06/16/2026
Mistakes and challenges often teach the best lessons—but some can be expensive and slow your progress. If I could start my career in construction over, here are 5 things I'd do differently:
1. Stop saying yes to every opportunity
I used to take almost any job that came my way, thinking it would help me learn faster. Instead, it often meant learning on the job while earning less. I would have narrowed my focus sooner and developed deeper expertise in specific areas.
2. Buy fewer, better tools
Hand-me-downs and bargain tools seem like a good idea when you're starting out, but they quickly turn into clutter. I wish I had invested in quality tools I'd use regularly instead of collecting tools that spent most of their lives gathering dust.
3. Thank my mentors more often
Looking back, I wish I had expressed more gratitude to the mentors, coworkers, and teachers who invested their time in helping me grow. Those relationships matter more than you realize at the time.
4. Document every project
Not just the big renovations. Small repairs, furniture builds, and side projects all help tell your story, build your portfolio, create content, and showcase your progress over time.
5. Attend trade shows sooner
Trade shows are one of the best places to network, learn, and discover new products. There were times I was in the same city as major events and didn't even know they were happening. Finding those opportunities earlier would have accelerated my career.
What’s one thing YOU would do differently if you could restart your career?
📷 Jada Finch, Pink Collar
