I’ve been a PM with a high end remodeling co. for almost a year. I love the work(even though I don’t get to touch my tools anymore), and the company is strong and growing. My boss is a great guy and actually makes money! The problem is that it seems it’s at my expense lately. When I started, I had not done much management besides being a lead. I jumped into the poisition when one of our 2 PM’s took of to Colorado and left me with 3 jobs to finish. I got through them pretty well, for a rookie. Since then I’ve had 3 jobs finish on time without a mile long punchlist and happy home-owners. But, as I made it through each job, my boss doubled my workload. I now am managing 6 jobs with 2 breathing down my neck all between 100k-300k. I’m overloaded to say the least. I went from totally in control to pulling my hair out in a matter of a couple of months. It’s also just me with a super and a part-time carpenter(We canned the other PM and a couple of slack carpenters). Loose-ends out the ying-yang. Punch lists 2 miles long. I’m begging the boss to let me breath, but he’s not happy about it. Any advice? Is this normal for us crazy remodeling folks? How can I get my ship back on course?
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I'm begging the boss to let me breath, but he's not happy about it.
I think you need to be more assertive. Just tell him pointedly that this isn't working out for you, and that you will need to see some changes. There are a lot of different ways to approach this, and I'm sure you'll get a variety of answers. But I think fundamental to the whole thing is that you have to be firm.
You're not asking, you're just explaining the facts as they stand: You will need a change, and you'll be happy to work with him to map out a strategy for implementing that change. But continuing the situation as it is is not an option. If he doesn't want to lose you, he'll have to listen. If he wants to call your bluff and ignore you, I'd walk. Start mapping out your options now, so you'll land on your feet if you have jump ship.
"he...never charged nothing for his preaching, and it was worth it, too" - Mark Twain
whatever you are willing to give, he's willing to take. its all up to you in that respect. dont do all his worrying for him. if you give him everything he needs then maybe he's figuring your not stretched yet. sounds like you need to have a sit down and maybe you should come away with a fatter wallet. funny how money can make big problems seem small
Thanks for the advice. It's definitely gotten to the point of laying it out in plain english. A fatter wallet would be nice too, but I don't know if it will help me sleep any better. Wish me luck.
Only good luck! ... Buic
"A fatter wallet would be nice too, but I don't know if it will help me sleep any better"
Yeah, be very careful what you say to him. If you truly are overloaded, to the point of not sleeping or enjoying your free time in general, no amount of money can compensate you for the time you lose off of your life. At some point we all face those "am I working to live, or living to work" questions.
But here's the thing. Say you go in there and say you are overloaded and things need to change". He says "okay, I'll lighten your load and how about a few bucks an hour bump in pay". You go back to the same grind, albeit with a fatter wallet, but eventually you will be right there again, in the same stressed out position, and he might think "hey, this guy is a malcontent. I gave him a raise last year and now he's back for more".
Just be clear in your own mind what the real issue is right from the start. Is it the workload or the money?
Came back to say, in answer to the title of this thread, no, I don't think everyone burns out. But a lot of people do. Especially if they get distracted by chasing the almighty buck, instead of looking for meaningful work.
Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!
http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com
Edited 3/20/2006 7:38 pm ET by jimblodgett
Will you hire me?"With every mistake we must surely be learning"
The situation you find yourself in may be the reason the previous PM took off for Colorado! If so, bringing it up with your boss, tactfully of course, may help him recognize the pattern and the need for some change. good luck.
Remudder,
You got 6 jobs.
1 PM
1 Super
1 PT carp
What's wrong with that picture?
How much Project Management are you doing and how much job management?
You were a Lead, how badly are you still thinking like a Lead? A PM does NOT do lead type work. Put your bags in the back of the closet at home and leave them there.
You're not in tactical anymore, now you're into strategy.
The way I see it, A PM should be heavily involved with the front end, right up to when the ground is broken. Then the Super takes over. As soon as the concrete is done, get a Lead on the site.
1 super should be able to take 3-6 sites up to final punch list, when you should be back. IF... he has a lead on each site to keep things smooth. The lead should call the super when and only when things are not going according to schedule.
The Super should only call you when there is a contractual problem.
Of course you get all progress reports, etc. and you get to stay on everybodys azz.
You should be able to handle 3-6 supers, if your company has a good system. You shouldn't have to "handle" 1 job, let alone 6.
The above is really, really brief, but you get the picture.
That just makes way too much sense SamT. My future may be short lived here if that's the way it should go. I've been trying to hire some people, and I haven't gotten much support in that. I got the ok to hire 2 carpenters. 2 yrs ago this company was owner run with one or two jobs and 4 to 5 full time guys. We've got big time growing pains. It seems like this is somewhat common, or am I just in denial?
Remodelman - I was looking through the newspaper help wanted ads yesterday and saw a job opening for a "Project Manager".I think it said "come work in an exciting environment - we're looking for someone who is high energy and can work independently in a fast-paced environment while multi-tasking and blah blah blah"I scratched my head and wondered what a Project Manager does on a daily basis. What are the duties and responsibilities? I started working in construction back in the 1970's and I don't remember any project managers where I worked.I see some of the colleges advertising they have a four year degree in construction management. Is this the same thing?^^^^^^
i don't think you'll really find a one-size-fits-all job description of what a "project manager" does, anymore than you'll find one for what a "carpenter" does- it varies from company to company.
