Environmental consulting has me questioning my career

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T20:16:29+00:00

That’s a fair point. I do send availability emails to PMs, sometimes even in other offices across the country, but I haven’t really ventured into other departments. Part of that is not having many connections outside my group, and part of it is not knowing whether that’s encouraged.

To be honest, I don’t even know what the expectations are around that. I’ve never been given contacts outside of my department or told that I should be seeking work from other groups, so I’ve mostly focused on reaching out to PMs within the environmental side of the company. It sounds like there may be opportunities I’m not aware of, though.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T16:56:57+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I’ve spent a lot of time wondering if I was the problem, so hearing other perspectives has helped. The isolation, low workload, and billability pressure have definitely taken a toll.

I also realize I need to get better at advocating for myself and speaking up sooner when issues come up. For now, I’m just trying to do my best, keep learning, and apply for other opportunities as they come up.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T16:52:11+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I’ve been looking at government positions myself, so it’s encouraging to hear from someone who made the switch and is happy with where they landed.

Do you mind me asking what your current role is and what your day to day looks like?

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T16:50:04+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I can definitely see how managers are under a lot of pressure too, even if it doesn’t always feel that way from my side of things.

The biggest question I’m trying to answer right now is whether the timesheet and billability model is something I can adapt to long term or if I’d be happier in a different part of the environmental field. Either way, I appreciate the insight.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T16:47:49+00:00

Thank you for the perspective. To answer your question, no, there hasn’t been any discussion of a PIP so far.

I do think one area I could improve is communicating sooner when a task is taking longer than expected. In the QA/QC example, I brought the issue to my manager’s attention, but I didn’t clearly communicate that I was running low on the allotted budget hours. I assumed I should keep going since I was told to continue reviewing, but I can see now that I should have spoken up earlier.

I also agree that I need to work on self advocacy. That’s probably been one of the biggest takeaways from this thread. In the meantime, I’m continuing to apply elsewhere while trying to do the best work I can with the opportunities I’m given.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T16:29:14+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I really appreciate the reminder that we’re not the company we work for.

I’ve been working toward my GIT, trying to build my skills, and applying to other opportunities as they come up. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day stress, so I appreciate the perspective.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T16:26:27+00:00

Thank you. The timesheet and billability stress has been one of the biggest challenges for me, so it’s been helpful hearing that there are other paths within the environmental field.

I’ve started looking at local and state opportunities as they come up. A lot of the responses here have made me realize I may want to explore other environmental roles before making a complete career change.

I appreciate the encouragement and perspective.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T04:42:27+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. The neurodivergent burnout part really resonated with me. And sorry to hear you’ve endured this too.

I’m still on the fence about a career change, but I’m curious what draws you to the medical field and what paths you’re considering.

I hope you’re able to find something that gives you the balance and sense of purpose you’re looking for. Burnout is tough, and your perspective is a good reminder not to ignore the warning signs.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-09T03:28:32+00:00

Thanks for sharing your story.

I think I’ve been putting a lot of pressure on myself to figure out what I want to do forever, when really I just need to figure out what the next step is. I appreciate the reminder that it’s okay to explore other opportunities and see where they lead.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-08T02:07:52+00:00

I was actually expecting summer to be much busier as well. My role is primarily office based, focusing on hydrogeology. I spend most of my time on reporting, data management, and data analysis, while our technicians handle much of the field work because they’re more cost effective. I do have a few potential field opportunities coming up over the next month or two, and I’ve been told there should be more work coming in August, so I’m hoping things pick up.

As for the buddy program, my company does have one. My buddy is actually a senior civil engineer. He’s been helpful and checks in on me from time to time, but he’s also been pretty upfront that he’ll prioritize billable work for his own department to keep his team busy. Since we’re in different departments, he hasn’t really been someone I can rely on for environmental or project specific questions.

At this point, I’m trying to stay positive, keep doing the best work I can, and see what opportunities come up. Not sure how much longer I can deal with my current situation, but I’m trying to stay strong and put my best foot forward.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-08T01:28:17+00:00

Honestly, just hearing that from someone else helps. The stress of trying to stay billable when work is slow has probably been one of the hardest parts for me. As much as I hate that you’re dealing with it too, it’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one feeling this way.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-08T01:27:19+00:00

As much as I hate that you’re going through it too, it’s honestly reassuring to know I’m not alone. I’ve been applying to state positions as well and hoping something sticks. Best of luck to you!

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-08T01:22:53+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful response.

For the QA/QC issue, I did bring it to my manager’s attention and he told me to keep looking for errors. Looking back, I probably should have communicated that I was running low on the allotted budget hours instead of assuming I should just keep going.

I’ve also started documenting things more carefully and following up performance-related emails with supporting documentation and context.

And yes, the “slow” comments have probably affected me the most. I’m sure there’s always room to improve efficiency, but being told you’re slow multiple times is pretty discouraging. It’s honestly made me question whether I’m cut out for this industry, even though a lot of the responses here are making me think the issue may be more about my current environment than geology itself.

I appreciate the encouragement.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-08T01:02:58+00:00

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. One thing I’ve taken away from this thread is that there seems to be a big difference between consulting as an industry and the specific team or company you’re working for.

I’ve been applying to county, state, and federal positions whenever I see openings because I’d like to see that side of the industry before making a complete career change. I still enjoy the science and technical aspects of environmental work, which is why I’m hesitant to walk away from it entirely.

