NEGATIVES of Being a QS
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- In this video I focus on the cons of being a QS and ultimately why I was never suited to being a QS from the outset.
I highlight 4 negatives of being a QS that are common issues that all Quantity Surveyors face during the role.
There are downsides for all jobs and quantity surveying is no exception.
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Thank you for taking the time to make this video and share you experiences 👍 I think there has already been a request for the positives, I also think that would be great. Thanks again 👍
thanks. extremely helpful and insightful. really has made me reconsider the plundge
Hi Adam, did you reconsider it in the end? I’m currently training and very strongly considering quitting. I have another opportunity lined up
Thank you for getting back to .. really appreciate the advice
"Anxiety" it really describe my feelings right now
All I hear is FACTS. I work for an M&E company and considering changing careers completely. Would love to go work as a train driver, minimum paper work and working alone 😎
Did this ever happen?! I like idea of total job change
Hi, former civil engineer here.. been qs last one year. big believer od automating excel speadsheets but this job... OMG THE REPETITEVENESS FM! studying coding so i can automate things and not do the same meaningless tasks over and over again..
I like it and it's a rewarding career
Great video, thanks for sharing this! I've been a QS / estimator for 10 years now in the UK, never worked on site though. I'm currently looking to change careers, I'm just fed up with the stress and pointlessness of it! I'm interested in export sales or engineering/ technology so I'm looking at making a change. Qsing is well paid but there's things out there. I couldn't agree with you more about not wanting to stay in the same career for life especially if it makes you miserable and doesn't have good work / life balance! Thanks again 😊
Thanks Edward, best of luck with your search. Stating the obvious but don’t be afraid to take a pay cut as it’ll only be for a couple of years before you make it back & like you’ve said there’s so much more to life
Pls umm I want to study architecture but I also want to have a degree in QS is it possible
Very good content thanks for uploading
Thanks - really interesting and important.
Been working as a Main Contractor QS for 15 years now & honestly it feels like the older, more experienced I get, the harder the job gets. Thinking of alternative job roles / career paths to follow, but struggling.
Hey, I’ve done a video highlighting some of the more obvious options like the consultancy side or becoming a buyer. It’s a really difficult one to answer and has a lot to do with other companies being willing to give you a chance too with a different career.
If you cover off the basics of being willing to take a short term pay cut and putting your cv out there you’ll always be a step closer to finding something exciting.
Touch wood you’ll find something this year.
I feel the same 😂
Bang on, I am currently in the same process
Great video. Really insightful.
Thank you
Not disputing anything you have brought up. For me the work around is taking on anybody else’s work to keep your core job interesting
By learning other parts of the process I been able to keep myself engaged and also more valuable to future employers
It’s not for everyone that’s for sure
I started my journey in QS last year lol I feel this
😂
Be patient. Learn as much u can.
1) first 5 years - learn
2) next 5-10 years - practice independently
3) until retire - managing
Im at lev 3 at the moment. If my 1 are poor, i cant rewind the time to go back to learn.
@@alel1347 your last statement wasn't clear. Pls clarify
@@Ugo_Ego he’s saying he’s a manager at the moment, if he didn’t learn the first five years properly he wouldn’t have time to learn later
Love Your video
It is inportant to understand the life cycle of a constuction project, simplistically, preconstruction. Construction and final account........ During each phase, the role of a quantity surveyor is extreamly different, however, there is obviously a repetitive role in terms of the payment process each month in the construction phase given subcontractors need to be paid for the work they are doing and it is the role of the surveyor to mamage payment. However during this phase we will also be managing change, risk and using business smarts to maximise profit, reporting margins internally etc etc. Extremely varied work load. In the majority of careers, repetitiveness will manifest, a footballer will always kick a fottball, a model will always walk down a cat walk, a sales person will always be selling goods, whereas the role of a surveyor is always varied. I hope this provides a different perspective for those reading. I have 17 years experience, be advised it is extremely challenging and not for the work shy 😉
Thanks for this. I have a younger sister who wants to do this, so I’m watching and reading all I can about it.
I love the Construction videos! Have you also considered doing videos on getting CSCS Cards & also the CITB SMSTS certification?
Not in the near future but I won’t discount it.
Mate, thank you!
I'm about to embark on my first day of study in QS & I watch this haha & I'm 29 years of age.haha aw mate.
Best of luck with it. There’s equally as many positives and I’ll get round to making that video as soon as I can and others.
I get the irony of when you’ve decided to watch it but where a couple of people have decided to take offence to this video or see it as being negative towards QS’ the intent behind which I think most people understand is if a careers not for you, you can make a change. And quitting something you’re not enjoying in pursuit of something more enjoyable would always be something I’d personally promote.
We also field a lot of questions about how to know if a career is right in the first place and from memory that’s how I start the video saying the points aren’t unique to being a QS and analysing what a job is like day to day vs your own personality is another way to be objective about a career choice.
Best of luck with everything
@@careerinsights2430 Cheers for the insight. My mindset is complete the paper no matter what. The skill set is the value & at this age up skilling no matter what the field is the real winner. Love your videos. All the negatives mentioned sound like good problems in this day and age I was just getting a bit of anxiety lol. Thank you again bro.
This was really insightful, I’m left a bit puzzled as I’m intending on taking a course for Property Studies as opposed to Construction Management which leads to Honours in Quantity Surveying. You mentioned that you left your QS role and took on a Project Management role, how do the two roles differ?
If you’re also able to guide me, which course would you suggest one takes if they do intend on being a Property Developer?
Great video. I tried to put up some really useful advice for people (as a QS myself) but my comments wouldn't post?.... It was lengthy, but not a novel. Shame really, as it was very useful advice at that.
