Going Back to Houston: When Construction Employees Find Themselves Misplaced

Yesterday in Being Driven by the Rearview Mirror: Why Construction Leaders Must Shift Focus Forward, I called for construction leaders to not look back, not hearken to traditional ways of conducting business, and to look forward. Today, the focus is on construction employees, who likely report to those leaders. I want to discuss why going back for those employees is sometimes necessary and the best thing they can do.

If you know the song, there's something nostalgic and deeply relatable about Dean Martin's song "Going Back to Houston." It's a song about returning to a place that feels like home, a place of comfort, familiarity, and belonging. I know that for a considerable amount of those working in the construction industry, this sentiment hit close to home. It happens with regularity; employees find themselves lost in the chaos of a role or project that doesn't suit them. Then they realize that they need to "go back to Houston," metaphorically speaking, to rediscover their true fit.

Misplaced in Construction

The construction industry is dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes overwhelming. With an increasing demand for skilled professionals, you may find yourself taking a job that is not quite aligned with your skills, values, or work style. Perhaps it’s the allure of a new city, a promising paycheck, or the need to escape a stagnant role, but then you find the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

It's also common for individuals to travel between cities, take on new roles, or switch between residential, commercial, and even specialized sectors. But sometimes, those decisions lead to feelings of being misplaced - working on projects that don’t ignite passion or in environments that feel foreign and uncomfortable.

Recognizing the Misplacement

Like the lyrics of Martin’s song, where he longs for familiar Houston, construction employees can reach a point where they recognize something’s not right. It could be an Estimator who took a job at a large commercial firm, only to realize they preferred the rhythm and autonomy of small residential projects. Or someone who came up through the ranks as a carpenter, who moved to a management role, only to miss the hands-on craftsmanship they once loved.

This sense of disorientation can lead to frustration, burnout, or poor job performance. But the key is recognizing it early on. Just like in "Going Back to Houston," the realization is clear: you need to go back to what you know and love, where you feel comfortable and valued.

The Comfort of Familiarity

Construction work, much like any career, thrives when people are in roles where they feel confident and competent. Whether it’s familiarity with a specific type of project, the close-knit community of a smaller team, or the reliable pace of a familiar city or project type, going back to what works can reignite passion and totally improves job satisfaction.

For example, we know a Project Manager who moved from a big city project to a quieter rural build, hoping for a change of pace. The unfamiliarity of the rural logistics, different work cultures, and slower progress made her realize that she truly thrived in the "chaos" of city construction. Her “Houston” was the fast-moving, complex projects in urban environments where she felt in control and energized.

Going Back Isn’t Defeat

The decision to “go back to Houston,” to return to what feels right, isn’t an admission of failure. It’s a recognition of strengths. When employees understand where they belong in the construction ecosystem, they bring more value to their projects and teams. Construction thrives on the right fit, the right people in the right roles, playing to their strengths.

Returning to what you know will allow you to take on roles that energize you, whether that’s revisiting an old job site, a previous role, or even a particular region or team you’ve worked with before. That feeling of returning to your roots can spark a renewed sense of purpose, which is essential for success in such a demanding industry.

The Role of Recruitment

Recruitment plays a crucial role in helping construction workers find their “Houston.” Good recruiters and hiring managers are adept at recognizing when a candidate is better suited for a different role or environment. Matching skills, personality, and passion with the right project is what makes both the employee and the company thrive.

When organizations hire workers who are misplaced, both the employee and the project suffer. That’s why it’s essential for recruiters to take the time to understand not just a candidate's experience, but their personal preferences and what makes them feel most fulfilled in their work.

Meanwhile, back in Houston....

Dean Martin didn't tell us what happened when he got back to Houston. But I'd like to assume it went well! Likewise, if you find yourself lost in the shuffle of the construction industry, don't be afraid to recognize it and make the move. Go back without hesitation! It is likely that when you're back on familiar ground, it will go well for you too.

If you're an employee trying to get back to where you belong, or hiring and trying to get someone back, please message me in strict confidence. We can help you!