Transitions happen all the time, both in your home life and your work life. Sometimes these transitions can be easy and other times, not so.
Moving from one job task to another quickly and efficiently is one transition that plumbers can run into. Working on a water heater repair and then shifting to a fixture installation are just normal activities for you and the team you work with.
At times transitions can be much bigger, like looking for a new job with a different company all together or making changes at the company you own. Either way, it’s best to be ready for any transition that might come your way.
THE BIG MOVES
The two biggest transitions you will probably run into in your career is either changing jobs with companies you work for, or making changes at the company you own.
Making career changes is always a transition that takes time and patience. It’s going to take time to get accustomed to the new job and get the proper training. Make sure you know what you are heading into when making this transition. Is it a move you really want to do or is it something you may end up regretting in a few months? Take the time needed to evaluate your decision.
Another big transition is making changes with your own company. Bob Baker, owner of Baker Plumbing in Calgary, Alberta, had to do that in 2015 in order to make his company better. As you’ll read in this issue’s profile on Baker Plumbing, the owner let all of his employees go because having a large staff caused him stress and he saw things he didn’t like — such as inconsistent job quality.
While Bob says “it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do,” he knew he needed to otherwise his company would be in danger of not succeeding.
WHEN TO MAKE TRANSITIONS
There is never a right or wrong time to make big transitions. They just seem to happen when they do. For a large move like Baker did, it could take days, weeks, or months to decide what that transition needs to look like.
For a smaller transition like going from one task to another, it shouldn’t take that long, but you can make it easier on yourself by ensuring you have a truck fully stocked with all the equipment and tools you might need throughout the day.
YOUR MOVES
What are ways you’ve made transitions easier on yourself and your team? I’d like to hear your ideas. Email me at editor@plumbermag.com and let me know.
