Looking for career advice.
ooking for advice, I guess.
32/M/Southern US
12 years into my career as a Union Sprinkler Fitter (Fire protection), I’m reaching my boiling point.
The first 8 years was a living hell (very narcissistic leadership), but I persevered, got through my apprenticeship and eventually “turned out” as a fitter - leadership changed, and things got somewhat better. My life long best friend then became our superintendent - depended on me a lot (understandable), I was basically his trusted go to.
About 1.5 years ago, an estimator position became available an they wanted to hire “in house”, I applied (was the only one who showed interest), and my superintendent basically blocked it from happening because he’d be losing his “go to”, behind the scenes, little did we know he was planning his exit (promotion to basically run another office in another state). As soon as the news became offical, interviews for Superintendent were open. Only 3 of us were considered, me, a 30+ year guy, and his son (about the same amount of experience as me), the company lead me to believe that the position was mine, until the last second, then again it wasn’t.
No big deal, understandable, a 30+ year guy is expected to lead the team.
Few months pass by, I sit down with our office leader, tell him I’m considering going to school for QFPE (Fire Protection Engineer), and I’m willing to even pay for it if it furthers my potential from within the company. “Nah, don’t waste your money, find your replacement, and that estimator position is 100% yours.”
Found several replacements, superintendent won’t hire them “we don’t need help”, he says.
To make a long story short, I’m getting beat up my deadlines, too many projects for me and my green apprentice to handle on our own (won’t send help - don’t have help to send), between that, and pestering me to go on call for emergencies outside of my week, guilt tripping me about not going - I’m so burnt out, tired of being led on, tired of being lied to.
Can’t get support from my wife to get out and find something else (insurance benefits are too good to leave), she doesn’t see my mental health is rendered useless.
I’m in survival mode now, numb about everything, and easily irate. Union options down south are slim unless you’re okay with traveling (I have a 2 year old, I try to make it home 90-95% of the time - even has me driving 4 hours round trip every day for the last 2 years.)
Best friend on the other state offered me contract project management position, there but I don’t want to pull my wife, and child away from everything they’ve ever known for my benefit.
I have no clue what to do, other than be miserable.
My words and opinions are useless, when I speak up I’m laughed at.