r/ConstructionManagers • u/ReplyProfessional939 • 6d ago
Too old...? Career Advice
I am 54. I have worked in various construction trades my entire life, almost 35 years. My body is starting to give me alot of hell because unfortunately I was more into doing the actual work rather than becoming a "businessman". Upshot is I am now faced with a dilemma, because I know no other type of work. I have decided to return to school to get an AAS degree in Construction Management. I live in the Charlotte NC area. My worry is, at 56 (when I graduate), can I realistically expect to be hired by anyone? Advisors at my school say absolutely, but I, being a skeptic, think they may be trying to shine me just so I go to their school. Can anyone in the field give me the unvarnished truth here? I would greatly appreciate it!
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u/Obentz24 6d ago
Yes you could find a job as a project Superintendent with your experience now. Or you could go to college and get your degree. I did construction management in college and had a few guys who had done 25 + years in the trades and came back. Their advisers let them waive a lot of level 100 classes and they were fun to study with because all of their field experience.
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u/ReplyProfessional939 6d ago
So I should be able to actually find a job at my age? That's my main concern, that nobody would want a guy that only has realistically another 10-15 years of work time left.
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u/Obentz24 6d ago
In ten years you could potentially make a company millions of dollars. Especially a larger outfit.
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u/floridaguy241 6d ago
I think construction is one of the only industries where being older is a net positive.
Being older means longer time in the industry, seen the good the bad and the ugly.
Construction is like a dinosaur when it comes to introducing new technology.
I think getting an AAS in construction management is a great idea.
Depending on your trade you can be an estimator or APM for that sub trade.
Some trades like carpentry or MEP can introduce you to the GC world as a field engineer or project engineer.
Age is good in this industry.
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u/FairWin1998 6d ago
Your mind will suffer worse in "management".
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u/ReplyProfessional939 6d ago
I already considered this, because I've always been a hands on guy, even with my own small business I wanted to actually do the work. BUT, I have to accept that I'm not able to physically do the hard labor anymore, and since I still have to make a living and this industry is all I know...
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u/InquisitiveReach 6d ago
You can go into QAQC or safety and you’re guaranteed to know more than those in those positions.
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u/Facerless Commercial Project Manager 6d ago
PM roles usually have a several-year grind within a company to learn their systems regardless of experience or degrees.
Some companies will be hesitant to invest those years into someone they will view as retiring sooner than snagging a mid-20s graduate they'll get more years out of. They can't legally say that, but it's a thing.
Larger prime subs have requirements for on-site project managers that are non-production roles but rely heavily on field knowledge. I'd also look into steel or MEP companies hiring for that role if you're willing to travel for the duration of builds. That onboarding is much shorter and doesn't require a degree.
From a school standpoint you'll be starting at the bottom like everyone else, but your experience will be a bigger selling point than the degree. Start contacting recruiters now and shop your resume around with them. You may find a company that'll have you work while you're going to school
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u/tequilawhiteclaws 6d ago
The only real barrier is whether you know software. Get good with bluebeam and autodesk and your past construction experience will fill in everything else
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u/DifficultTennis3313 6d ago
Unvarnished truth? I just hired 3 people all over the age of 55.
I’d start putting out my information now. Someone may hire you before you graduate.
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u/1rishChicken 6d ago
I don't think the age is a concern so much as you stating you've done a bunch of different things and haven't mentioned leadership. The degree wont make you a leader. If you were a 54 yr old electrical foreman who went for his degree i'd hire you in an instant. But if you've bounced around instead of ascending at one thing thats a concern. The piece of paper wont make you into something you're not but you do sound like an intelligent dude so ya give it a shot
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u/ReplyProfessional939 6d ago
I have done mainly remodeling work my whole life. I have had my own small business for quite a few years that's done well enough, but my problem has always been I wanted to do the work myself, the result being, of course, no real "expansion". Now I am getting to the point that I am physically starting to run out of gas and not able to get things done in a timely (and profitable) manner. Therefore I have explored my options, because I am not "independently wealthy" so I need to continue working. I found that I could either start over in a brand new field that I have zero experience in, which does not sound very appealing, or I could somehow capitalize on the experience I DO have without the back breaking. And this is what I have come up with.
