To want out of toxic industry

[CaffieneNeeder]

I’ve been working in the construction industry for past 4 years; 3.5 years with one company and 6 months with my current employer. I am aware it may seem unfair to base my assumption of the whole industry being “toxic” on 2 jobs but having had interviews with other companies I am aware that many other companies also work in similar environments. I’ve also had various family members work in the industry and they have all said the same.

I describe the industry as “toxic” because of the continual exposure to direct sexism (as well as the terrible pay gap too!) and constant pressure to perform below standard or bordering on illegal.

A few examples:
• Approached by my director for sexual favours for what felt like “I’ll scratch my back if you scratch mine”
• Manipulating figures or using purposefully complicated formulas to screw farmers out of their land for a lot lower than they expect
• Manipulating figures or using purposefully complicated formulas to mess with viability reports
• Using sub-standard materials on buildings
• Not sticking to planning protocol or building regulations
• Bullying behaviour to force questionable practices; e.g. closely shouted at in board room full of colleagues that it’s this way or leave

Issue is, I am the breadwinner in the family and have a company car and if I leave this industry I am unsure of where to go. I have a BA in Politics and MA in Planning and as I am in a managerial position I feel like my skills are transferable but not sure how to advertise myself to other industries. I should imagine I will have to start from bottom again which will mean a pay cut. I’m not sure if we could afford that, certainly not sure we could afford to lose the family car either.

AIBU in wanting to leave this industry all together? Not sure how I can or if I even should. And surely only working 6 months in current job doesn’t look good to start job hunting again?

I worked for a construction company once, in the office. I know exactly what you mean. Never been anywhere with such rampant and blatant sexism and racism.

Do not use your work email or PC for any note keeping or matters pertaining to this issue. My lot used to literally read your emails and watch what you were doing on your computer.

Honestly, unless you're willing to take this all the way to tribunal and/or the press, just leave. They will cover their arses at all costs and opportunities. It's utterly shit.

I'm in the construction industry but on the consulting side and although it's extremely male dominated I've been doing it for 10 years and never had any of the issues you describe. You might not have to move that far to improve your situation.

danci I work for one of the biggest construction industries in the UK already! But maybe looking to build stuff like waterworks or infrastructure like that might be interesting, I'll ring up one of my old work colleagues as I know she used to work in something like that.

I've worked in and around construction for over twenty years and haven't experienced what you describe. However, I have two friends in the charity sector who left over bullying and shouting. My point is that I think it's misguided to describe an entire industry as toxic. But if that's how you feel could you try to retrain/increase your skills base whilst in your current position and then switch to a different sector? If you're at managerial level then perhaps the company could fund some change or project management training. Both of which are in demand in other sectors too.

Construction is male-dominated but all the ancillary sectors that you're considering (ie planning; public sector building) are still male-dominated too. Not every male-dominated industry is sexist and/or corrupt but there is a different dynamic that doesn't suit everyone. Just as there is a different dynamic in a female-dominated sector.

If you haven't fallen out of love with the entire industry then it may be better to identify a larger company with a robust HR and complaints system, and a happier workforce and try to gain employment there.

Was also going to say local authority/civil service - you sound ideally suited to working in a planning department, or some kind of consulting or research organisation. Or management in a university department. Also look at charities and NGOs. Just apply for loads of jobs and keep going. Depending on the job, I think it might sometimes be OK to say you don't feel you're a good fit in in industry where you encounter a lot of sexism/macho culture, and you think you'd thrive in the public sector for example.

You could whistleblow, make a harassment/bullying complaint or make a constructive dismissal claim, but there are reasons why many people can't face a process like that.

It sounds like you have a strong case for constructive dismissal or sexual harassment.
I would feel a moral obligation to whistleblow re the substandard building materials.

(Obviously you can encounter sexism and harassment anywhere including some charities, as has recently come to light. But there might be charities that specifically need your expertise, for example there are organisations that help women in construction - have a google)

Hiya I also work in construction but as a design consultant and have not experienced the issues you mention although dont doubt they exist.

Does your professional body have a mentoring programme you could get advice from?