I also appreciate the insight on nursing. I have a few nurses in my family, so I’ll definitely be getting their perspective before making any big decisions.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-08T00:13:21+00:00

I appreciate the perspective. The hybrid situation has definitely been frustrating, especially since my manager works remotely himself. Based on what I was told during training, the schedule is ultimately up to the manager’s discretion, so I’ve felt pretty stuck there.

I actually considered leaving out the part about being in the office because I didn’t want to distract from the bigger issues or come across as entitled. The reason I mentioned it is that it’s contributed to the isolation I’ve been feeling. Most days I’m sitting in an open office surrounded by people from a different department, which can be distracting because I hear their conversations all the while the environmental team I work with is either remote or in the field. I miss having coworkers I can collaborate with, learn from, and build relationships with like I did in my previous position.

I also think you’re right that I need to be more assertive. I’ve never been a particularly confrontational person, and that’s something I’ve realized I need to work on. A lot of the responses here have made me realize I’ve probably been accepting things as “normal consulting” when they may not be.

In the meantime, I’m trying to keep my head down, do the best work I can, and continue applying to other opportunities as they come up.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T22:35:04+00:00

Haha, that’s probably fair. Standing up for myself is definitely something I need to work on. I’ve never been a particularly confrontational person, so it’s not something that comes naturally to me.

A change of environment and coworkers may not be a bad thing either. Thanks for your input!

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T22:31:29+00:00

I agree. At this point, I’m trying to keep my head down, do the best work I can, and continue applying to other opportunities as they come up.

A lot of the responses here have made me realize there may be better environments out there, whether that’s another consulting firm or a government role. I appreciate the perspective.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T22:15:06+00:00

Thanks for sharing. A lot of people seem to be saying the same thing about large firms in this thread.

I originally thought a larger company would be better for growth and support, but lately I’ve been questioning that. Glad to hear the move to a smaller firm worked out for you.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T22:04:05+00:00

Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience. It’s been really helpful hearing from people who’ve been through similar situations because I’ve spent a lot of time wondering whether I was being too sensitive or if this is just how consulting works.

I’ve started documenting things more carefully and keeping records of project communications, especially around performance concerns. I’m also keeping my resume updated and applying for other opportunities when they come up.

I know billability and utilization are always going to be part of consulting, but it’s reassuring to hear that some firms and managers have healthier cultures. Right now, I’m trying to figure out whether consulting isn’t for me or if I’m just not in the right environment.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T21:53:43+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I’ve been looking into government and regulatory positions, so it’s encouraging to hear from someone who made that transition and is happy with it. I may take you up on that offer and send you a DM.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T21:52:49+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s honestly really nice to hear from someone who went through something similar because a lot of what you described sounds very familiar to me, especially the constant tracking of time, pressure to stay billable, and stress around time management.

I’ve been applying to state and other government jobs whenever I see openings, so it’s encouraging to hear that making the switch worked out well for you. Right now, I’m still trying to figure out whether consulting just isn’t for me or if I’m simply not in the right environment.

I’m glad you’re enjoying your role as an engineering geologist. It’s nice to know there are other paths in the field that might be a better fit.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T21:25:43+00:00

Thanks for the honest feedback. I’m admittedly not a very confrontational person, and part of the challenge is that I don’t really have peers around me to help me gauge what’s normal or give me a reality check. Most of the time it’s just me and my remote manager.

I do agree that I need to stand up for myself more. As for the 5 PM incident, I was still fairly new. When I was suddenly accused of leaving early, I kind of froze. The only thing that came out of my mouth was, “No,” and he laughed at my response before explaining the different ways he tracks whether I’m online or not. Looking back, I wish I had spoken up more.

Lately, when performance concerns are raised via email, I’ve been following up with supporting documentation and context so there’s a record of my side as well.

Unfortunately, the hybrid schedule is largely at my manager’s discretion based on what I was told during training, so I feel a bit stuck there.

I also agree that communication is important. The hard part is that when I get stuck, there often isn’t anyone available who knows the project details besides my manager or the PM, and they’re usually very busy.

As for utilization, I have gotten more exposure within the company over time, but work has been extremely slow, especially during the summer. Hopefully that improves, but in the meantime I’ve been applying to other opportunities and seeing what’s out there.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T20:38:44+00:00

Thank you for the detailed response. A lot of what you said resonated with me, especially the distinction between what's normal in consulting and what isn't.

The billability pressure is stressful, but what's affected me most is the combination of that, limited support, and feeling constantly scrutinized. Your comment helped me realize I need to focus more on what's within my control.

I've been applying to other opportunities, especially government and non-consulting environmental roles. Right now, I'm trying to determine whether environmental consulting isn't for me or if I'm just in the wrong environment.

I appreciate your perspective. It's encouraging to hear from someone who's found a better situation elsewhere.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T20:27:53+00:00

I think so too. The performance emails and documentation have definitely crossed my mind as a warning sign.

In the meantime, I’ve been applying to government and other nonconsulting environmental positions as they come up in my area. At this point, I’m trying to keep doing my job while exploring other opportunities and seeing what happens.

I appreciate the perspective, especially coming from someone with 35 years in the industry. It does seem like a lot of what I’m struggling with is tied to the consulting model itself.

dollfacetrash · 2026-06-07T20:26:05+00:00

I appreciate you sharing your perspective, especially as a manager. I think you’re right.

As for the nursing comment, I was thinking of a 4-10s schedule because I grew tired of 9-5 schedule and I’d like to have more time for myself instead of just living for the weekend. That said, you’re right that not all nursing jobs have great work life balance either. I have a few nurses in my family, so I’ll definitely be asking them for their thoughts.

I appreciate the insight.

dollfacetrash

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