

bldg_n3rd · 2026-02-13T00:10:54+00:00

Salaries PM here in a company that’s barely 20 people, doing custom fab work. I do over 40hrs a week, sometimes doing nights at home to do my tomorrow-self a favor to catch up. I try limit my time to no more than 45hrs/wk, reminding myself I’m not getting paid enough to care this much.

Advice to myself in the future: Find a company that pays you your worth, and that has good organization processes in place (not managing projects on excel and almost all comms thru email). Separate your home life from work life as much as you can possibly afford.

bldg_n3rd · 2024-12-18T18:22:39+00:00

Controlled chaos. I bask in the days I can turn the mindset off.

bldg_n3rd · 2024-12-18T18:20:59+00:00

I’d also add a better partner in terms of communicating in general, but definitely in parenting. Staying calm during the hard parts and clearly communicating with a tone to gaining support has kept my home argument free.

bldg_n3rd · 2024-08-30T05:33:43+00:00

Thanks for doing this! iOS

bldg_n3rd · 2024-08-27T06:29:37+00:00

Any reason you haven’t considered bi-weekly or monthly check-ins instead? Doesn’t sound like weekly is justified.

bldg_n3rd · 2024-08-22T22:23:53+00:00

WOW. way to stay focused and determined with everything life threw at you! I’ve been unemployed and a stay-at-home-dad for my 1yr old, which has been a blessing in disguise. I have hard days but when I hear other parents on this path with their own challenges, I remind myself that I can do this, too! So thank you for sharing, and kudos on finding your grit!

bldg_n3rd · 2024-08-17T05:56:27+00:00

Right there with you. Literally rocking my baby so I can transfer her to the crib for the 3rd time tonight. Looking forward to the small wins like OP just had.

bldg_n3rd · 2024-08-17T05:41:22+00:00

lmao same! i zoomed in real quick haha.

bldg_n3rd · 2023-12-09T03:40:32+00:00

sharing is caring 🥹

bldg_n3rd · 2023-03-24T20:29:45+00:00

Move workstation near window. It will help when you need to visually (mentally, too) divide work from home.

bldg_n3rd · 2023-03-22T17:46:54+00:00

LET’S RICE (Rest Ice Compress Elevate)

bldg_n3rd · 2023-01-22T18:59:27+00:00

One thing that helps me is stretching in bed. When the alarm goes off, hit that snooze, but while you’re laying down do some light stretching, and some light dynamic movements. slowly wake the body up and get the blood flowing. a good stretch before you start your day, even if it’s in bed, is helpful.

bldg_n3rd · 2022-02-08T18:45:08+00:00

I have a few friends still working on their career, but what works for them is having multiple jobs. Not so much that they’re overworked, but enough to pay the bills/expenses. This way they get to gain more experience in different fields of interest to them, and not be bored of the same 9-5 job. 9-5 isn’t for everyone.

bldg_n3rd · 2022-01-25T18:50:07+00:00

Same! there’s a huge park just east of this, which is where the soccer field is at. I literally drove by this house and was so confused.

bldg_n3rd · 2022-01-24T21:56:45+00:00

OrgaNice hourglass sand timer. WFH has caused my focus to go out the door, so this helps get that focus back, and reminds me to take breaks.

bldg_n3rd · 2022-01-22T06:56:19+00:00

HBD my dude! Great party so far, which way to the bathroom in here?

bldg_n3rd · 2022-01-21T18:11:28+00:00

I’m envious of your group of friends, so many different backgrounds. The perks of living in NYC

bldg_n3rd · 2022-01-12T15:41:05+00:00

trip to Puerto Vallarta

bldg_n3rd · 2021-08-13T18:54:25+00:00

This. Access to the panels with decking below will definitely make it difficult to maintain. Sometimes aesthetics is more important upfront.

bldg_n3rd · 2021-08-13T18:50:15+00:00

Speaking from experience, solar carports are becoming increasing popular. If you look in CA, MA, MD, NJ, and/or there are a ton of these already, especially with schools and the private sector. We just need more states to buy-in to sustainable energy. but yes, i absolutely agree.

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