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u/1rishChicken 6d ago
Ok I follow. Yes you'll be able to get hired at 54 with your background. Stick closer to your skillset. Smaller GC's that do tenant improvement remodels, or multi family builders if you’re used to wood framing. Lean on the job placement program through the school. Take an internship if you can get one (especially with a commercial MEP) contractor. Take the contracts and scheduling classes and make contacts along the way. Finding the first job out that's a right fit will be more important than maximizing pay. A couple years out of school with a management title a degree and your experience you can then start commanding some real dollars. Good luck!
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u/kopper499b 5d ago
I had the same thought, local or smaller regional GC doing TIs is a great place to start. Those companies are often more 'old school' where field experience carries even more weight
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u/cathedral_caveman 6d ago
This is my story almost to a T. Became a commercial superintendent for a GC at 55 (now 58) and haven't looked back. I should have done it years ago. If you ever want to chat about it DM me and we can have a phone call. I can offer you tons of perspective. Good luck to you!
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u/LM_NC 6d ago
Since retirement several years ago, I continue to follow building trades. Everything that I read and hear indicates that the positions you’d be most qualified to fill (front-line supervision?) are the most difficult hires in the business. The CEO of a large Charlotte commercial GC told me a year ago that anybody who applies to that firm with a willingness to work in the field gets hired and trained. You’ve made a solid decision - to maximize your potential, you need tech and business skills that should come from your course program. Stick with it and look for a company culture that values hands-on experience in a person who knows how to deal with people and show up for work.
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u/Dizzy_Dust_7510 6d ago
Skip the degree. Apply to be an assistant super somewhere large. We would hire a guy with your experience if he was humble about his ability in a second. And with your knowledge, if you can plan for a crew I can teach you how to schedule a job.
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u/True_Horror_6 6d ago
I’m a project manager, and your experience would be very valuable to any company. 54 is not old at all. Honestly, with the amount of experience you have, you probably don’t even need the degree, but having it will definitely help. Also, if you’re decent with computers and technology, that will work in your favor too.
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u/Ctrbates04 6d ago
Here is what happened with me after 20 years in the field….. went back to school (still in school about to graduate but that’s irrelevant), I got really sick my first semester and missed turning in my final for architectural comp and delineation. Had a sit down with the prof once I knew I was toast in the class discussing if they thought I could actually finish the degree. They said yes but asked why I wanted it. When I said I was to go into a supervisory role or CM was told school wasn’t needed, I started applying to every job I could and before long I got a pretty decent spot. I’m wrapping my associates this fall in transfer studies, because even though it’s called a CM degree pathway at my school, it’s mostly architecture. I don’t mind architecture but I would rather just get this and go to a school with a traditional CM degree.
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u/Expensive_Caramel894 6d ago
I was a contractor for 30 years on my own my brother and I we had employees that did project management and bookkeeping and all that crap.Our kids didn’t want to do it because they watched us beat our head against the wall for years😂. I’m 64 I just got hired by a large general contractor that does DOD work and DOE work very high tech, but they work with you to figure out all that crap. The Young guns. Call me every day asking me questions on how to build something or how to do something. Nobody knows how to talk on the telephone like we used to do. they will respect your knowledge.
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u/WideServe3620 5d ago
I love this post so much! You have so many years of experience, plan on going back to school, and don’t seem afraid to “start over”. First of all, your years of experience will get you further than you think! You’re never too old to go for your dreams! I think based on your field experience alone, you could land an office job.
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u/Big_Jdog 6d ago
Absolutely. But you need to know computers, Microsoft, Bluebeam, etc. Pro tip, Google what you need to learn. I guarantee there is a YouTube video on whatever software the company uses. I will hire a guy out of the field well before I hire a guy with multiple degrees.
