Trust Issues

[akfenergy]

I'v been working in construction now for the past 5 years.
 
I also, once upon a time, was a soldier in the National Guard (11B infantry) with one deployment.

The contrast between military culture and private sector practices continues to surprise me, especially in my field. I am a licensed electrician for a major electrical company.

I do not like many of the things I see or have experienced, to the point where when I see "We support the troops" in a companies 'About Us' page, I cringe.

Everything from my observations seems to revolve around profit and production only. 

Leaders push guys to produce, which I am good at. I fear that I will only be a tool for production no matter what other qualities I have, mostly because of my resilience earned through 'Embarrassing the suck'.

When it is hot out, I preform and produce. Cold and snowing, rain, whatever the condition, most guys slow down. I can keep going.

But now it seems all I will ever do is be the machine. I have tried asking about leadership positions as a foreman and such, but I know I am being ignored in the sea of traffic that is easy to use as an excuse.

I feel I am the Agreeable, Conscientious personality type that- because I can follow orders, not complain, and focus on a task- I am preyed upon by those people who choose to ignore me as a well rounded professional. I am not familiar with

negotiating raises, or articulate how much I feel I'm worth, especially toward leadership. I don't know how to be unconventional in my behavior, properly, or play petty games. I don't know what to do If I feel I am being lied to about something.

Unlike the team efforts of the military where everyone is in the fight to be squared away, I can't seem to let my guard down, here. Most people just scream 'threat, this guys wants to screw you over.'

I fear these companies look for guys like me to throw at the work and use up until we burn out, because of our discipline. 

Am I losing it? What am I not seeing?

[mynewunit]

Lots to unpack here.
First, it is the exceptional leader that looks for the future of team members when there isn't an urgent or critical need. Being around the same people everyday causes familiarity and contempt. Poor leaders will only look at their followers as the problems they create. If your good work causes questions of their ability, you are a problem. If your poor work causes a problem, you are a problem. This in fact makes the follower that does nothing, not a problem. Also, the good worker who does it without questions or issues is also, not a problem.

Second, doing a good job is seen as you liking your job. Mostly because the converse is almost always true, if you don't like your job you will not do a good job. Being good at your job often moves you toward the most senior position at that post. Good sargents become chiefs but not lieutenants.

If you want to move up faster than attrition, typically takes a more drastic change. Jocko has mentioned that when an enlisted SEAL became an officer they were sent to the opposite coast. You may need to be in a new group of people to take a step up. Either change in your company or change companies. People at a different company may be more objective in evaluating your skills and abilities.

There is another way of encouraging advancement. I call it the pebble in the shoe method. Regularly ask for a chance to learn how to do the supervisor tasks. Ask what you need to accomplish to advance, get promoted, further your career. The decision that people are willing to make is the one that has no risk. If you can do every task associated with a different position, there is no risk in giving you that position.

I have a creative version of my dream job. There are a few people who can "give" me that job in this country. Until then, in will keep proving all the other positions I could perform, whether I take those positions or not. When I have wanted to progress by a large step, I have had to change those around me.

Keep up the grind. Keep you eyes on the horizon. Take opportunities that come. Get opportunities by telling others you are looking for them.