Hello, Maybe look into RUclips comment restrictions and see if you broke any of its rules? RUclips will automatically stop or delete certain types of messages.
From our side we let 99% of comments stay unless they’re abusive or not constructive to helping others.
All the best
Very intresting video
Thank you very much. I feel like I've just added 6 years of experience. :) God Bless.
Interesting. I really hate the feeling of monotonous repetition in a job too. I'm not a fan of paperwork either. I thought project management and being a QS were similar - what is the difference between a project manager compared to a QS role? I was also looking at Building Surveyor role and considering doing an MSc in that. Do you have any thought on that?
Hello, I’ve done a video on project management and we’ve also got one from Mark too. Give them a watch for two perspectives on being a PM (our jobs are different even though it’s the same industry).
I did Building Surveying as a BSc but never performed the role professionally so can’t really comment.
I’d imagine it has some overlap to a building control officer in the sense of visiting numerous sites and writing up reports.
All the best.
Much informative .... really good speach... background music is little disturbing. Try to remove.
He's talking about the dreaded Compensation Event repetitiveness. Being a QS on the contractor side requires a LOT of repeating.
If you dont want repeating, work in small companies.
Very interesting vlog 👍
Aren't the QS roles slightly different, depending on whether you work for the Main Contractor, or the Client, or at a Consultancy? Are you doing a video on the different QS roles?
Thank you.
A video on QS roles is definitely in the pipeline. Thank you for the idea 👍
Great video! Curious to know if you've every worked as a PQS? And if you had thoughts on which form of QS'ing you'd recommend? I'm less than a year into my current PQS position, although I've enjoyed it, I've wondered if maybe I'd better suited to the contractor side of things. Cheers.
Hi, I’ve never been a PQS but worked with them pretty much the entire time I’ve been in construction (from both client and contractor side of things).
I’ve done a video on the different jobs I think are available to QS’ and I honestly couldn’t say one is better than another. They all have pros and cons and likewise could appeal to completely different people.
You don’t have to stick / commit to one form for the rest of time and I’m a big believer in broadening your knowledge so there’s no harm in making the change and moving back if it’s not for you.
Only recommendation I would say is get MRICS on the PQS side first as a safety net. As it will make it very easy to get a job back in that profession if it turns out it’s not for you.
They are very different jobs from a day to day perspective so might be worth speaking to some of the contractor QS’ you’re currently working with too, to get their opinions.
All the best
I’ve been a PQS for 10 years now. Went through a phase where I was this close to dropping out about 3/4 years in. Luckily I found a role with the best work life balance and haven’t looked back since.
I realised then that it wasn’t the role I hated, it was the environment so really consider that 👍🏻
@@WiseEyes313 what role was this pls?
Hi thanks for the video. I'm currently deciding between a building surveyor degree apprenticeship and quantity surveyor. Which would u recommend and also when looking for jobs I've noticed that most building surveyor jobs are down towards London and not very near where I live in Manchester. Any clue why
Thanks
Hi Amman, I don’t think there’s much overlap or similarities between BS & QS so possibly in your shoes I would try to breakdown what the jobs entail on a day to day basis and what hypothetically seems more exciting and better suited to you.
I don’t think this would necessarily be a shared opinion but I think there’s more similarity between BS & REM (Real Estate Management) not in terms of the paperwork or specific role they’re undertaking but the basic functions and day to day. Visiting multiple sites, multiple clients at any one time, etc. one has more of a sales / commercial element to it and the other more a strict reporting function.
From a studying perspective I wouldn’t be too concerned about getting pigeon holed this early on. They’ll both cover similar topics and from a graduating perspective you’ll still have options beyond the exact titles i.e. facilities management, party wall surveying.
Job availability will always be geographic dependant & London will often have more jobs due to its scale but just bear in mind when you’re looking at salaries that London is very expensive so a higher wage may not necessarily mean you’ll have as much disposable income compared to somewhere else in the UK.
Hope this helps
@@careerinsights2430 Thanks for your reply. Also is building surveyor still a good career to go for because I saw many articles saying that it will die out in a couple of years
A lot of people have asked the same question and my opinion and all the opinions I’ve seen come back from people in the comments section are it’s not a dying career.
I am a QS is South Africa, I was actually thinking of going abroad thinking with obviously massive structures it would be more interesting but boy I probably should reconsider the coarse
Hi Precious, it’s never my intention to put people off, we’re all different and what excites / motivates me will 100% be different from the next person.
It’s such strange times at the minute and none of us have a crystal ball.
The UK have created some good initiatives to get the economy going again which is great news.
The flip side for a lot of people is whether or not we end up in a second wave and what that will do to the economy here and around the world.
I’ve always had the outlook if you make decisions to the best of your ability at the time (i.e. doing your research) you won’t regret it.
Career Insights well let this pandemic pass so I can revisit the idea
@@precioussebatjane2986
Go for it. World are become global. AECOM are everywhere....
How is the money in SA being a QS?
Very valuable video, not enough of these types of video out there informing people about career experiences.
What about the hours worked each week?
Personally I think circa 7.30 - 5.30pm is quite common.
ONE women qs listed 8 to 5pm but the phone calls could come in around 7pm from subs
Hie do you have any tips on how l get an apprenticeship in Qs without any experience?
Hi Ryan,
I’ve done a few videos on how to find work experience which are probably worth a watch for ideas on reaching out to local businesses which may create opportunities in the future for you.
I don’t have any specific advice on finding apprenticeships outside of looking on multiple job boards (Reed, CV library, etc) as well as professional websites like RICS.
Job hunting at any stage of your career is similar to what you’re doing here; researching, interacting with people, etc.
