David Schwegel, PE’s Post

Attention Civil Engineers: This is a desperate plea to ask that we definitely sharpen our social perceptiveness skills, because social perceptiveness is the number one most recession-proof skill. We failed to make the “150 best recession-proof jobs” list. The lead Fresno County Traffic Engineer bills out at a measley $125/hr vs. $450/hr by a typical Lawyer in that same county. I have 4 PE licenses in 3 states. I have more than a quarter century of experience. I got the ASCE awards for outstanding leader and outstanding engineer in legislative activities. I have experienced numerous layoffs and prolonged periods of unemployment. Guess what? I live in a trailer part. It’s our profession’s inadequacies in social perceptiveness that causes these challenges. Therefore let’s sharpen our social n perceptiveness skills. Thank you.

Can we take a minute to discuss age discrimination in the civil engineering profession? In the early-to-mid 2000s, I often submitted candidates in the 50-55 age range to clients, only to face rejection. With my seasoned understanding of the industry, I could discern the unspoken biases at play. The prevailing notion back then suggested that once individuals hit fifty, they were on a one-way journey into retirement—an idea I found nonsensical and always challenged. Now, as I approach 50 with my daughters finishing or nearly finishing college, I feel I'm reaching new heights in my career as a search consultant, with a long and promising professional runway yet remaining. In the present day, particularly in the #civilengineering domain, I've observed a shift where individuals aged 60 and above are being hired, defying conventional expectations. I ponder whether: 🏋🏼🏃🏼♂️ People are adopting healthier lifestyles, enabling them to work longer -OR- 🧠🤯 Firms are finally recognizing the wealth of wisdom individuals with 30+ years of experience bring to an organization -OR- 📉👷🏼♂️ There's a shortage of #civilengineers, compelling organizations to overlook age in the face of necessity Regardless of the reason, the change in mentality is a positive development. Have you encountered #agediscrimination? How did it affect you? There's a plethora of talented civil engineers aged 60 and above who remain vibrant, energetic, and capable of making a significant impact in the civil engineering world. I challenge leaders and hiring decision-makers to reassess how they evaluate talent, especially those with 35+ years of experience. Keeping an open mind on such matters can make a huge difference in the success of your operation. That is all. #civilengineeringjobs #talentacquisition #changeyourperspective

*generic "new year new me" headline* I don't feel good about this, but if you can't beat them... Already started seeing these "new year new me" posts from other recruiters - and whilst I hate the concept, the fact remains that the vast majority of career moves do happen in January. So with that said - if you're a top structural engineer looking to start 2024 with a big payrise and a new challenge, drop me a message and let's have a chat? What's in my sack: - Guaranteed pay rise. - Niche, technically challenging and interesting projects (the amount of RIBA and IStructE award nominations/wins they have speaks for itself). - Fantastic hybrid policies, they are a company initially formed out of desire for a better work/life balance. (P.S - here is a picture of me at my most festive, in early December, for absolutely no reason other than some good LinkedIn content). 📞: 07484 534 550 📩: [email protected] #structuralengineering #engineeringjobs #istructe

How Recession-Proof is your job? Check out the 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. Unfortunately Civil Engineering failed to make the list. There is however a "Silver Lining". Environmental Engineering made the list, and Environmental Engineering is a subset of Civil Engineering. I didn't see Transportation or Traffic Engineers on the List. Check out the list. Hopefully you won't "read it and weep." Getting women into Civil Engineering is going to be an uphill battle. Check out the number of jobs in nursing and education - predominantly women. https://lnkd.in/g8nYPwbC

For those of you who are into data, this is pretty telling. We have a problem Vermont. There aren’t enough people to fill the jobs that are currently open. When the local news shares that the money that is being flooded into the state for tech and manufacturing will create 9,000 new construction jobs, I wonder… where are all these people coming from? We need more people. • 2023 VT Total Population : 647,0000 • Employed Vermonters Dec 2023 : 343,337 • Unemployed Vermonters Dec 2023 : 7,739 • Unemployment Rate Dec 2023 : 2.2% • Job Openings Nov 2023 : 19,000

