Many construction workers are looking at switching careers away from construction trades. For the construction industry alone, an average of 197,250 individuals quit construction jobs each month - for the last four months of 2021. In November 2021, for every 100 construction workers working, three construction laborers were quitting. (2)
If you're looking for a new career path in the construction industry, we will discuss the opportunities for a construction worker looking for a new gig next.
Leaving Construction Work But Staying in the Industry
If you don't want to leave construction as a field, you can work as a construction manager. Construction managers make $102,780 to $135,809. (3)
A career in construction management allows you to manage a construction project rather than being a construction worker. And according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the job market for construction managers is good. "Overall employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to result in about 252,900 new jobs over the decade."
If the company you're at now doesn't appreciate your skills or does not promote from within, consider looking at job boards and interviewing for management roles with other construction firms. Another construction firm may see your potential as a leader and even offer on-the-job training!
And, according to Indeed, it may make sense to stay away from a degree in favor of learning on the job. Once you're established in the construction industry, a degree program might not give enough additional knowledge to make sense."
Becoming a Construction Manager
Consider our Unmudl online course in Supervision to learn practical management and leadership techniques, including workplace communication, team development, coaching and mentoring, performance management, employment law, problem-solving and decision-making.
With a bit of effort, you can level up in the construction career path and find yourself satisfied in your field! However, there are also many rewarding careers when switching careers away from the construction industry that don't require much upskilling!
Next, we'll see how to evaluate your skills and grow your desirability for employers outside of the construction industry!
Looking At Who You Are
Before you switch careers, take a moment to consider what you've learned in your current career. You may have transferable or soft skills that would help you make a career switch to other industries easily!
According to Workable, a resource for employers, the top soft skills in demand right now include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Organizational
- Stress management
- Adaptability
- Conflict management
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Resourcefulness
- Persuasion
- Openness to criticism
Talk with friends and family about whether you've honed these soft skills in your life experiences so far. Then consider an online on-demand course to help you learn those skills you have not yet acquired.
The short Unmudl online course below is a good starting point for those looking to move into management positions in any industry!
- Online Course in Leadership: Practical tools to create an environment of goal achievement and team development. Includes motivational theory, group dynamics, personal strengths, goal setting and change management. Also includes expectation management, collaboration, factors that undermine engagement.
Skilled workers can move into a new job with little to no upskilling, especially if they've learned much in the school of life! So whether you want a desk job, to work from home, or to make more money, we have the perfect solution for you!
New Career Paths to Easily Change Careers
Are you looking for a better work-life balance? If so, consider transitioning into a job that is less labor-intensive and offers more freedom.
1- Teaching About the Construction Field
The salaries of Community College Teachers range from $17,752 to $140,756, with a median salary of $55,169. (4)
Teaching trade skills to the next generation can be a rewarding career if you enjoy helping others learn. No need for a formal education or bachelor's degree either! Often, the only requirements include a past career in construction and a high school diploma.
For example, a high school or community college in your area is likely hiring teachers for occupational safety, carpentry, general construction, and other subjects.
To prepare for teaching classes online, consider the Unmudl course Best Practices for Teaching Online to feel confident as an online leader.
2- Real Estate Agent
The real estate industry is growing, and so are the salaries of real estate agents. A real estate agent helps individuals and businesses buy, sell, rent and develop properties.
Being a real estate agent can be a great career switch for experienced construction workers who already have an eye for detail and know their way around building construction!
If you live in a fast-growing area, a real estate broker or agent career can be very lucrative, with agents making $62,000 to $210,000 per year! (5)
Real estate agents must take state-approved pre-licensing courses and pass a real estate exam to earn their certification. Consider taking an Unmudl online course like those below to get your license quickly and start making real estate deals!
However, perhaps you don't want to work with people all day and would rather do most of your work alone. Home inspection is a lucrative field with less "peopling."