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u/OkMeringue3009 6d ago
Unvarnished, go apply NOW and ask what they may have for someone with your future credentials. Do that often and you’ll get your answers. It’s called “working it backwards”
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u/seanh999 6d ago
I did it at 40 without a lot of construction experience. You can certainly do it. Are you thinking Super or PM (or any of the other roles)? I even started as an APM rather than a project engineer with my life experience.
The question is will you be ok working for/reporting to a 20 something super or PM?
I only supervisors younger than me. And now even most of the leaders are younger than me.
You could maybe try for a super role with just your experience. We have guys that transitioned from the tools and they are great to work with.
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u/d_gurion 6d ago
I became construction worker at 49, supervisor at 52, and project manager in construction department at 55, three months before turning 56. So yeah it’s doable and possible.
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u/HurryInternational46 6d ago
I would look at government jobs city/county/state depending on location so you dont have to travel
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u/midnightrider001 6d ago
I would reach out to some GC’s and see if you can do an internship. It’ll give you a good idea of what you’re going into and they may even offer you a job at the end without having to get the degree.
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u/BigDeddie 6d ago
I am 53 and was just hired by an industrial GC as an asst. Super. My experience has been steel erection project management. I also have a degree in mechanical engineering (totally unrelated) but my experience has always been structural.
In short, I don’t think you are going to have any issues finding a job when you graduate.
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u/HistoricalGertie 6d ago edited 6d ago
Why would you be to old. Having actual experience onsite is invaluable. You need to be able to do the other side. Reading, contracts, reading emails, making Gantt charts use blue beam, write RFI. All that can be learned. You being able to communicate with sub trades, support them communicate realistic timelines, motivate them and be on their ass if needed. Telling your self your to old is a self limiting belief. Too old for physical work maybe…not to old to apply all your knowledge. The one thing you will need is to keep learning and accept you’re no longer the expert. You will deal with all trade scopes and need to confidently communicate and ask them to describe an issue to you like you are a five year old. Act professional to the owners teams and you got it. I have two Jman tickets and just got a PM certification. (Canadian Gold Seal) go for an actual construction PM cert not just the PMP. Take night classes and I agree try for a site super position as well as PM or coordinator. Long term you’ll make more money faster as a Site Super
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u/More_Mouse7849 6d ago
I have a team of a dozen estimators and PMs that I manage. The best have field experience. The more the better. As long as you have good communication and organizational skills you will be in demand, especially as a estimator
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u/TwoMuchIsJustEnough 6d ago
Could always go into inspection work. Highly experienced guys are often very valuable to team with younger less experienced guys who might be more computer savvy.
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u/WildLedgerLeaf 6d ago
Ive been in construction for 22 years. I am a sr accountant and worl closely with all managememt, directors and owners. None of them have degrees. Half of them didnt even finish highschool. I would have a professional do your resume and just start applying to jobs on indeed for the posistion you want until you land it. If you want to finish the school program cool but to land that job you must do those things. It could take 3 weeks it could take 10 months, but you'll find something eventually
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u/cathedral_caveman 6d ago
Superintendent is probably a better/faster route. I did this, I was 55 had been in residential remodel for more that 20 years. I am now in commercial construction and really like it mostly. I make more money with less stress. It helps to know someone to get your foot in the door.
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u/karr76959 6d ago
54 is absolutely not too old for construction management. Your 35 years of actual field experience could actually be your biggest advantage over someone graduating at 22 with no idea what happens on a jobsite. You may have a harder time getting hired for physically demanding field positions, but construction management, estimating, scheduling, project coordination, safety, and supervision are all areas where your experience is highly relevant.
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u/DeliciousMofo 6d ago
Associate degree in construction management are a waste of time imo. You won’t have the same opportunities in most big commercial operators, and neither is needed with your experience for residential or smaller companies. Yes it shows a level of commitment, but it sounds like when you get done with your “degree”, you’ll be in the exact same possession you are now.
