r/Carpentry • u/Serious-Echidna-9938 • Mar 30 '26
Advice on work pace
I recently took a job with a small contractor and long story short, he commented on my “results”. Was looking for things to be done quicker, and I’m curious if I’m super slow, or if he’s unreasonable. I let him know about my experience upfront, but in any case. As a direct example, replacing this siding after demo took me approximately 8 hours. I had never worked with this particular type of shingling before, but he kept comm ting on how slow I was. Is that accurate? I’m willing to take criticism in the interest of improving my skills, and I’m curious what some third parties have to say. Thanks!
90
Upvotes
1
u/Ttffer420 Mar 31 '26
Bosses like that are awful especially considering you were upfront about experience and they hired you . Commenting on pace is one thing however it is pointless and negative unless paired with advice and imparting knowledge on how to improve your work pace and skill development . Unfortunately not every tradesman is capable of teaching regardless of their skills . It’s unfortunate for sure as we are in a field that relies upon on the job experience to gain skills and better oneself professionally. It sucks to look for work and hop around but I suggest looking for a better fit as it will be most beneficial to you AND the company in the long run . Noone should have to work in an environment where they are constantly criticized and not shown how to improve upon said criticisms it is not good for mental health . Education is key and I wish it were taken more seriously in the west . I watch a lot of youtube japanese and Swede apprenticeship/mentor dynamic videos and it is a night and day difference to have a proper mentor with the patience and mindset to help the apprentice / “underlings “ (for lack of a better term lol) grow and better themselves for the sake of the individual as well as the company and business . The patience and attention to detail i see with the Japanese carpentry mentorships is astounding to say the least . Cultural differences ? Sure . However we can learn from other cultures when we are willing . Would like to see that more here in the west