Advice on taking career in a new direction?

1,933 Views | 15 Replies | Last: 2 mo ago by Jason Ag
ReloadAg
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9:34a, 6/18/25
AG
I was extremely happy in my leadership position in residential construction project management in Austin but a couple of weeks ago we had some corporate restructuring, and I was offered a severance to leave the company or go back down to a senior field manager position which was the role I had been doing prior to about a year ago.

Given the current job market, I decided to take the demotion and stay on and fire up a job search on the side to see if I can find something better elsewhere since I did take about a 20% cut in pay, but at least I have a job for the moment. Residential real estate is still a mess so I'm looking in other industries in which my skills and experience might translate well.

I know the economy is shaky right now but I'm staying positive and optimistic about finding a new path. My question is what advice do you have about going in a new direction? Which industries should I look at where my extensive leadership experience and project management experience might translate well? I need ot stay in Austin but I'm open to doing some traveling and I'm open to getting some additional certifications if necessary. What certifications are in demand right now or might be the most helpful in my transition to a different industry? Any advice is appreciated.

I'm glad I have the luxury of time and at 43 years old, this might be an exciting opportunity to get into something different after spending 19 years in the residential real estate market. Thanks!
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AgOutsideAustin
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10:16a, 6/18/25
AG
Username checks out and good luck !
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Diggity
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11:12a, 6/18/25
AG
have you looked into commercial construction? I know office kind of stinks right now but Industrial and Retail seem to be doing OK.
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techno-ag
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12:12p, 6/18/25
AG
How do you feel about investment real estate on the side? Seems like you could handle many of the landlord issues with your skill set, earn extra income and get some good tax breaks.
Pro College Station Convention Center
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ReloadAg
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In reply to Diggity • 12:19p, 6/18/25
AG
I have actually. I've reached out to some people in my network and my brother also works in that space so we'll see what happens with that. Thanks!
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Apache
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2:16p, 6/18/25
AG
Hit up your quality subcontractors. You already have a relationship & know how to run jobs. You're just dialing in on a particular trade.

I would also reach out to supply houses, they need management skill & construction experience in order to intelligently help builders.



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ReloadAg
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In reply to Apache • 3:08p, 6/18/25
AG
Great ideas. Thanks!
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Pacifico
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In reply to ReloadAg • 8:57p, 6/18/25
AG
ReloadAg said:
I was extremely happy in my leadership position in residential construction project management in Austin but a couple of weeks ago we had some corporate restructuring, and I was offered a severance to leave the company or go back down to a senior field manager position which was the role I had been doing prior to about a year ago.

Given the current job market, I decided to take the demotion and stay on and fire up a job search on the side to see if I can find something better elsewhere since I did take about a 20% cut in pay, but at least I have a job for the moment. Residential real estate is still a mess so I'm looking in other industries in which my skills and experience might translate well.

I know the economy is shaky right now but I'm staying positive and optimistic about finding a new path. My question is what advice do you have about going in a new direction? Which industries should I look at where my extensive leadership experience and project management experience might translate well? I need ot stay in Austin but I'm open to doing some traveling and I'm open to getting some additional certifications if necessary. What certifications are in demand right now or might be the most helpful in my transition to a different industry? Any advice is appreciated.

I'm glad I have the luxury of time and at 43 years old, this might be an exciting opportunity to get into something different after spending 19 years in the residential real estate market. Thanks!


A job is a mechanism to produce revenue to pay for things in life. It is not a reflection of you or who you are. Remember that.
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ReloadAg
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In reply to Pacifico • 10:57p, 6/18/25
AG
Well said
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tamc93
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11:32p, 6/18/25
AG
Residential is obviously tough in AUS right now.

I am hearing horizontal construction is picking up (e.g. subdivisions) and multifamily should pick up next year.

Right now most of my projects are the latter, but starting to see the former in the pipeline.

Not that it helps, AUS used to pretty cyclical and the next dozen years has been overly strong. It will comeback soon enough.

Feel free to PM me if needed.
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Apache
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In reply to Pacifico • 7:05a, 6/19/25
AG
Quote:
A job is a mechanism to produce revenue to pay for things in life. It is not a reflection of you or who you are. Remember that.
Should be a different thread, but I disagree with this in some instances.

Some people are just working for money, but others are following their passion and thus the job is an extension of the person and their character/personality.

I would just say that a job should not define completely who you are.



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Tea Party
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In reply to Apache • 8:17a, 6/19/25
Apache said:
Quote:
A job is a mechanism to produce revenue to pay for things in life. It is not a reflection of you or who you are. Remember that.
Should be a different thread, but I disagree with this in some instances.

Some people are just working for money, but others are following their passion and thus the job is an extension of the person and their character/personality.

I would just say that a job should not define completely who you are.



Working to live vs living to work. There's no wrong choice either way, as it depends on the persons personal and career aspirations.
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fulshearAg96
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In reply to Pacifico • 9:00a, 6/21/25
AG
Pacifico said:


A job is a mechanism to produce revenue to pay for things in life. It is not a reflection of you or who you are. Remember that.
this is 100% debatable
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YouBet
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9:36a, 6/21/25
AG
You've probably answered my question already with your opening statement, but do you want to remain in a leadership role? That will open/close opportunities for you depending on that answer.
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ReloadAg
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In reply to YouBet • 11:06a, 6/21/25
AG
Not necessarily. I'm open to lots of different roles.
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Jason Ag
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In reply to Apache • 7:24p, 6/23/25
AG
Apache said:
Quote:
A job is a mechanism to produce revenue to pay for things in life. It is not a reflection of you or who you are. Remember that.
Should be a different thread, but I disagree with this in some instances.

Some people are just working for money, but others are following their passion and thus the job is an extension of the person and their character/personality.

I would just say that a job should not define completely who you are.


Reminded me of this


Good luck man, pursue opportunity.
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