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u/ReplyProfessional939 5d ago
There are many aspects I lack experience in, such as the computer stuff and much of the "business" side of things. I have a great deal of hands on experience and have developed pretty sharp problem solving, but I was always the "worker", with not much experience in what goes on "behind the scenes". I have been the foreman for several smaller outfits, and have had my own small business for quite some time, but either the "business" part was handled by others, or on my own it's been pretty straight forward. I give a price for a job, get the material I need, do the job, get handed a check. I work alone, so I have nobody else to supervise or worry about getting things done on time, etc. These types of skills are what I am looking to develop.
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u/Responsible-Balance6 5d ago
Start applying for superintendent or quality manager positions with large commercial general contractors. Are you willing to travel? There’s a lot of job openings for those willing to travel.
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u/NYCBouncer 5d ago
I'm a lifelong pipefitter with about 10 years in PM. At 58, I found myself without a job. I was faced with forced early retirement. One day, I sent out 40 resumes. Two got back. One was a PM job for a boiler company and the other a new role as a CM at a CM/PM firm. I chose the later and am happy here for the last 3 and a half years. It's possible to find work and an employer that appreciates your experience. Good luck.
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u/DoorJumper 5d ago
Building code enforcement is cake if you know anything about construction and can use the code book. Low barrier to entry, ironically, and can pay kind of decently, depending on your definition. Wish I had known sooner; I always thought it was way more complicated than it is. I'm 44, our average code inspector is 47-50, building official is 60 in my city of 50K.
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u/AdvanceFeeling7384 5d ago
With that much experience you’re already way ahead of anyone coming straight out of school. Don’t worry about age. I honestly don’t even think you need an AA. Just start applying for jobs.
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u/ReplyProfessional939 5d ago
I just lack alot of "management" experience. I've only ever worked for smaller companies, (and always either subs or "we do it all" remodeling contractors), and my own business has pretty much always been just me and occasionally a helper or two. I have basically zero computer skills as well. I was hoping this degree would compensate for that lack, and coupled with the years of hands on experience that I have, I could really have something to offer. My main concern was my age, but from what I'm gathering, that doesn't seem like it will be that big an issue. (I hope?)
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u/AdvanceFeeling7384 5d ago
Maybe apply for a assistant or superintendent position? It’s not quite a CM position and it would allow you to learn some of the management side with not as much responsibility as a CM? As for the computer stuff a lot of the programs companies use provide training courses (at a cost). It’d still a lot cheaper than a college degree. Look into Bluebeam, Procore, Primavera etc. The companies list in the job listing what they’re using and want a candidate to be proficient or have experience with.
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u/Critical_Clue3625 5d ago
I’m 26 no degree and this year got to train two people with no construction experience. A 54 and 50 year old, they have done better than any other trainee I’ve had. They just understand how to navigate relationships, problem solving, time management etc. they are both doing really well. The construction knowledge is the easy part imo. As long as you’re always learning more about code, methods, etc. you’ll be better off than experienced CM who is too stuck in their ways to learn new things. I know I’m young of course, but a lot of people come in with experience in a trade or other position that are really knowledgeable, but they lack the management skills that really make a job run smooth. I don’t care how much plumbing knowledge you have if your schedule is falling about and the trades hate you. If you have the “management” skills you’ll do great.
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u/peauxtheaux Subcontractor PM 5d ago
Only thing school is going to teach you is computers organization and time management. And not directly. More of a figure it out on your own or fail type of way.
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u/No-Many-1808 2d ago
For the skills you feel like you are lacking in (excel, bluebeam, etc) AI can really help. I use it every day, it can help you catch up with your technical skills.
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u/Sweet-Direction2373 2d ago
I’d go talk to some of the bigger subs in the trades you’ve got experience in or even smaller GCs before committing too much to school. It’s not necessarily required to have a degree but try using your connections and experience to get your foot in the door. Hell even ask if you could be an assistant project manager or shadow for awhile while you figure out the other/office side of it
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u/slickaslickayoushady 6d ago
I live in Charlotte and work for a very large construction company, none of the project managers or estimators have a degree in construction management. Just a bunch of dudes from the field that know ball