It is a bit of an odds game and some people get lucky finding something quickly but the majority of the time it can be arduous looking at the same websites, etc.
I would definitely give the work experience videos a watch as there’s definitely no harm in reaching out to businesses to see if you can get some experience and hopefully meet some people in the industry.
Best of luck with everything
If you’ve written the content once, store it and provide it as educational material for anyone that doesn’t understand. (Efficiency)
can u please answer if it worth it if i stay in this course..im in diploma .. I've been through internship in semester 5 ..ive got into contractor's company.. i think it's not my forte because i hate going through details things especially all the documentation, paperwork it's quite dreading..how u could love measuring all the component..is it could be improve through time so u could just calculate in your head?..i know it's kinda different based on your industry u get in such as developer, government and consultant...i really need to know if it's worth it to go for degree in qs?
Hello, happy to try and help. There’s a lot of information here in quite short sentences so it’s hard to understand what you’re overriding question / concern is.
I can see you’re working for a contractor and not enjoying it. How long have you been there? Are there any bits you enjoy?
Have you had any exposure to other professions like project managers to see if that’s better suited?
Personally (and remember I’m only one perspective) I wouldn’t invest 5 years of my life if I know it’s not for me.
I was a QS through the last recession with bills and commitments so at the time I felt like I had to stick at it.
There were definite positives to the role and I have promised to make a video on this but I’ve just been really struggling for time recently.
You’re young so no need to put too much pressure on yourself if it’s ultimately not for you. Better to invest your energy in finding something that you’d enjoy more.
@@careerinsights2430 yeah i think it's a short explanation there😂😂 but i just don't know if i would enjoy being a qs myself..i think it would be hard to work on something u don't love..if u just could explain more what is the process going on in the construction..what would u do first when there's gonna be a bidding then wht happen and so on so i could see if i could tolerate all the workload till the final account done.. really appreciate if u could break down the process 🙂
Not all companies and QS roles are the same.
Something you’ve pointed out yourself is Bidding. A lot of QS don’t do this as in big companies this would be an estimator or bid manager. The QS would only pick the project up once the company has won the tender and essentially the project is live.
Have you watched Anthony’s video on being a QS?
I’ve also also done a video on the various career opportunities available to QS’.
Maybe give them a watch too.
@@careerinsights2430 im actually considering construction management
Ask yourself, do u want to be a QS?
My harsh advise to my staff that out of focus, “QS is not for everyone. If u dont have the heart, stop and do something else. Dont waste people time to teach you and dont waste your time on something you dont believe.”
In this case, u should go fo career talk or research about the actual scope of Quantity Surveyor. Then, decide...
I wonder if u have ever worked with a consultant or client
I worked on the contractor side and I think it is pointless.but working on pqs side . I think it is more rewarding. I'm thinking to go and study law and specialize in construction law. Being Mrics really helps you but it depends in which country you are
Hi - Just interested, did you go i to construction law in the end? I’d recommended the Msc at Kings College London it was really interesting,
Couldn’t agree more from Thailand 😂
What country?
It's stressful plus low paid job....left it too
Where were you working ? UK ?
@@adamtsvet6349 dubai n Ireland
Can you please reply, I am in UK immigrant from India, I am really interested in QS 27 years old at the moment and saving to study QS. I have done business study have no experience in construction industry but have always interest in. I am a Restaurant manager at the moment. But want to do something more professional. Can you please help in guide what should be the first step to start. There is a degree to do straight masters as an Qs for a year do you think. Will it be a good enough to get a job or you says it will be waste of time?? Should I got to study bachelors first which I really Dont want to give 3 years and that much of money
Hi, I would speak to the university offering the masters course and pose the question to them as they will likely have had students in similar positions to yours.
QS’ are generally in demand so my gut feeling is there will be junior jobs available from completing the masters course but it is always difficult to predict the future and what the job market will look like.
I would definitely speak to the university as a first step.
All the best with it.
This video came in at the perfect time. I'm interested in being a QS, and I've been looking for other QSs to give me their perspective on the industry. So i can know what to realistically expect in this role.
I enjoy the build environment careers, but i don't wana invest into a career i don't like that much just cause i didn't have enough info on it.
Things that are important to me is
Independence ( being able to work for myself)
Money ( high salary)
Steadyness ( constant work)
And lastly not a job that's gonna make me pull my hair out too much
I have my eye on quantity surveying or construction project managment
What are your thoughts?
I think if the repetitiveness isn’t something that puts you off then being a QS ticks a lot of your boxes.
I’ve obviously done a video on types of PM roles and will do one for QS’ too so you can see what opportunities there are.
Salary wise they’re both comparable to one another (no difference) but I’d probably say there’s less competition being a QS.
Construction or site PM’s have a lot of different routes into them: could be carpenters looking to transition, engineers, typical degree routes, etc.
QS tends to be a degree related route and opposite to PM’s you don’t have a lot of people further into their careers wanting to pivot into becoming a QS.
I’ve seen QS’ become PM’s but yet to see it the other way around.
As much as I fell out of love of being a QS the skills I learned are still used every day.
Ultimately knowing how to budget, forecast, negotiate aren’t just good for work they’re great life skills too.
@@careerinsights2430 thanks alot for that insight.
No worries 👍
@@careerinsights2430
Yeah, I agree with you sir regarding what you said about QS.
May be a shift to Contract Administrator should be a better role for the QS after the initial 6 - 10 years in a sub-contractor. Because contract administrator's write letters to subbies.
What do you think sir?
Whilst the phrase contract administrator is used a lot in the UK I haven’t really seen jobs or roles advertised for this before.
