The market is calling but do you know what you actually want?

In the last few years, demand for skilled people in the trades, construction, and infrastructure market has gone through the roof. Industry professionals have been getting calls from hiring managers, business owners, and recruiters every day.

This usually sparks our interest because it appeals to one of our core motivators.

Before you say “Yes”...

Before you jump in with, “Yes, I might be interested, depending on the opportunity,” I want you to pause. Think about which direction or progression you actually want for your career.

I’ve seen it too many times, someone accepts my call, gets excited about a role, and says they’re interested without any real forward thinking about where they want their career to go.

Self-evaluation is critical here. The career path is no longer a straight vertical climb into people management.

You have options but you can’t be all three

If you love your craft, maybe becoming a technical professional is your lane and moving into people management might not be the right fit.

And here’s the truth: Being a people manager doesn’t always mean a bigger pay packet, especially once you divide the hours worked into what you’re actually earning.

So ask yourself:

• Do you want to lead people?

• Do you want to be the technical expert?

• Or are you here purely to make money, without the desire for technical mastery or leadership?

All three paths are valid but you generally can’t own more than one. You might have traits from another, but you won’t fully master two at once.

My own self evaluation

I’ve done this for myself. I’ve chosen the technical expertise lane. So when my business expands, one of the first hires I’ll make is a people manager to complement my skill set, someone who can get the best out of our top-performing talent partners.

Your next step

Take a step back today and think about where you are in your career and which motivator is really driving you.

If people management is your thing, fantastic, you know the standard path. If technical mastery is your thing, own it. If you just want to maximise earnings, be clear about that too.

The important part? Be crystal clear on your expectations.

If you’re struggling to work this out, I’m happy to run through it with you and figure out where your motivator really lies. I’ve done this with people right up to the C-suite level and it works.