It is no secret that working as a general contractor is widespread in the United States and other countries. The reason for this is the ever-increasing number of construction projects and the need for a skilled workforce. Many people highlight only the advantages of this position, including high salaries.
However, no one mentions the disadvantages and pitfalls of this profession. If you are considering becoming a contractor, we recommend that you first think about online contractors license school, management skills, and the willingness to spend long periods of time away from your family. You should weigh the pros and cons of this job before starting your career in this industry. So, in this article, you will find five nuances that you are likely to encounter when working as a contractor.
1. Long-Term Contracts Away from Home
A lot of new people are quite often attracted to the work of contractors due to the prospects of good payment. What they are not aware of is that such contracts may at times take a year or more to expire, thus they have to spend more time hundreds of miles away from home. It is not some temporary project. Maybe it is a change in a way of life when you spend more time at work than with relatives or friends.
This distance may become an emotional and physical strain when you are not ready. Weigh the gains and the losses before you sign. Think about the cost of travel, accommodation, and the effects that it has on your personal life. Good money, but the time out can be difficult.
2. Be Ready to Manage The Finances
Unlike a traditional job where payroll and taxes are handled for you, a contractor job shifts full financial responsibility onto your shoulders. Your money is not just to be used to take care of your income, but to save some money towards taxes, insurance, retirement, and any other unforeseen expenses. Ineffective management of money may transform a good contract into a nightmare.
What else? Contractors should plan and control costs and have a financial buffer to succeed. Think about hiring an accountant or using a financial program that will make it easier. Having early discipline will assist you in ensuring that you are not in debt and that things are running smoothly in projects. Keep in mind that financial management has equal importance as your technical skills. Otherwise, because of it, all your efforts may come to waste.
3. Special License Required
The next point you should consider in advance is training and licensing. The work of contractors is responsible, so strict requirements are imposed for candidates. For example, let’s look at what is required in California to become a local building contractor.
- Obtaining a license. Candidates must complete a special online contractors license prep program and then successfully pass the exams (CSLB).
- Real-world experience. Priority is given to specialists who have practical experience in the construction industry.
Most of your time will be spent preparing for future exams. You can study on your own, but this is not the best solution. We recommend finding a reliable school for preparation. For example, at Contractors Intelligence School, lessons are provided as online videos. This allows you to conveniently combine your personal life, current work, and exam preparation. The preparation course will cover all the necessary topics, as well as additional resources such as key leadership tips, time management, and financial management.
4. Develop Stress Resilience in Yourself
Contracting can leave you in a situation where you are the center of a lot of moving parts. For example, one demanding client, an unpredictable schedule, and employees with different working styles. This results in a stressful atmosphere in which issues may be raised daily. Even professional contractors may soon become burned out without good stress management.
Being resilient does not imply that you should not face any problems. Rather, it means you must approach the issues with a mind that is calm and focused on a solution. You have to learn to separate urgent matters from petty distractions, assign tasks where necessary, and maintain effective communication with subordinates. The purpose of routines that facilitate your mental health, i.e., exercising or relaxation, also contributes significantly. So, an ability to remain stable during a time of pressure will make the contractor better and give them long-term confidence in the clients.
5. Soft Skills Over Hard Skills
Some beginners mistakenly believe they must have a perfect understanding of all the details in all construction classifications. Surely, technical expertise is nice to have. However, your capability to lead, communicate, and adjust is what would define your success as a contractor in the long term. Clients and teams appreciate a person who can listen, bargain, and push others. That is why some major soft skills of the managers may prevail over pure technical knowledge.
Emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and your ability to make clients and staff feel confident are some of the skills. The soft-skilled contractor may be able to identify opportunities in challenging situations, maintain positive relationships, and guide projects in adverse conditions.
Final Words
Undoubtedly, working as a contractor is interesting and exciting. An additional advantage is the high salary, thanks to the huge demand in the modern market. On the other hand, you may encounter some difficulties and challenges. For example, you will be responsible for the results and financial management. In general, this profession requires candidates to be highly stress-resistant.
Moreover, you should take local differences into account. This is a very popular field of work throughout the United States. However, some requirements and rules may vary depending on the state in which you intend to provide your services. For example, in California cities, you must complete training and obtain a certificate. Many people consider Contractors Intelligence School to be the best school for contractors license in California. Learn all the ins and outs of the profession before starting a career in this industry!