Formulae to calculate current and future profit/end costs are standard across every aspect of construction because they are standard in conveyancing. You will find them in LA and public sector building organisations too
My DB works in public sector consulting on construction and negotiating purchases and sales. LAs and public sector organisations are notorious for complicated contracts. I don't think you would enjoy those roles either. Not because of a macho culture but because you seem to have an inherent disgust and distrust of the minutiae of construction contracts.
I think you would be better focusing on building your project or change management skills and moving into a different industry.

I apologise for deeming whole industry as toxic, was unfair of me to do so. I guess I am just at end of my tether with it now having first hand experience and family/friends having received similar in 7 different companies. Still no excuse and I am sure many places are lovely or at least decent to work for.

I think for me it would be best to leave the private construction sector, everyone seems to go round in circles between the main companies in this region so I will just keep coming across the same people.

JosBoys I completely get how viability works and no issue with it in principle but I do have an issue when what they state is completely wrong or how my colleagues are boasting that they are tricking a farmer in thinking how much he is selling his land for.

But if you say this unfair behaviour is inherent in this industry then I do agree that it is best I completely move away from it.

LivingDeadGirlUK yes they have a Woman in Industry programme which I had started looking into getting involved with but it doesn't seem possible for me to attend anything as I have a young DS that I struggle to get evening care for. (Not the industry's issue I know)

I'm with the IET and was put in contact with my mentor so we could find a mutually good time to meet rather than having a fixed event to attend. Its worth enailing them and asking of anyone can help :)

Your Proffesional body that is not the IET :p

LivingDeadGirlUK ah that's great to know, is it something I can do within working hours? Would it count as CPD?

Caffiene you misunderstand. I think deliberately. The farmer or whoever is selling the land will have a conveyancing solicitor. It's their job to protect the farmer/ seller's rights and I would trust that they are doing so regardless of the bravado being spouted in your office.

fwiw I have never dealt with a farmer who was ignorant about land values hence I'd take your colleagues' claims with a hefty pinch of salt.

I used to meet with mine over lunch but yes it gives you more flexability. Not sure if it is cpd though. Also not sure how old you are but there is a young planners group in my area so could be similar where you are?

JosBoys I promise you I am not doing this deliberately. This new way of contracting with landowners has come down from Head Office as they have had success with it elsewhere too. One of my colleagues reckon it will go to court as there was a clear understanding between farmer and us how much he would receive and that there is something about "intent" which allows for contracts to be overruled? I didn't really understand what he was saying but hope he is right, he was also equally disgusted by this practice. I know it sounds unbelievable because it is so horrible and unfair but it is happening. I suppose some could say its the famer's fault for having a poor conveyancor.

Either way it doesn't detract from how I need out of this industry as the wool has been removed from my eyes now. When I first entered it all fresh from uni I was so naïve. I have stated that I appreciate it isn't like this for everyone and maybe it is just business to produce unfair and immoral contracts and viability reports but I cant be part of that as it is damaging my self-esteem and mental health.

LivingDeadGirlUK I think I might be a bit old for Young Planners, did get involved with that when I first graduated but they didn't really seem to do anything

Could you start your own business, advising people in this area? You could have the opportunity to change things.

Spaghettijumper has crossed my mind, spoke about setting up our own practice with 2 friends but we can't afford to not have an income whilst we get work in

@CaffieneNeeder, sorry to hear about this negative experience in this line of work. What roles have you had in the companies you've worked for? that might inform your choice of a next move.

LouiseCollins28 currently just been same role as what I've got now but started off as an assistant.

Previous job before construction was retail and worked in PR too. Have also had experience in hospitality.

I think it's misguided to describe an entire industry as toxic

I know people working in the public sector and charity sector who have experienced truly horrific "toxic" workplaces too! Personally, I've worked in "toxic" accountancy practices. It's not an "industry thing", it can happen anywhere in any industry, whether private or public.

@caffeineNeeder if you think you have skills that a 'customer' might want don't wait for a job to be offered.

Find a contact (linkedin) and send over an email / CV asking if they would be interested in talking to you.

This is how I got the job I am in now, I was made redundant asked an old supplier to meet for a coffee and he offered me what is now my dream job.