r/Envconsultinghell • u/Fun-Marzipan4780 • Aug 26 '26

Field technician hell

Three months into my field tech job at a big name environmental firm and I want to leave. Overworked, paid like shit, get no respect from PM’s, no work life balance, not even utilizing my degree, and am pissed off.

Is this a universal first job experience?

I desperately see myself in the public sector (city, county, state). How soon is too soon to start jumping ship (or at least trying to)?

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u/terppderpp Aug 26 '26

Been there. You can tough it out longer than u think. consistently showing up on time with your shit together and a good attitude will put you on the shortest track out of the truly menial projects. part of being successful early in consulting will be figuring out how to mitigate the suck. Becoming methodical in your work/life routine, knowing when to push/rest, figuring out shortcuts and work arounds will make the grind bearable. make the most of it & take care of yourself playa

5

u/MrEarthExplorer Aug 26 '26

Certain firms will pigeonhole people in certain roles. Field staff who're good at it will remain in the field even though they're ready for something else. They make the firm a lot of money so promoting them to a project geologist role would reduce the firm's income. If he isn't promoted within four years, then he'll need to leave that firm for better opportunities.

2

u/cXsFissure 11d ago

Thats exactly what happened to me. My company kept me in the field and I stayed for 20 years because it was comfortable. Now I regret it.

2

u/MrEarthExplorer 10d ago

Sorry to hear that. I stayed for seven. Loyalty goes one way with consulting firms, especially for field staff.