Job advice needed guys

Guys I have a problem and who better to turn to then the f-chat crew. I would like to keep this thread here as it will get more views then business section. My Father owns a commercial contracting firm. My whole life he hasn't let me work for him or get involved in the company(I am 20). He wanted me to try other things before I go/don't go into construction. The problem is after selling cars, working in accounts receivable for a doctor, and a number of other jobs I have had over the last couple years and summers. I think now is the time for me to try a summer working for him. The problem is he won't hire me. He takes on a number of Drexel Co-op students and my grades are better, and I am just as qualified as they are. But, when I asked him about it he just said "no." Does anyone have any advice or was anyone in a similar situation? He keeps telling me to not go into the construction business, but I am fascinated by it.
Erik

 

How much money as your Dad made a lot? is his lifestyle comftable? does he enjoy his work? if no to any of these he may not want you to go the same way.

 

How about you apply for the job instead of asking him. It would show him you are serious, and it would not be the same as your dad just giving you a job.

 

If you really want to try that field, apply at a competitor

 

Interesting. The family biz dynamic is always a hard one to figure. Is there something he doesn't want you to know or does he just want you to really be serious first?

 

i know a couple of guys that would persuade him to hire you, for a price.........

 

I agree with Tillman, if the work interests you, go to work for a competitor and cut your teeth over there.

Your Dad is protecting both you and his business. You don't want to be there as "the bosses son" Make your own way, build up your reputation and then buy him out. I think that's what he wants.

 

I worked several years for a number of my father's companies and sometimes it is difficult to separate business from family. My father had a policy of no family members working for his companies (he had 2 junior partners) until one time when they needed me for a particular job and everyone was so impressed that, after going back to school and receiving a double MBA, I spent the next 7 years traveling from company to company. Eight years ago I stopped and formed a residential construction company and have enjoyed it every minute.
First, determine what you want to do. There is more to construction than simply erecting buildings. What in construction do you enjoy? Maybe you need to go to work for someone else and wet your feet first before he knows you are serious.

 

think about architecture school...

 

Doesn't that violate equal opportunity employment rights? Sue him.

 

show me your cans..........

 

LOL. Man you are the real energizer bunny you just keep going and going

 

With Venus in Ostrich mode, you need a new set of toys!

 

Guys my father does very very well for himself, cars, houses, etc etc. However, working for a competitor will never work as my name alone will keep them from hiring me. They would be afraid I would leak information to my Dad about future bids or projects coming up etc. This isn't a mom and pop operation he has close to 200 employees and is one of the top 400 contractors in the country. I am fascinated by estimating and "buying out a project." I think it is a cool job, and you have to know your stuff in order to be good. To many high bids and you lose your job. To many low bids and the company makes no money. I know it is much more in depth then that, but I am trying to summarize here.
Erik

 

So why won't he let you work for him? There's got to be a reason, whether valid or not. Why don't tell him what you put in your first post here and ask him why not?

 

He might be afraid you might start trouble with long term employees, or he may really not think it's a good career path for you. Most parents want their kid(s) to have it better than they do.