How many of you over the age of 45 have lost their business due to COVID and decided to switch careers? Did you switch to something you’re passionate about? Or did you go work for a competitor? What struggles did you go through?

Not over 45, only 43 here. I no longer own a business but I did lose my job due to Covid -19. After 25 years in Oil & Gas I am giving some serious thought about a career change. I don’t know if I could ever actually do that, but I’m thinking about it.

Superduty just started a thread about his experience.

I own a commercial construction company the specializes in interior finish out of high rise and industrial. With so many companies electing to work from home my business has been hit hard. Companies just aren’t signing new leases. Another concern I have is that companies will decide to let their employees continue to work from home. Therefore the need for office space will won’t have the demand we are used to.

We started our business 24 years ago with just my parents, one superintendent, and myself. My stepdad past away so it’s now me, my mom, and 13 employees. We treat our employees like family so our average employee tenure is 14 years. It’s going to kill me if I have to let even one person go due to this. I continue to send marketing material to decision makers by email since no one is in their offices. Needless to say, I’m not receiving any hits. I have a feeling the decision makers are being inundated with these emails and they’re just being deleted.

With that said, I’m not going down without a fight but I have to start thinking about what I’m going to do if my company does fail. The easiest decision would be to go work for a competitor. Which wouldn’t take much effort. I’ve got a good name in the industry and could have a job tomorrow if I wanted to continue in this industry. But at the same time it gives me an opportunity for a new start at a new career. I don’t know what that is yet but it would be something other than the stressful world of construction. It’s a big decision since my son is a senior this year and will be going to UNT next year.

Anyway, that’s my situation. Not looking for sympathy but wanted to shed some light as I’m trying to explore my options.

Ringer, does any of yalls skills transfer to residential homes? I'm having a fence, and flooring put in my home. Everyone I have talked to is super busy. The fence guy is 6 weeks out, flooring guy is 4 weeks out. We also had the the A/C done there was no wait there but he said with everyone spending more time at home they are more busy then pre covid. This might be a great time to pivot.

Yeah the residential guys are busy as hell.

But to answer your question, all my subs are commercial contractors.

Are you limited to Texas? Huntsville commercial market is booming right now.

Only thing I’m tied to is my wife. Lol!