Attention LinkedIn Network: Are you tired of numerous layoffs and prolonged periods of unemployment? If so, then take a look at the "150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs". If your job is on it, then you need to "step it up" at work. If not, then you need to make. your job "Recession-Proof". Environmental Engineering made the list because people need to "drink, wash, and flush" during good times and bad. Civil Engineering, for example, is not on the list because it's "Recession-Sensitive". Civil Engineers have "become their own worst enemy" for failing to "walk the halls of the Capitol and educate decision makers on how they need infrastructure in good times and bad. They have forgotten that infrastructure design and construction was the "helping hand" out of the Great Depression. "Remember that more millionaires came out of the Great Depression than any other era of history (Glenn Llopis). #asce #civilengineering https://lnkd.in/g52u-iX5

The old guy is 73. I’ve been working in Construction in NYC since I was 12. —I have built in Civil, Electrical and Interior rough trades. —I can honestly say that I have built in all five boroughs. —I own www.aecnr.com. the Top level of Recruiters —I can tell you that “I am the only human alive that lost friends in the original Twin Tower Bombing and at 9/11”. —I have “ skin in the game in NY”. —I’ve got the scars from an electrical accident; 12 eye operations from 9/11; the framers shoulder and lung dust, etc. I would do it again. The reason for the diatribe is the “expert through distance“ joke in Recruiting. Recruiters from across the pond know NY? I know NY—the players, the candidates, the DOT departments, the developers, et al. In the last three months I have witnessed what I call the “Voices from the UK” send great NY candidates to jobs—to their Doom. It’s sad to trade on peoples’ misfortune in a time of recession. The candidates are sent to jobs to fail. Sending people on self destruct missions but cashing a big check to jobs: —They don’t fit —They aren’t told the truth about the position —They aren’t told the truth about the company I have specific examples. You can call me. Why? Because they are charging 30% of the person’s salary as their fee. They will do or say anything to make their coin. Then like the Wall Streeters, they will churn you and the client again after you fail—for another 30% I have over 50 clients looking to hire [email protected] 844-797-JOBS x2

Www.AECNR.com It’s LIFO season I am seeing a lot of dog eat dog in the Drywall World Remember a few dollars today may mean nothing tomorrow when the LIFO bell rings in February. Salary vs security is the equation. As many of you know ,I spend some efforts in Horse Rescue and we have a saying about “ changing horses in mid stream and especially when a storm is coming” the financial storm is coming in February and many companies will suffer the We Work fate as of this am where did that leave all their big hires .The inflated salaries became a burden and also caused the collapse today. We have secure Drywall jobs with salaries commensurate to the real market in NY , NJ , PA big difference on being enticed or bought by the phony temp salaries. [email protected]

🌆 Cities Leading in Construction Job Growth 🌆 Explore which cities and states are experiencing the fastest growth in construction jobs! 🔷 Growing Demand: Some areas in the U.S. have seen a notable rise in construction employment, particularly from 2018 to 2023, linked to federal infrastructure investments. 🔷 Labor Challenges: Despite the increased job openings, the construction industry still needs to fill over 500,000 roles to meet demand, highlighting a significant labor shortage. 🔷 Geographic Highlights: Tennessee and parts of the Mountain West, like Idaho and Arizona, have shown significant increases in construction jobs, driven by population growth and housing demands. #ConstructionGrowth #JobOpportunities #EconomicDevelopment #LaborShortage #lovewhatyoudo #upendostaffing

🌆 Cities Leading in Construction Job Growth 🌆 Explore which cities and states are experiencing the fastest growth in construction jobs! 🔷 Growing Demand: Some areas in the U.S. have seen a notable rise in construction employment, particularly from 2018 to 2023, linked to federal infrastructure investments. 🔷 Labor Challenges: Despite the increased job openings, the construction industry still needs to fill over 500,000 roles to meet demand, highlighting a significant labor shortage. 🔷 Geographic Highlights: Tennessee and parts of the Mountain West, like Idaho and Arizona, have shown significant increases in construction jobs, driven by population growth and housing demands. #ConstructionGrowth #JobOpportunities #EconomicDevelopment #LaborShortage #lovewhatyoudo #upendostaffing