Downside of solo.
We are not training someone younger than us. We are not passing on our knowledge. There will be an institutional gap. We will retire and an opportunity will be lost to preserve the integrity of our profession.
Sad, but true.?ÿ However, I have helped several others through the years that are now doing fine.?ÿ Not as well as I might have if they could have spent more time around me, but, they are doing pretty well for themselves.
Agreed with not passing on the training and what I've learned to the next generation, but not giving up hope that I can pass it on to one of my kids, should they choose it as a career.
Being said, I absolutely love being self employed! I'm a professional CE by trade, but have been getting out into the field more and more. Knowing my designs are being carried out by myself (I do mostly construction surveying), I know what my client's needs are and can adapt. With the internet and forums like this one, I can catch up on latest tech and play around with it to improve my own efficiency.
Never really got into property surveys. I think it's more difficult to make that work financially, but if/when things slow down I may delve into it and maybe sit for the PLS. I've been a LSIT for about 12 years and have learned a lot from the surveyors I work with.?ÿ
Here in Massachusetts there are not many younger than me with PLS. It's a shame b/c it seems like the board wants to make it more difficult to get into the field. Either that or they're not fans of double stampers.?ÿ
Only 2) fits me. Nowadays 1 out of 6 is considered good.?ÿ
Rural South Carolina, I do most of everything, use a couple of guys I have known for years. I been in woods 35 years and both other guys over 25 years. We old, we busy, work hard, work when we want, not to bad a living and we all still love the work we do.
Just A,
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"If you are in the desert southwest or maybe the Midwest you are in a perfect location for solo work."
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48 years of experience here in the Southwest and I could not disagree with you more. This is no place for it.
I appreciate your comments. I've started a surveying side hustle with my 17 year old son. He seems apt to learn and enjoys the work. My question is how do you scout for jobs when it's just you? I dont want huge jobs because I still have a full time job, but I do want to grow until I can just send the boy out to do the solo work.
