How can you stay motivated and positive in a construction career?

It's my personal view based on our profession of HSE in the construction field where the possibilities of accidents are much higher than any other industry. We assume the work force as plain paper and guides and train them about the possible hazards and safe work practices We involve the women work force also and creating such invironment that they are earning hard money and their families are totally dependent on them, it's get motivated them for safe to work and such efforts gives me the immense pleasure to safe guard our fellow workers and team for the cause of our organisation, families and my duty towards our nation to develop and create safety work culture. Jai Hind

My career path start long before I finish university precisely 2003. Since I felt in love in surveying as soon I start to atending surveying high school, I wanted to learn something new every day.After graduation I continued with education and in 2010 I finished university. Seting a realistic goal is crucial thing. So I start from basics. My first job was to hold a prism, and now I am on position of surveying supervisor on one of major project in Serbia, construction of high-speed railway from Novi Sad to Hungarian border. My path was not easy but my attitude to learn something new every day no matter how unimportant is bring me to my current position.

In construction, every brick counts. Set goals like placing each brick perfectly. Achievable, clear targets make the journey satisfying. They're steps on a ladder — reach one, and you're closer to the top. Each small win is a reason to celebrate and keeps you moving forward.

On the day when my university mentor said : "Congratulations you are now graduated engineer of geodesy", after when celebration starts he aproach to me and he said that my learning is starting from now. After finishing uiversity I have luck to get first serious job on construction of highway. After firs week I realized what he sad to me. So every morning I asked more experienced collages what is this, why like that, how you do prepare data for on field stake out, and much more. I started to achieve my goal. Every new day I learned small piece of puzzle. There was a good days, but also a bad one's. But I was not ready to surrender. I had big help from more experienced colleges, and that was weary important to me.

Construction isn't a solo task; it's a symphony of efforts. Regular feedback is your melody. Lean on colleagues, mentors, and peers. Their guidance is like a blueprint, helping you build your career with fewer errors and more confidence.

On my first work where I was field surveyor I wanted to learn mor than that. I saw that experienced collages use AutoCAD Civil 3D. I asked for help but nobody was willing to learn me how to use this software. So I bouth PDF book, printed it to be paper book and start to learn on my own. Newer the less that Civil 3D main purpose is to make roads, and rail designs, it is also weary helpful thing for surveyors. During the day I was working my job, and my free time I was spending to learn Civil 3D. Now I am entering to the twelfth year of learning and I still talking to people that I know only 30 % of software capabilities. Botom line is to learn every time when you can in all areas of yours expertise, and to follow new trends and new things

Keep the flame of curiosity alive. Learning new skills in construction is like adding more tools to your belt, readying you for more complex and exciting projects. Each new skill is a new opportunity, a new adventure.

During my contractor days, as I progress in my career I learn lot of things, and finaly in 2015 I was position to a place of chief of surveying department. After that in every new company I take that place, thanks to my knowledge and experience. It lasts for six years. It was nice until 2021. Then I had burnout. I was so dedicated to job and to be a good leader, so I forget to take care of myself. Two packs of cigarets, too much coffee, stress, not enough sleep. Then one day when I was traveling from construction site to home I had car accident. I brok road fence and fallen down in 7 m deep hole. Luckily I survived the acident with only one bump on my head. But seriously my friends TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. I take a 1 year brake after that.

Earlier before I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Construction, I admired the art of building; how workers combine materials and joints to create a living structure. I've always wanted to become one of these artists. Here I am, years after that, looking back and saying. Why did I choose this career? It's very tough. Then I realise! Building the smallest of projects in construction requires the brightest mindset, the broadest communication skills, and the most challenging risk and crisis management efforts. It's never like taking candy from a child. It is why you should not only appreciate, but also celebrate your work. You're an artist! You're a scientist! You're the best of all worlds. It's sad when you don't appreciate or acknowledge that.

Appreciation of yours work is not a salary. Money is big matter in that, but for me personaly is more important to have good relationships with my colleagues, to be in good relationship with contractors as a supervisor. Every new achievement is a thing that you need to be proud to your self. I do not need to get promotion, shoulder tap, biger salary. I am hapy with my self and who am I. When you stop to seek someone to say you are excellent, then you achive the goal. Be proud to your self and appreciate your work however is small yours contribution to big machinery. Construction is complicated, but when I am driving through some section of roads where I was contractor I feel joy and happiness because this is my legacy.

My own journey in the construction world has been a long search for the right track. I ventured through design, construction, academia, and now BIM technology. It was a decade-long quest. If I had a mentor from the start, guiding me, perhaps my path would have been shorter. But every turn taught me something valuable. Remember, sometimes the long road equips us with wisdom and resilience we'd never gain on a shortcut. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the longest roads lead to the most rewarding destinations. Let this story be a beacon for those navigating their paths, encouraging them to seek guidance but also to embrace the journey of finding their own way.

Just like in any other life situation, who you hang out with matters. Attend industry events. Go to training seminars. Learn a new task, system, or service every month, quarter, or year (depending on the level of complexity) Listen to podcasts and read books from people you admire and would like to emulate in the industry.