That being said, in general a PM oversees the project or projects to ensure that they're being built per plans/specs/contract, that the budget is still intact, and that the schedule is being met. This may include ordering materials, supervising workers, preparing daily job reports, applying for permits, calling for inspections, client hand-holding, and any number of other activities. If the PM's involvement starts early enough in the project, he/she may also be involved in estimating, subcontractor bidding, site logistics planning, etc.
The 4-year degree you see for CM is generally geared more toward commercial work, but is becoming more common in residential as well (especially with the large, nationon homebuilders). When I got my degree in 1992, I was the only person in my class that didn't go into the commercial or heavy/highway sectors. When I was a residential super in Las Vegas, I can tell you that there wasn't another super in the valley who had a degree. Nowaways, I know a number of guys who have either come out of school and gone directly into residential, or have gone back to school at night to get their degrees. This doesn't necessarily make them any more knowledgable than their non-degreed counterparts, but I do believe it helps in the long run.
Why is there suddenly a need for "project managers" in residential? Projects have gotten more complex, the number of available materials/systems has grown exponentially, clients have become more demanding (as well as more litigious), and schedules seem to have become more unrealistic. At the same time, the labor market has become less qualified, codes have gotten stricter, and insurance requirements are tougher. All of this makes it more difficult, IMHO, for a guy to just move up out of the trades and into a true PM role- I'm sure I'll get a lot of grief for that comment, but I do believe it's true.
Bob
The hard answer, that also produces the best results:
You may want to take a look at a good book on time managment, such as First Things First. It's not about how to squeeze more phone calls in, but how to prioritize your life to maximize productivity in all the important areas. It's spending time on what's most important and not letting other people's priorities needlessly invade your time.
You're being pushed by your boss since that's the way it works and the more you can do the more he will push until your performance slips. Employers care little about our long-term well being. For short periods we can all produce at a high level, but without a little balance in our lives burnout is certain over the long term, turning challenging opportunities into detriments to our careers.
Proactively managing your career is just as important as managing your jobs.
Short answer...yes, everybody burns out eventually, and in different ways.
I have seriously considered a job with the local gas company reading gas meters..me...alone ..walking and reading meters. No stress, no people, no phone...solitude.
Then reality smacks me in the face....I got 3 kids that play travel hockey, and lacrosse, and a violin, and a cheerleader...and it all costs money...lots of it. And I got a little Porsche habit...you get the idea.
It's not a struggle to get big, it's a struggle to STAY small. I give rediculous lead times, but I'm serious. And I NEVER say yes when I mean NO. I'm not going to let someone elses impatience become MY problem...period.
Lots of good advice here....good luck...Keith
I thought I was the only one fantasizing about a meter reader job! LOL
Well actually it's Starbucks. But I think the register is a little tuff for me
So I gotta pick up trash
yur not burned out...
reality check what yur doing... the boss is making out, yur not and you now need to find a plan "B"....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Hey RemodelMan,
Are you anywhere near Chicago's North Shore? If so, read the signature at the bottom of this reply. I can start in about a month.
-----------------------------------------------------------
FT Job Wanted: Chicago, north side/North Shore burbs.
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=70809.1
Sorry. We're a good bit farther south.
Yes, many do burn out. I have several times, but that's my personality as much as anything.
Just remember the inch -mile saying. The more you give, the more they will expect. Some bosses plainly don't have a sense of themselves and what they should expect from their employees.
Ask yourself what it is you want. Go beyond the immediate answers and keep asking that question and then ask why to all of them. Heavy stuff I know, but it works.
Keep in mind you're mostly water, and water always seeks its own level.
What we neglect when we are PMs is management also pertains to our Boss. You are so focused and capable of managing any project thrown at you that you are neglecting the management of the BossMan.
Try to think in his shoes. He just got rid of a couple of carps and a PM. What are his wage/ salary savings/ year - $150K+. Now double it for taxes, WC, medical = $300K Now triple it for what he SHOULD be charging Clients = $450K.
$450K - That is what he is grossing while not having the same cost load. Sure, he still will be hiring day-carps and laborers, but not every day. And the 3X PM salary that he is charging the clients while having you do the service is all cream to him. Sure, he'll spring for nicer lunches or a night out for you and your wife/ pals (what a sport) but it is mostly cream.
Make a presentation. Explain, politely, that the company has grown and evolved. This requires new methods/ tools in management. Maybe he doesn't need an add'l PM. Maybe he needs to focus on new/ better Supers or Leads. This way the company gets to be more efficient and he keep some of the new cream. The Supers may be groomed to be future PMs.
Now examine where you fit into all this. Think money and vacation time, vehicle (newer) and education. He can write all this off.
Think of responsibility and ownership. Not only profit sharing, but ownership. Do you want to, can you be partners with this guy? Not 50/50, but some percentage. If not, how does what you do here translate to what you do next? Can you test a managment style/ hierarchy here?
Be aware that, in this business, you are constantly and implicitly marketing yourself and your abilities - whether you intend to or not. Clients know you, what you are capable of acheiving and your style (or lack thereof). If you are organized, methoidcal, good spirited, frazzled, unfocused (for whatever reason), unhappy or just plain late to meetings, this is what they remember.
Always be your best and if your current boss does not allow for that remind him that it is HIS best longterm interest. If he doesn't respond in kind, find another who does or hang up your own shingle.
Keep us posted,
Frankie
There he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.
—Hunter S. Thompson
from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
Edited 3/21/2006 11:27 am ET by Frankie
>my boss doubled my workload
That would be the productivity gains economists keep talking about. That and how wage increases are inflation, which is bad.
Welcom to capitalism, form a union, get a different job, quit and starve, or struggle through.
good luck, you're not alone.
splat