FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Next move

Biff_Loman | Posted in Business on April 29, 2008 10:30am

In my former job as project manager, we had a subcontractor who worked exclusively for us.  Now, it looks like I’ll be subbing for him, and he’s also paying my former boss on commission.  😉  Life is funny.

This is good news.  I had no idea where I was going from here.  He’s booked up until September, so things seem to be on the up-and-up. 

We’ve been all over the map, from at each other’s throats to working as a team to eventually hanging out after hours, and saw quite a lot of each other after the outfit closed up.  I’m feeling optmistic.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Hudson Valley Carpenter | Apr 29, 2008 11:26pm | #1

    It is funny how it works out sometimes and how well we handle the changes.  I once worked for a carpenter as an apprentice who later became a foreman for me when I was the GC. 

    He had some trouble with that transition, had to be fired and rehired before we got on the same page but we eventually became closer friends as a result.

  2. kate | Apr 30, 2008 12:19am | #2

    When I worked at Rutgers, my last boss had been my first grad student laborer when I started there - and no, he didn't fire me...

  3. Jim_Allen | Apr 30, 2008 03:02am | #3

    Good for you!

    That reminds me of a story that occurred when I was serving my apprenticeship. I was on a Union crew with five journeymen and two other apprentices. One day a journeyman told me to go get a box of spikes. I was in the process of doing something and because I was always mouthy (except now of course) I told him to get them himself.

    He cussed me out and threatened me in some way, which of course didn't bother me one bit. I responded "You better watch out how you talk to me...I MIGHT BE YOUR EMPLOYER ONE DAY"!

    It was just a joke but I always treat everyone like that. If they are the low man on the totem pole, I always treat them like they will be the boss one day. And one day, that happened! The guy that was pitching straw out of the basement eventually because Vice President of the company that was building high end specs. I treated him well when he was a laborer and he treated me well when he was my superior.

    One hand washes the other...

    Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

    1. User avater
      JeffBuck | Apr 30, 2008 06:21am | #4

      might be a nice place to add sometning I been thinking about the last coupla days.

      kinda career / job search oriented.

       

      2 nephews ... one in Indy, one in Cali. Both early - mid 20's.

      Cali Nephew got a job at a local burger chain ... Carl Jr's, I think ....

      when he was in HS.

      did great in school, did well in sports ... looked to be college material.

      that time comes and he tells my brother he'd rather take that management position they offered him. Bro says Go for It ... but keep an eye on college.

      fast forward a few short years, he's still with the first company he ever applied to ...

      and now he's the young hot shot they went out around Cali and the SW to get new stores up and running. There's talk of him getting a franchise of his own soon with company funding and training.

      Indy Nephew, started at Lowes in HS. Another very good student, and HS state wrestling champ. Had tons of schlorship offers, screwed that up following a now long gone girlfriend to a different school ... but always kept his "part time job" at Lowes.

      When he started he was smart ... after a week decided he'd work the register, as since he was the strongest kid in the store ... they had him carrying and lifting everything. So he got off the floor and behind a register. Worked his way up to head cashier and Jr Manager. Is graduating this year with a degree in accounting.

      Lowes HQ has already offered him an accounting job to stay with the company.

       

      Never would have considered PT jobs at a burger joint and a lumber yard to be a good career choice but there ya go. Two young futures both off to very solid starts.

      Jeff    Buck Construction

       Artistry In Carpentry

           Pittsburgh Pa

      1. Jim_Allen | Apr 30, 2008 05:03pm | #5

        I've been telling that to people for years. Get a job and Burger King and prove to everyone around that you deserve to be the manager. Pretty soon, you'll be a regional manager with a six figure income. Basically, treat every job like it's your career because after all, isn't it? Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data