It’s kind of become a JCT term for identification purposes but could be performed by multiple professionals EA, architect, etc. Happy for people to correct me if I’m wrong.
I’d say the closest thing to it in terms of a role is an employers agent in the sense that they would be assigned the contract administrator role if they were involved in a project.
I think after 6-10 years of being a QS you’ve got the gist of the role and also what potential there is for growth in that position too.
I think I’ve mentioned in other videos when you’re just starting out it’s impossible to factor in the unknowns of life like kids. So when you’re starting you tend to only look at a career in a linear way (bottom to top position) and over simplify how easy it is to get to the top but also everything is a guess as to what it all looks like any way.
After the 6-10 years your mentioning I think you’re starting to work out what you want from life and what works best for you.
You’ve also got enough experience that if it doesn’t work out you’ve got that to fall back on too.
Not sure if that’s helped or not but hopefully it did
Found this video very interesting but would it be possible to make one describing the positives????
Hi,
We obviously have Anthony’s video who is super passionate about being a QS but I’m happy to do one on the positives.
Things I love about project management will be filmed in the next few days and some of those points are def relevant to being a QS too.
I’ll give this a brainstorm and hopefully film it, in the next few weeks 👍
The anxiety is similar in commercial BS. I'm utterly exhausted with it
Hi Lawrence, not sure how long you’ve been in your career but if it’s been long enough to know it’s not for you I would definitely look at other career options.
That was one of the biggest drivers behind doing the video. I think a lot of people feel you have to stick a career out for life regardless of enjoyment and I’ve never subscribed to that belief. Careers are an individual thing and if you nail it first time then that’s amazing but if you don’t and you’ve had a long enough insight to understand what the future of the role looks like then I hate seeing people continue with something that makes them unhappy.
Possibly a bit deep (so take this with a pinch of salt) but I’ve always looked at life that we just get the one so you might as well pursue something that excites you.
At the end of it all 30 years experience in one profession or multiple professions is still 30 years experience. It’s hard to argue someone’s experience is better than someone else’s.
All the best
@@careerinsights2430 endless Sunday dread, completely unable to switch off, needlessly adversarial (there's always one in a project team that can't work collaboratively) and a blame culture perpetuated by no win no fee lawyers. I'm looking at my options....
Best of luck dude. Stay committed to finding something different & be brave in taking a pay cut as it will only be for a short while.
The experience you’ve gained is still worth its weight in gold, you just need to find somewhere else to invest your energy & where you get more out of it.
Might not find it first time but you’re much more likely to find it if you keep exploring and willing to try new things.
Did you have to attain a new degree to become PM from a QS?
Hi Tom, no but I did / do have a masters in Project Management but it’s 100% not needed.
If you want to make the switch from QS to PM it’s a lot easier to move within a company than it is switching companies.
I didn’t do this (I moved companies) but Phill (Bid Manager) did this.
There’s a video out next week about Big vs Small companies and I talk about changing jobs in this.
So as a current student in QS I could maybe make the switch which you have done to PM if I was to dislike the QS profession? Is a degree necessary in Project Management to become one ?
Yes you could definitely make the switch.
You just may have to take a step back in pay depending on how long you’re a QS for.
With Project Management you could have a degree in construction management, building surveying, civil engineering, quantity surveying, etc.
A lot of companies look at students the same way in terms of being inexperienced. They’re expecting to train you and see uni as just a foundation.
Make sure you have work experience behind you too. A lot of people over rely on degrees and don’t realise over 70% of people get a 2:1 or better so differentiating your CV from someone else’s on a grade is near impossible for employees.
@@careerinsights2430 Is it true that its easier for a QS to do become a PM , than it is a PM wanting to become a QS
I don’t think it’s easier either way.
The perspective I’ve come at it previously is it’s more likelier and I’ve seen it multiple times - a QS become a PM.
I’ve not seen a PM become a QS but I’m sure they’re out there.
I’m 35 and about to start my degree/apprenticeship in QS, am I wasting my time?
Hi Paul, if it’s something you’re excited about starting / doing I’m not sure why you’d be wasting your time.
The video isn’t an attempt to dissuade people from becoming a QS its pointing out things I didn’t enjoy, most of which aren’t unique to being a QS.
Hopefully it resonates with people that it’s ok to change careers as well as linking personality traits with roles and whether they are a good or bad match.
There’s no one shoe fits all. There’s a good book called “Range” by David Epstein. Definitely worth a read / listen if you have the chance. It’s all about how doing different things and having different experiences is hugely beneficial and is shown to be the case behind many top athletes, scientists, entrepreneurs, etc.
Best of luck with your apprenticeship 👍
@@careerinsights2430 no the video like all the others are a big help it’s just my age I am concerned about!
I def don’t think your age will hold you back. Within a few years you’ll have a couple of projects under your belt, hopefully you’ll have a good mentor to learn from too and with something like being a QS there’s always a strong demand and good pay.
Possibly a bit deep for a RUclips chat but something the book I’ve recommended points out is the change you’ve gone through in the past is representative of the same change you’ll likely experience in the future.
As an example if you look back to who you were 10 years ago, that change will be similar to who you’ll be in 10 years.
Most people recognise the gap from the past because they’ve experienced it but when they imagine the future they only reference who they are now.
Plenty of people don’t find their calling card to later on in life. I don’t think Ray Croc met the McDonalds brothers until he was in his 50’s.
@@careerinsights2430 awesome thank you very much!! Any advise or any better options on which path to choose, like apprenticeship or uni
I think if you can find an apprenticeship you can’t beat learning on the job and saving on uni fees is a huge plus.
Hi, could you offer me some advice?
Hi Ramy, we’re happy to share our perspectives like we have for others in the comments section.
