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 have worked in the property industry for 20 years and, although it is male dominated, I have never personally been the victim of sexual harassment or discrimination. When I first started work, there were instances where there was client entertainment in strip clubs and also a rumor that there was a fund in place to pay off women who complained about harassment. However, I moved companies and cities and have never come across anything like that since. I don't know whether that kind of culture still exists in that city / company / department.

In terms of the contract you are describing. That doesn't sound immoral to me. In a business transaction everyone is out for themselves and should be properly represented.

wow you should have plenty of useable transferable skills then! Would you say you experienced sexism at the interviews you went to as well?

Guess I just have stupidly high standards then. I just feel it's wrong and immoral to lie. Perhaps I shouldn't be in business at all.

Well all the other examples you have used sounded very bad, and illegal. Eg using sub standard materials etc. I wouldn't have come across that.

I don't think it's as black and white as lying or not though. In a negotiation you're not going to put all your cards on the table. You're acting in your own business interests and so is the other party. But then I don't know the detail of what you describe.

OP I'm sorry you're getting a roasting on this thread. When I read your OP I knew exactly the kind of environment you were talking about, and just because it may not be the same in all construction companies doesn't mean you're oversensitive or something. FWIW a friend of mine worked as a PA in construction and had a lot of problems. Besides the "banter" and sexist atmosphere, everything the male managers should have been doing was dumped on her, she was never promoted despite doing several highly paid managers' jobs, and into the bargain she was expected to cover up for their affairs. She hated it. So I totally believe you.

As for dodgy practices, well yes there is a bit of an overlap and grey area between dodgy and legal. Many business owners treat people badly to get ahead and make money - sometimes legally, sometimes not, it depends on the law relating to those areas, loopholes, etc. It's no secret that regulations for forcing employers and businesses to behave better are not always perfect and have been undermined. That doesn't make it morally OK and if you are not on board with it, you owe it to yourself to find a happier way to make a living.

Caffiene I don't disagree that you need out of the industry. I wasn't trying to be harsh. I was just explaining that some of the aspects you are struggling with, will be in every ancillary industry too ie public; private; consulting; planning.
I'd hate for you to make a move into the LA for example, and then discover you're faced with the same issues. My experience across the industry says that you would face those contract discussions/negotiations everywhere.
So although there are many companies without sexism; without shoddy materials; and with respect for their employees and customers; your inherent dislike of the contract phases mean that you would probably still be unhappy.
But you should have lots of transferable skills that you can use to change sector. Good luck.

heateallthebuns and JosBoys (don't worry about sounding harsh, this is the AIBU board afterall!) I do get contracts and am good at negotiating its just when a farmer rings up and says "I am going to be X for my land right?" and is told "Yes of course" but when in reality that isn't the case at all, I struggle.
I've applied for a few LA jobs now, so FX

MsJinglyJones I'm both glad and regretful that you know of the behaviour I am talking about here. It is nice to know I am not just being over sensitive but sorry to hear you know of this environment. I am still reasonably young so I think I am in a good position to start a new career! Thank you