u/ABatForMyTroubles

TL;DR: PA wants to be more PM-y, learning on my own and looking for reading on specific topics listed below. Body text is mostly background/a vent.

I work as the PA (project admin) for a small custom home & reno GC in the Midwest. I'm in my 30's and I came into construction after a 10 year career in an adjacent blue-collar industry. In my previous role, I was similar to a PA, but I also was the first point of contact for my clients/prospective clients. My boss immediately started training me like our technicians would be, including actual site work and licensing. The idea was if I could answer 80% of the questions or concerns that came in, it saved on actual labor. I loved it, became very good at it, and now I'm realizing how spoiled I was.

My current employer is great. We're constantly busy, we have an excellent reputation, and since we mostly work in high-end I get to see some really cool stuff. I handle pre-construction for all of our projects; I order all the finishes, fixtures, doors, cabinetry, everything you'd want to have on hand before project start. I also act as a meat shield between my clients and my subs/vendors. Pull permits, organize POs, OSHA/Lead compliance, "duties as assigned". I had no background in ANY of this 3-ish years ago, and I've done pretty well. Steady raises, happy clients, good working relationships with my coworkers and subs. I think I've shown I can learn, ask good questions, and have genuine interest.

The entire 3 years, my supe and boss have both made promises to get me into the field more. My biggest hang-up is that I don't actually have a fucking clue how things are built. My only true mistakes have been "oddball" situations, but instead of explaining why something is different, showing me how to account for it, etc., they just fix it and I don't generally even know until after the fact. Everyone is so busy here that they can't or won't take the time to drag me with. I truly do not believe they're intentionally doing it- there's just always a fire to be put out and I already have a shit ton to do. I'm just tired of feeling stupid- or like wallpaper- when technical conversations are going on around me.

I've ordered the Fundamentals of Residential Carpentry from the sidebar, but I'm really desperate for more immersion. I also have picked up "Architecture; Reference and Specification Book" by McMorrough and "The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House" from a goodwill bin. Podcasts are fine, but I would prefer whatever I'm reading/listening/watching to take an almost textbook approach to the topic. I have a Kindle/Kindle Unlimited, so bonus points if I can digitally read it.

Things I really want a better understanding of:

• flashing & counterflashing, especially for windows.
• a breakdown of the basics of cabinetry. I design whole sets for Amish folk but don't understand how they go together
• windows & doors- setting them, adding/removing them to an existing opening or wall, explanations on jambs and brickmould/trim, etc.
• A ELI5 guide/handbook on the basics of plumbing, electric and HVAC (doesn't have to be all in one)
• Weatherproofing/passive homes. We specialize in "tight" and passive homes, and I can't really give a good explanation on what goes into that.
• I'm computer savvy and would like to teach myself how to do our drawings/blueprints- mostly floorplans and sometimes elevations. I have a smidge of familiarity with SoftPlan and CAD, but since I'm not a student I don't qualify for learning licenses. "Free" software that I've found is severely limited and I don't want to spend my own money until I see if I have the hang of it.

If you made it this far, thanks. I love what I'm doing and where I'm doing it at, and I know there's a lot to learn within my own role still. But these things make me feel frustrated and stupid, and I don't like to tell people I work "in construction" because it feels like some sort of stolen valor.