Remember we’re just one perspective and we’re big advocates of speaking to as many people as you can (people you know, universities, professional bodies) and coming to your own decisions.
@@careerinsights2430
What I’d like your take on is, am I suited to the Quantity surveying role. The below is a bit long but your time and experience could really give me perspective.
I hate sitting in the office, doing admin type of work. Just don’t have the patience or focus for it, I feel like I need to be doing something physical. Maybe it’s some undiagnosed ADHD. Just haven't got the energy for it.
After completing my undergrad in Law, I tried getting an apprenticeship in some sort of trade, and at the same time applied for a masters degree in Quantity Surveying, primarily because I didn’t want to be sitting around waiting for an opportunity to come along. As luck would have it, I ended up securing a place on the course and completing it.
Of course there is the upsides that it is a well respected career, I already had good insight in to contract law, there is scope for career development, it is well paid, and your out on site some of the times, plus it is repetitive which I like. But again, the thought of sitting at a computer, having deadlines to chase, reports to write and having to do final accounts ect.. is mentally depleting. I don’t want to feel like I’m still in education all my life.
I just want to learn and apply skill that allows me to fix things and be in the zone.
I have now applied for a plumbing apprenticeship, paying £18,600 per year, which is decent for an apprenticeship.
Question I have is, is it wise for me to drop Quantity surveying, without having tried my hand at it, for plumbing, should the apprenticeship come through? I am 32 years of age.
Suppose I could go into Quantity Surveying in later life, say at 40+ years of age, once my body has had enough of the physicality that comes with plumbing, as I now already have the credentials.
Please, be as frank and open on what you think I should do, no sitting on the fence.
Thanks 😊
Hi Ramy,
There’s quite a few points to discuss.
In general I think hypothesising about a career can cause you to go in circles. My sister in law made similar guesses about things she wouldn’t like about a job prior to actually trying it. Sometimes you need to try things to properly grasp whether you’re going to enjoy them and on top of that you could love or hate the same job depending on the company you work for - so there’s a lot of variables at play.
In terms of being a QS there are different types. I’ve done two videos on different types of PM and another on career opportunities for QS’. It’s a while since I filmed them but the PM video is highly relevant if you wanted to go down the consultancy route. From how you’re describing your personality I would probably suggest this route to you.
In the beginning (first few years) all the options are going to be about you finding your feet, learning the job and probably doing a lot of the less fun aspects of the job as that’s how you learn and earn your stripes but the reason I’d suggest the consultancy side to you is you’re more likely to work on multiple projects at one time and as your experience grows it’s a lot about building relationships with clients too.
So whilst there will undoubtedly be a lot of admin type work within the role there’s also a lot of visiting multiple sites, contractors, and clients to mix up the computer aspect you’re describing.
The consultancy side are typically much better at training when it comes to things like MRICS too which later on in life will help with pay rises and moving between companies.
On the plumbing side of things there’s no doubt if you’re more motivated to work with your hands, etc. then surveying can’t compete with it.
The only feedback I would give on the plumbing option is you shouldn’t go into a career with an exit plan. A bit like my opening thought you haven’t tried it yet so giving consideration to leaving the field in 10 years will be void within 6 months of you doing your apprenticeship as you’ll be infinitely wiser than you are now about being a plumber and what career options there will be for you in the future.
Having a complete career change in your 40’s is difficult (I wouldn’t have the approach of I’ll just become a QS after plumbing, a lot of companies will be looking at your experience not your degree) - your life circumstances like kids, mortgage may be very different too.
The only other consideration I would suggest you give some thought to is salary and career progression for surveying and plumbing. It’s really important to find a career you enjoy and definitely don’t chase money over enjoyment but try to remember that for most people career enjoyment or enthusiasm will generally slow down when other factors such as kids come along.
In terms of running your own business in years to come plumbing may have better opportunities than being a surveyor. A qualified QS may have a higher salary than a qualified plumber. It’s impossible to predict the future but I would at least consider the outline futures of both careers i.e. by looking at current local job postings for qualified QS and plumbers to see where you could get to in say 5 years.
Hopefully there’s some food for thought for you. Whatever you decide don’t dwindle on the option you didn’t pick. You’ll be much better off by making a decision and learning more on the job and adjusting from there.
Sure there’s a quote along the lines of “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. You’re in a great position to pick your starting career it’s just about getting going now.
@@careerinsights2430 Thank you. Much respect
This job sounds well stressful lol. I own a 3 man band roofing and landscaping company and have been thinking about going into QS (I done a diploma in construction in collage as i wanted to be a architect, and we done some QS stuff in the course)...Life got in the way and I didn't go onto the HNC and went on the tools...I recently thinking of applying to do HNC and be a QS as i am 30 now and studying to be an architect would take many years...I wanted to go the route of QS for salary and also slightly less stress but it sounds even more stressful lol. I don't like the inconstancy and stress of business ownership...I'm kind of lost now lol
Anthony’s done a great job as to the positives of being a QS and loving the role so I’d definitely watch his video too.
It’s all about gaining perspectives and coming to your own conclusions. I always promote speaking to as many people as possible to help hone your own opinion.
The idea behind this video isn’t drastically different to your own situation. The stats behind people considering a career change is very high and it is stressful continuing a career that doesn’t make you happy as well as feeling trapped by the prospect of taking a wage cut to start again.
It’s been a while since I filmed this but I think I said the reasoning behind me not enjoying certain aspects aren’t unique to being a QS and hopefully people could analyse the points I raise and apply them to themselves.
I understand the attraction to salary as being a driver but I would personally try to look at your own traits, characteristics and things you enjoy first otherwise you could be in danger of starting your second career and not enjoying that too.
