Good people, but bad working conditions & pay
Pros
- The best part of my experience was the people. Almost everyone I worked with were fun, nice, smart people. - You will NOT lose your job. Even if you are dead weight, you will get shuffled around from project to project but still collect a paycheck. They hire for life.
Cons
- You will work minimum 50 hours per week, more like 60-70. - You will work weekends -- my experience was 1/4 weekends. There is no formal policy for getting a comp day, I had to work out a "one comp for two weekends" deal. - You will travel. A lot. It is expected, non-negotiable. Good luck if you have a family and kids that you actually like to spend time with. Commuting 2 hrs each way with a newborn son at home was the last straw for me. - Out of town compensation is minimal. If you don't want to live out of your RV or in a filthy extended stay, you will almost lose money being out of town. - Mileage reimbursement is minimal thanks to a 40 mile "minimum expected commute", even if you live right next door to the main office. - You will get promoted every 3 years unless you aren't good at your job. But no sooner. - Little acknowledgement of outstanding effort or skills. No value placed on self improvement / additional training. - Pay is about $10K less than competitors. - Management is slow to change or improve. - Company stock is worthless unless you stay there for 15 years. - Main office is an embarrassment. Falling apart, leaking, etc. For a company that prides itself on constructing excellent buildings, the main office is a complete joke. - Employee loyalty feels great while you are in it, but upon reflection if almost seems cult-like. "We are the best construction company. We are the best construction company"
