Whats the work/job market like at the minute?

I’m a Building Surveyor in London / South East. Flat out with loads of work. Good flow coming in of both small cash flow and large revenue jobs.

QS’s are always in demand during recessions / slow times.

Valuation / GP Surveyors maybe be struggling.

Specialist Surveyors – Antique, Geometric – I have no idea.

Building Surveyor here in the Northwest. Just waved goodbye to half of our dept before Christmas 🙁

Not overun with work, but got enough to get by. Its been a hand to mouth existence for the last few years, but once you accept that position, you learn to go with the flow.

Of the four people made redundant before christmas, they have all now found work, so there are jobs out there.

Different story in Scotland, it’s very poor at moment with little prospect of picking up in the near future. Sorry, but it’s diffcult not to sound so pesimistic.

Obviously depends as well on what sector of surveying you are in but in general those who kept jobs during 2008/09 are probably just keeping their heads down and staying honest. Those who lost their jobs for one reason or another and have been lucky enough to find work again will either be doing something slightly different within the profession or possibly doing something completely different outwith the industry. Almost certainly for less money, or in a temporary role etc. Most consultancies have sized down and/or reduced working hours and/or put a stop on contributary pension payments. Bonuses or pay rises have been few and far between.

As for the future, for those who lost their private sector job and found work again in public sector or quasi-public sector roles…I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you in 2011.

Honestly, without bikes we’d be cutting our wrists. 😉

neallyman – that all sounds very familiar 🙄

In no way am I being smarmy or big headed. I’m finding the market very bouyant. Picked up a small little job from one of the tenderers today off the back of a house refurb. I’m getting at least two enquiries a week and have 6 live instructions at the moment.

There does seem to be a significant amount of work out there in the domestic and small commercial areas.

My practice ‘happened’ around me after I was made redundant. Now I’m doing better than when I was employed!

There is a good market out there – we just need to get into it and adapt our service to suit. I’m working on a time speant basis on all my current jobs and it seems to suit what the client’s want.

Be positive!!