If the stress of running your own business is the biggest deterrent, could you not look into becoming a contracts manager for a larger landscaping company, etc. Not something you need to answer to me just the type of questions I’d ask myself.
I’ve taken a lot of positives from being a QS and use skills all the time from the role so I wouldn’t put anyone off from the role. I promised I’d do a follow up video and as soon as I’ve got time it’ll be the first video I do.
All the best
@@careerinsights2430 Thanks for the reply. When I said salary I mean regular consistent pay, with pension, holiday etc...I earn around 60k a year doing what I am doing. But never knowing if you got enough work comming in month to month for the lads and overheads realy gets my anxiety up even though by the end of the year its all good..I can't help but get real bad stress from it. Also if anything weird happens (which is currently is as materials pricing is COMPLETLY crazy, and also lead times are mad)...I think I might just win the lottery jackpot lol.
Yes I am going to call around some different firms and see what they say, maybe see if I can go in and have a chat with some guys on site aswell.
Thanks for the feedback!
Ok, I’m in my first year in university I’ve not started tho I’d love to do architecture but my master should be quantity survey is it ok
Would you say that working for a consultancy as a pqs is less repetitive?
I haven’t worked for a consultancy, I’ve only worked closely with them (so definitely try to seek out more than my opinion).
I mention in one of my videos that different consultancies interchange between a QS and a PM. Some QS will only work on financial elements whereas others will see a project through i.e. chairing progress meetings, working closely with the client, etc.
So I loosely think the repetitiveness is tied to whether you fall into the bracket of only working on the financial elements of projects or getting more involved with the client, contractor and progress on site.
If it’s just financials I can see the repetitiveness element kicking in.
I know the big takeaway people are having from this video is the repetitiveness and obviously it was a deciding factor for me to but I think if your considering consultancy vs contractor vs client they’re quite different roles for a QS and I probably wouldn’t put too much emphasis on the repetitiveness element in terms of deciding factor.
Consultancy will be a lot more meet and greet with clients rather than subcontractors or suppliers. You’re one step removed from site compared to probably being site based.
There’s not a one side is better, there’s just a one side potentially being better for you.
Hope this helps
@@careerinsights2430 thanks for your detailed and helpful response. I'm starting my career as a graduate pqs tomorrow, hoping that in the future I can take on the more broad role that you outline
Awesome, congratulations.
All the best for your first day 👏
@@careerinsights2430 point 4 is on point in my last role as a PQS for a cost consultancy company. The only difference was I had both contractor and subcontractors works to do. I did variations and literally had to do things from scratch cos we had to submit it to the client. It seems like this is the norm everywhere and you just ask yourself how did things start to go downhill.
@@ftk1199
All the best to u.
Make sure u with consultant minimum 3 years to ensure basic are correct.
The best, for 1st year wk with small firm, thereafter wk in big firm such as AECOM or DAVIS LANGDON.
Then u can starts explore other.
I hv few friend, hv not work with consultant, after decade of practice, still do not hv a correct principle, especially on contract practice.
I just started my masters in QS lol
What’s your LinkedIn in?
What do you need to do in college to be a qs or to help
@@TASOOKA btec level 3 in construction and the built environment at college is best to be fair. It’s a two year course which will give you a solid foundation so you can transition to Uni. During college I will advise doing work experience for the two years. After you have finished college, apply for degree apprenticeship/ trainee programs.
@@Giovanni.semedo cheers you saved my life imma ss this I’ll get back you you when I am one thanks
A masters in qs!! Education riping you off.
Do you think building surveying is a dying career
Hi Darren, without going into a huge amount of detail no. I can’t think of an argument that would support its decline. Open to hearing your views if you think differently though.
All the best
@@careerinsights2430 yeah because I was doing research and I saw a article that basically said that there’s a decline graduates and in the next 15 years all the experienced surveyors will retire meaning it’s a dying profession.
I haven’t seen the article but that sounds like declining supply of surveyors rather than the career?
@@careerinsights2430 yeah so most surveyors are old and will retire which basically means there won’t be enough to carry the profession so idk I’m thinking of doing the course but seeing that is making me re consider would you still recommend me doing this course.
The point I was trying to make is it seems like you could be confusing supply and demand. There’s still a demand for the career just not enough supply of professionals.
If there’s a lack of supply then that’s a good thing for people wanting to get into this career (less competition for jobs).
can't u just ignore the contractors, like must u pick up their call each time they call about the same thing?
Hi Nowrin, this was filmed quite a while ago so I’m not sure exactly the part your referencing but in general ignoring subcontractors / contractors calls isn’t a good idea.
You probably procured the subbie dirt cheap and he had not costed prelims
Hi Gavin, I think you’ve missed the point of the channel if that’s your overriding comment.
Never really understand speculation comments like this, if you watch more videos your theory is unfortunately unfounded and false.
The channels about helping and I’m more than happy for you to share positive experiences you have that others can learn from but will delete negative comments.
All the best.
@@careerinsights2430 hi, thank you for responding, its much appreciated. Please accept my apologies if i have done so, it appeared (in the very short time i listened to the video and comments) that a negative picture was being painted and it appeared, from review of the comments, to being having the desired effect on people. I will certainly pay more attention by subscribing to the channel and intend to better understand.
@@careerinsights2430 to further elaborate, when procuring a subcontractor, the cheapest price ia not alwaya the best, while the cheapest may provide an immediate profit margin, the chances are, the cheapest does not include the necessary prelim allowances to manage the cost. It is the role of the qs to investigate this at the start. If the subcontracts have made these allowamces and are not performing, then we should be investigating why we are paying them for the service in the first instance l
No problem at all. Thanks for adding value to the comments.
