I've Learned More the last Two Years-

6th PM · 2010-08-22T16:26:36Z

Than I've learned my entire carrier.About the business of surveying.Back in the 80's and most of the 90's clients were always there, the phone rang everyday and we were always overworked and understaffed (so it seemed). Clients seemed to be everywhere and it wasn't very hard to secure work.Anybody that liked the outdoors and had an aptitude for math, success was there for the taking. All they had to do was show up and put in a little effort. Those who put in a little extra and did a little more than what was expected of them, moved through the ranks very quickly and lucratively. Today young guys call me all the time and send me resumes. I can't help but think that they might be in the wrong profession and that there may not be any future for them in surveying. I wish them luck.The overall number of clients are fewer today and what work there is, is being spread over a larger client base. Clients are shopping for lowest fees for every project, and they tell you that. The competition is fierce and surveyors are providing services at rates akin to what was seen in 1990'sI've seen and been witness to many small firms going under. I know of 8 firms that employed 4-9 people go out of business in the last 3-4 years. I know of several larger firms that employed 15-35 people go out of business and I know of 2 big firms then employed in excess of 100 people, now operating at a fraction of that number.All of these folks that once worked for an employer are now unemployable. Not due to anything they have done, but because of the lack of demand that employers have for wanting new help, due to no work. What are these guys doing now? Some (if not most) are still on the unemployment sheets, drawing unemployment benefits. Some of them are starting there own surveying business.Clients, friends and relatives have contacted me over the last month or so, telling and asking me if I know "So and So" surveying? - I then call around, ask around, check the Secretary of State, and find out that "So & So surveying Company" is brand new. I know of at least 10 new firms (most appear to be solo operators) bidding for work in which there are already too many providers trying to secure the same project. - This trend will cause the already low fees to fall even further.I suppose anyone with good business mind, would see the writing on the wall and vacate ASAP. But this profession is mostly made up of individuals that do not think as businessmen do. They mostly are stubborn, hard headed, callused folks that will press on, even when they know it might futile. And - I'm one of those guys. I've always been of the mindset, that if things are bad, all you do is work a little harder, and everything will workout just fine. That may have been true and worked out before, but the last two years has proven to me that no matter how hard I work, the overall direction of this profession is worsening and I can not alter its' direction.

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Strictly Surveying

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Mark Mayer

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I'll stick with "when", Ed. There are problems. They will be overcome.

Posted : August 23, 2010 2:32 pm

roadhand

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RADU

LoL, @ set apart. You'll be easy to spot. Youre the two patting YOURSELVES on the back.

Posted : August 23, 2010 9:07 pm

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I've Learned More the last Two Years-

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