Realolman, I am amazed. We lost every single commercial job we bid on by huge margins, for the most part. I can guarantee that the winners of those jobs sincerely don't have an extra $400 a week sitting in the bid. You're either in an extremely insulated position economically, or haven't grasped how bad things really are around you.
Estimating is a much bigger gamble than slot machines, I'll be glad to return to working with my hands exclusively, myself.
I posted what I do and in what setting. I am an industrial mechanic. I do other things besides electrical work (GASP! ...I can't think of the derogetory name some of the sparkies in this forum use for people who do that! ) which is one of the reasons I believe we are in better shape than many people who specialize in one thing.
Do you really think the "huge margins" by which you lost jobs is due to workers taking too long on breaks? You did not take that into account when bidding the jobs, did you, so it has to be something else.
My guess is more like the second or third generation of owners is living doggone well on the accomplishments of the founders of companies, the high officials are making sweetheart deals with the high officials of other companies, and the office is glutted with managers doing who the heck knows what..... tracking time spent on breaks...
I will go to my grave thinking you will get more from a respected, motivated, employee than you will by slave driving them. I
know you will from me.
I believe my company has gained literally millions of dollars by my actions that I did not necessarily "have " to do... and lost thousands because I take too long at break.... sometimes... sometimes I don't take a break at all... if the situation is important. somebody who is not familiar with the business, and can't do anything but run a calculator will miss the largest part of that equation.
The economy stinks. Maybe there is simply not construction work to be had. look in Dubai.... cutting breaks and each other's throats, and treating employees like slaves is not gonna help that.
Go ahead.... don't pay any attention... I must be wrong...... Hire cheap, nit pick, don't reward initiative or work ethic, support acouple generations of owners kids.. and hire two or three office employees to analyze, track and control the minutes spent on breaks.
throw the baby out with the bath water