The videos and comments sections are littered with the same feedback from me which is remember this is one persons perspective and you should always seek out more than one persons opinion.
There’s also videos on how to seek out professionals to help you with this.
I haven’t rewatched this video in a while but I’m 99% confident I said this wasn’t about hating on QS’, I have a lot of respect for them and ultimately a lot of the points are relevant to a whole host of jobs (so you could apply the points to other careers).
Agree with your following point about the role of a QS having investigative qualities to make sure the price is correct but if I was passing advice to a relative or my daughter I would also say make sure you have thick skin when the company doesn’t want to go with the logical choice.
I’ve promised a few times to follow up with a positives of being a QS video but like a lot of people at the minute we’re just trying to focus on keeping a roof over our heads for the short term and I’ve always felt Anthony’s video couldn’t be topped for enthusiasm of being a QS which is why I asked him to do the interview.
Best wishes and thanks again for the comments
@@careerinsights2430 very good point regarding thick skin. And also the desision is by the company in most occasions as to who we procure which could be to the detriment of the qs 👍🏼
A non PC take on QSing 😂.
Too bad.
I hv been a QS for more than 20 years.
You limiting your QS practice and development.
I hv been working in building as developer, consultant, main comtractor and subcontractor role. And also in oil and gas as sub-contractor and developer role.
Your company or yourself limiting the QS potential. You should starts exploring QS+project management or QS+contract.
Anyway, not all people willing to continue as QS due to the pressure and stress. And thats is why QS is always have demand in the market. Even, today during COVID, companies still looks for QS.
Every industries need QS, but not all using ‘QS’ terms. U just need to explore.
Hello,
I’m generally intrigued by these types of comments as there’s tell tale signs you didn’t watch the video. Which people with these types of comments have quickly acknowledged and rewritten their comments after they’ve watched it.
Anthony’s video for me does a great job in selling the QS role and as you’ll see in the comments section I’ve said I’ll follow up with a positives video in the future.
The video doesn’t hate on the profession in the slightest. It gives a different perspective and highlights things which are true of the role and mean it might not be for everyone (which is true of any role and also something I’ve said in the video).
Pros and cons are true of any role and if you don’t think their are any downsides to the role then in my experience people are less likely to believe you as you can appear like a salesman.
The channel is all about helping people and this video is no different. A lot of people stay in a role which makes them very unhappy and this video can help show people they’re not alone, you don’t have to stay in a role for life and can make a switch if they want too.
Happy for your comment to stay but maybe consider there’s multiple personalities out there and if you haven’t enjoyed a role in the past how were you able to mix it up and enjoy it again.
Share your experience & stories, etc.
@@careerinsights2430
Apparently, the title and the video does give such expression. Even the description give negative expression.
And within the video content, it seems unfair to have a comment on the profession from a view of a single QS which not even work up to a decade. QS professions had very wide angle. I believe its fair evaluation on pro and cons if the video come from experience Contract Manager work in multiple industries and/or different countries.
Lets review in detail on the video content:
1) Repetitiveness
Valuation, Payment Cert and cashflow. Is this the only document that QS prepare? No… There are other documents that QS prepared which more exciting such as
a) feasibilities study. In order to ensure the viability, you learn about the project until up to the extent of revenue, ROI, etc. Imagine, you a QS for chicken farm/fish farm, or resort in remote island, isn’t exciting?
b) drafting contract. Learn multiple type of contract.
c) Procurement. Spend yourself sometime to learn something new in the market. Don’t skip product presentation if your company arrange for you.
d) Cost control and monitoring, which include value engineering. You gain new knowledge from team brainstorm
e) Insurance and warranty monitoring. Learn, its also provide you knowledge about your right as 3rd party.
If me, over period of 6 years I able to gain a lot of knowledge for multiple project type. As I grow, the more project I handle, more assistant I had. Grooming a junior QS is also another challenging job. Managing people.
You should not limit yourself to building. How about oil and gas QS? Or maybe master developer QS? Have you try and learn MEP QS? Or powerplant, pharmaceutical, etc. In conclusion, its depends on you how to make it more interesting.
If you work QS for sub-contractor, its like everyday you go out. You doing multi-tasking, not only paperwork.
2) Emotional Blackmail
This point in the video is similar as 1 (Progress Payment) and my respond are as above as well. In addition, you don’t need to listen to all the blackmail, just do your work professionally.
3) Expertise isn’t always rewarding
This I agree on the built-up data. But I don’t see this as disadvantage point. This is knowledge. If you want to open your own business, the info very handy.
Either you poor QS or good QS, most important, talk to your team. Your PM able to assists you in built-up rate which come to my next point, you learning. Imagine you learning about new project.
Small or big project, the knowledge is important
4) Doing other people paperwork
Sorry, I don’t understand the point. He talk about pre contract and suddenly talk about post contract which eventually its all over the place.
Paperwork, if you involve with any planning work, paperwork is a must.
I have been listening about 80% of the videos and what I heard is just a repeated thing about Payment Certificate and paperwork. QS task is more than that. Look into bigger picture. Read AECOM profile for instance, see how many challenging project they hv done.
Sorry, I don’t totally agree on all the downsides. My findings, people leave QS because unable to manage the stress. This is part of professional life.
Everyone’s welcome to their opinion.
As I said in my previous message you can choose to add value or choose to adopt the route you’ve gone down which is fine.
If you haven’t found any cons to the role then you’re incredibly lucky.
I disagree with your comment about people leaving for stress reasons. Stress is an individual thing and a lot of people move within the industry rather than leaving altogether and I wouldn’t say being a PM for instance is less stressful than being a QS.
