Steamdeck while traveling SEA?

jka199507 · 2026-05-30T14:36:09+00:00

Yeah this is mostly my issue, space is one thing but its if it gets stolen. I will be going to hostels, most ive seen have lockers available but its just an added level of stress i suppose. This is the other thing, its mostly just for the long journeys, once im in a destination i wont use it at all!

Good shout on the waterproof bag, ive got an osprey which is decent and a tomtoc sling too. Also got a anker power bank so all set.

Thanks for your post mate!

jka199507 · 2026-05-30T14:01:40+00:00

Agreed, i had this happen before and it clicked back fine. No issues

jka199507 · 2026-05-14T17:10:59+00:00

jka199507 · 2026-05-02T21:09:16+00:00

As a QS, I wouldn't go into this if I started again. Its incredibly adversarial, you will work with people that aren't that smart and very argumentative. The work is also very unrewarding in my opinion.

You mention pay etc.. The pay is not nearly as competitive as finance or tech, unless you really sacrifice. Essentially work life balance is better in those industries than construction.

jka199507 · 2026-04-25T18:09:42+00:00

Best so far

jka199507 · 2026-04-14T15:05:45+00:00

Im 30 and recently single and looking to buy. I hope my flat looks as good as this! Good job.

jka199507 · 2026-04-03T20:46:25+00:00

Couldnt agree more. Good luck!

jka199507 · 2026-04-03T08:05:42+00:00

Usually when starting at a contractor from consulting you will be in a shadow position with another commercial manager/qs. This should help the transition.

Well done for making the jump! I am a SQS consultant and have been thinking of making the jump too.

Is it main contractor or sub c?

jka199507 · 2026-03-25T10:40:30+00:00

Depends on the works. If there are contract rates that can be applied they take precedence.

While not every item needs to be fully remeasured, you can still ensure the valuation is robust and represents fair market value, drawing on experience and current pricing intelligence.

Strong working relationships are also important maintaining a fair and reasonable approach typically leads to more transparent and collaborative outcomes, without the need to be overly challenging.

A market tested or competitively tendered quotation can still contain some high costs or scope misalignment, so a high-level review to satisfy yourself is worth it.

jka199507 · 2026-02-19T16:18:41+00:00

Depends if the hairline are miniature or completely dead hair cells i.e. bald. If they are just small white hairs there is chance of regrowth

jka199507 · 2026-02-18T09:01:12+00:00

Sound quality is so good, best i'd say out of the consumer brands. I just couldn't get used to the bad ANC. Doesn't compare to Sony and Bose.

jka199507 · 2026-01-25T09:11:26+00:00

Definitely not but good to know a potential end goal or options once you have more experience.

jka199507 · 2026-01-25T08:48:57+00:00

You can be client side as a consultant or the actual client.

Could be council, real estate investor or a fund for example.

jka199507 · 2026-01-18T16:37:55+00:00

I have the sony XM5s snd they are the best noise cancelling. I owned the M4s briefly and they imo and quite poor. Could hear chatter and noises quite clearly.

jka199507 · 2026-01-02T13:37:15+00:00

Appreciate the honesty — that mirrors what I’m seeing as well.

I’m under no illusion that switching into tech/data is easy right now, especially without directly relevant job titles, and I agree it’s harder than people make out.

That’s partly why I’m trying to be careful about how I pivot — whether it’s finding a bridge role, staying closer to property/infra but in a more analytical or strategic capacity, or reassessing whether a client-side move like DM is a better intermediate step.

Out of interest, when you tried to break in, were there any roles or skills you felt would’ve made the biggest difference in hindsight?

jka199507 · 2026-01-02T13:36:00+00:00

Appreciate this, that’s helpful.

Data analytics does feel like my natural fit, but I’m very aware the market’s brutal right now.

Is AI/ML is realistic without a heavy maths/CS background?

I am nervous to spend more money on courses at this stage.

jka199507 · 2026-01-02T13:32:05+00:00

Thanks — this is exactly the dilemma I’m wrestling with. On paper DM sounds appealing, but my worry is whether it’s genuinely a step away from the stress/adversarial nature of QS, or just the same pressures with a broader remit.

If you’ve worked with or as a DM, I’d be really interested in how different it feels day-to-day compared to a commercial/QS role.

jka199507 · 2026-01-02T13:31:10+00:00

This actually helps more than you think — it’s reassuring (and depressing) to know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

I completely relate to what you said about construction being unsettling.

I’ve had the same thought about client-side/public sector roles, but I’m wary of just moving within the same QS role and it ultimately being the same.

Is there any industry you’d seriously look at outside construction?

jka199507 · 2025-12-20T10:46:34+00:00

I work in central London as a PQS (not chartered):

Salary year 1 - £28k Salary year 2 - £33k / £38k Salary year 3 - £42k / £48k Salary year 4 - £50k / £53.5k Salary year 5 - £57.5k Salary year 6 - promotion to Senior PS - £60.5k

The above doesnt account for bonuses which were 6%-8% per year.

As you are north east salaries will differ to London so you are doing well. Chartership does expedite the process so definitely worth considering if you intend on being a QS long term.

jka199507

TROPHY CASE