u/analogshooter

Disclaimer: I used AI to add sections to my post because it was one big blob and hard to read. Otherwise I had it keep my original language.

The Situation After a 15-month unemployment stint following a layoff from an AgTech job, I finally landed a new role. But this job ended up being substantially more stressful than I expected, and I hate it. I knew it would be tough, but I'm only 3.5 months in and already feel so burnt out.

A Little About the Job I’m a 29M Account Manager at a commercial landscaping company in SoCal, making $80k/yr (no commission). I have a $1.2 million portfolio across 36 accounts. I do all the standard AM tasks - client retention, communication, and site visits - but at this company, we ALSO fully manage the crews (I manage 10 people). This includes hiring/firing, scheduling, timecards, managing their trucks/equiptment, etc. On top of that, we are responsible for diagnosing irrigation issues, which ends up being very time-consuming.

The Workload and Culture The workload is massive. 36 properties is a lot of people to report to, and the worst part of this job is that someone is always upset at you. HOA boards are the bane of my existence. I am constantly getting flooded with panic emails/calls and every day is spent putting out the biggest fires.

My boss is a huge A-hole who gaslights me and undermines how much work there is, telling us we just "need to be more organized." We start at 6am sharp every day, which means waking up at 5 every morning. I work roughly 5:50 to 3:30 or 4pm everyday. I dont take lunches or breaks. I’ve had to work the last couple of Saturdays because I was "the lowest on the totem pole." I leave every day stressed about what I didn't get done and what I will be reamed for tomorrow. For reference, they have had four people on my accounts in the last two years.

My Career Goals & Advice Needed I’m already burnt out, but I don’t want to look like a "job hopper," especially after being unemployed for 15 months. However, I don’t know if I can make it much longer.

Regarding my career goals: I honestly just want to maximize PTO and flexibility. I’m big into climbing and traveling, and I want time to do the things I love. I don’t need a ton of money, just enough for a moderate lifestyle.

I was hoping to use this experience to eventually transition into something hybrid, remote, or at least with more flexibility better work/life balance, but this current environment feels unsustainable.

1. Should I just stick it out? As miserable as I am, I know I am building good resume skills..

2. I was looking into Project Management, as I know the work im doing is similar (but PMs have better pay). BUT, will I just find myself in the same situation if I got into Project Management?

3. Are there other green industry or Ag/horticulure adjacent roles that I should look into that may be a better fit?

4. Other industries I should consider?? Open to getting more education, licenses, certifications

Any other advice you may have for navigating toxic work culture / the current bad job market.

Hi all,
Looking for some various gear recommendations. As the title explicitly mentions.. I’m not building my first rack.. 😂

Recommendations I’m looking for: helmet, pants, backpack, and a hat. Mostly for the context of multi pitch trad!

For helmet, I currently have the Petzl Boreo. While it’s an ok helmet, I find my head always gets soooo sweaty in it. It’s one of the first things that causes me to overheat. Plus, I have the helmet maxed out.

What I’m looking for: I’d like to find a helmet that offers a good balance between protection, and ventilation. My petzl boreo shows heavy scratches all across the top and sides.. so apparently I’m rubbing my head across rocks and shit so it needs to be moderately durable. Ideally I’d like to be able to wear a thin hat under it for sunny days too

For pants: right now I’m wearing Prana Zion’s, and a thin pair of Kuhls that are maybe hiking oriented. The pranas are great but can be a bit cold with wind exposure. Love the Kuhls but they are not very durable and I have a bunch of holes in them.

What I’m looking for: open to any recommendations on durable climbing pants. I’m not often in cold weather, but need something slightly warmer than the Pranas (I’ll be using these a lot for the summer tho)

For a backpack: currently I have a very worn mountain hardware camp 4 20l. Great back, a little big and maybe a bit heavy for alpine objectives.

What I’m looking for: something with a good balance of durability, and pack ability. Mostly I just need to be able to pack my approach shoes, some water, and a snack or two. I do find myself scraping by backpack in various chimneys, walls, etc. so it needs to have moderate durability but nothing excessive.

Lastly, looking for a hat I can wear under my helmet. Summer is approaching and I need something for the sunny days. Currently, I don’t have any hat.

What I’m looking: a breathable hat that is comfortable under the helmet. As mentioned early, I sweat balls through my head so needs to be airy. I’ve been eyeing the Mammut Aenergy mesh. Open to suggestions.

Let me know what you’d recommend!!

Hi all,

So l currently work as an Account Manager for an extremely large, corporate landscaping company.
I am not enjoying my job right now.

My role here is everything an account manager normally does, focusing on client retention, ancillary sales, good relationships, and doing quality site assessments.

On top of that, I am also responsible for managing three crews (10 people total), and all of the other responsibilities that come with that including scheduling their day, making sure their work gets done, hiring them, firing them, prepping their tools/trucks, etc. I end up spending way more time doing this than the AM work..

My days are crazy busy and I get work added to my plate every day. Quite frankly I am drowning in work and highly stressed.

So why am I considering becoming a Project Manager?

I know while different, there is some crossover in the work style (especially more so with the operations style work | do). I know Project Managers get paid considerably more than I am making now, and there is a better career trajectory. And although I am stressed at my current job, I figured if I can do this job, I may as well try to get paid more for it.

I feel like there is a lot more job security as a PM, than in my current role. My account management experience seems to role over only into other landscaping companies (which I am trying to get out of). Project management seems to have more broad application.

Also with my current job, I have to wake up at 5am to be at work by 5:50am every morning which I hate. I'd like a little less rigidity and early start time, and ideally some level of remote flexibility even if infrequently.

So my questions are:

1. Is it worth getting my PM Cert (free in California) to become a PM, if I am already hating my work here as an AM?
2. Is project management still a relevant role with good job security?
3. Will my background (degree in horticulture) hinder or help me at all?
4. What level of stress/hours to expect as a PM? And how does it vary compared to an AM?

I appreciate any thoughts or advice! Thanks!

Edit: a couple notes-

I have only had my current job for 3 months.
The reasons I dislike my job are generally high stess, long hours, little to no support from management, very difficult to manage crews, constantly getting berated by clients, and getting up at 5 every day is getting old.

Despite it all, my coworkers telling me I’m doing a good job in this role so I know I am ok at it.