And if the people you know who left for stress reasons are happier now than they were being a QS isn’t that a great thing?
I personally also don’t buy into committing to one career for 20 years as an achievement. Life is a journey and everyone’s entitled to take the path that excites them.
From what you’ve said we’ve got similar amounts of experience in the industry but your perspective seems to be you’re the authority of the role rather than seeing you’ve enjoyed it and promoting what you’ve enjoyed.
I bounced the content of the video off of multiple QS’ before producing the video and almost all of them agreed to the points I raised which is why I was happy to produce the video and it was also things I could talk about from experience.
Going back to your argument about experience if you combine the QS’ I spoke to about it, it would be 10x the amount of experience you have but honestly it doesn’t matter because experience is an individual thing, as is whatever country you work in, what company you work for, etc.
This channel isn’t about me vs you. It’s about everyone else. We’ve nearly helped 500,000 people and it’s all about individuals sharing their experiences.
Support the channel by sharing your positive experiences and stories as I said previously. Listing them like a CV isn’t sharing how you did it, that’s just accomplishments (and honestly good for you).
The fact you’ve jumped from different industries I find interesting. Tell everyone how you did it. Was it relationships you built up that helped you make the move, was it a difficult job hunting process with being turned away multiple times because people didn’t think you had suitable experience, etc.
Happy to give you the platform to share and for people to read but if you make it more about me vs you, I’ll delete the messages as it’s not what this channels about.
All the best and excited to hear more about stories you can share 👍
@@careerinsights2430
Before I proceed further, I would say the channel did an excellence job. My only suggestion is that, also take some advice from experience QS. The one that old and practice QS until retire.
Is not that I do not have any cons. Its about how you look the cons and turn into positive vibe. I give an example, currently, im doing measurement for shop lot project which I have done this since 20 years ago. But I still feel excited because due to the repetition, I capable to advise my client on cost cutting and quality monitoring. This is not only happen on design, but also procurement and material sourcing. I even can advise my client to procure the material from different countries due to economic of scales… What im trying to say, appreciate the moment/knowledge. Treat every project/work like your own. There are numerous of room for improvement. Take that as your own challenge. Besides that, I challenge myself to complete whole measurement including MEP for a week… Anyway, as conclusion, I think you get my point. Cons is everywhere. Its depends how you turn the cons to pros.
People leaving due to stress. This is from my observation. It is true. A lot of QS give up. Most of them change their career after 5 years practice. I do agree with you PM is less stressful.
Yes u are right, life is a journey. And also, not all person capable to become professional. Lets us review other professional works
1) Architect - 7 to 10 years of learning. Sleep in studio.
2) Engineer - 5 to 7 years of learning. Numbers numbers numbers everyday.
3) Lawyer - 5 to 7 years of learning. Read read read, books books daily
4) Doctor - up to 10 years of learning. Work more than 12 hours per day
Yes, I do have different experience in different country/industry/role. To be frank, I cant predict this. This is journey of my life. If you get the opportunity, grab it. If you lost any opportunity, try to survive (like this COVID).
You feel that I VS you because I disagree with the objective. You looking in angle that its acceptable to jump jobs. But does this a good advise to anyone that starts career as QS? Im looking at different angle. The way I see it, with all due respect, you demotivate the junior QS. I read numerous of comment in here, most of them having doubt. And my advise to all the junior QS normally is “be patient, you life will be better after few years of experience”, and not to look for other direction. It goes back to my point above, a lot of QS change direction due to stress and bored. If we keep on encouraging of career change, the world keep on lacking of QS (which is true today).
Think about it.
Anyway, I would apologies if you feel offended. It is not my intention. And I do not have any bad intention to this channel. I know the good intention of the channel. Just that, we see things in different way.
The channels videos and views on positive QS stories and advice far out way this one video so I think in fairness “you demotivate the junior QS” is an incorrect and unfair statement.
The videos likes compared to dislikes also suggest the video is helping more than hindering.
I find it hard to believe that one video that is respectful to QS’ but highlights individual niggles with the role can discourage people from pursuing a career. The video also states that the niggles aren’t universal to being a QS and can be used as an example on whether a role is suitable to you or not.
If the video has given people the platform to write in and share their concerns it can only be a good thing.
The world isn’t perfect and we don’t always make the right call when it comes to picking a career so if you do a video which says you made a mistake too, it’s relatable and can be a platform for helping.
I also don’t believe that you need to perform a role for 20+ years to be able to speak on it.
That means Ben Francis, Mark Zuckerberg, etc. are incapable of speaking on their experiences of running and growing companies.
As you’ve seen as you’ve been responding to questions on this particular video we always promote speaking to multiple people for their opinions and coming to your own conclusion.
I’m also very conscious of having a holistic perspective rather than using a one off example or story of a good or bad day.
Everything highlighted in the video wasn’t a unique situation but one experienced by many.
I say in the video and to multiple people that write in I don’t regret being a QS, I use skills I learned everyday from the role and projects I worked on.
The channel has videos on different roles QS’ can perform as well as different interviews from QS’.
Your comment that “because I disagree with the objective” is misjudged.
The message and advice I’m trying to pass on is from this end is it seems like you’re trying to promote the role which is fantastic but you have enough experience to know that you should sell the positives.
Positivity breeds positivity, and negativity vice versa.
If you were a junior QS or considering the role do you think you’re selling it well by what you’ve written.
I’m too old to care that you disagree with me or the video but I do care that you want to represent your profession and would love for you to focus on the positives stories and experiences you have.
With a heavy emphasis on stories as it makes it relatable for people.
Hi, I have a few questions regarding quantity surveying. If possible, can you confirm your email address, thanks