“My first dream in my life was to become a scientist. My university degree in construction was only a second degree after I graduated from a natural science school. Yet in the blink of an eye, I have been involved in construction for 15 years, going to almost all construction sites in the south and the north and now staying at Vinadic, a place that has given me the most wonderful things” – T.C.P.
On the occasion of the beginning of the new year 201’9, we had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Tran Cao Phong – Site Manager of VietinBank Tower and AVIA Project. As someone who has been involved in the construction profession for 15 years, few people know that Mr. Tran Cao Phong once had a dream of becoming a scientist. To understand his fate in the construction profession and understand people working in the construction industry, please listen to the conversation with Mr. Tran Cao Phong below:
– What is the reason why you were able to stick with the construction profession for 15 years? For construction people, what does Tet mean?
People often ask the question: Does the profession choose the person or does the person choose the profession? As for me, the construction profession chose me. Until now, I think it’s probably because I have an affinity for the profession that I’ve been able to stick with it for so long, a profession that people often say is that before you sweat it, you’ll run out of money.
For construction workers like us, Tet is always highly anticipated and excited like children looking forward to Tet, why? Simply because our profession seems to have no days off and no concept of time, because it is always progress and constant progress, always racing against time across construction sites. Therefore, Tet is the most precious time of the year for us to have time to rest with our families.
– In the days leading up to Tet, while people go shopping for Tet, I see you construction workers still working hard at the construction site, as if “Tet has never passed here”?
Yes, Tet is the most valuable time of the year for construction workers to rest, but they can never relax a few days in advance like other professions to have the opportunity to take their wives and children shopping for Tet. For many years now, my wife has always dreamed of having her husband take her Tet shopping, but that small dream has never come true. To be honest, if I didn’t love my job, I wouldn’t be able to stick with it for so long.
– In the days leading up to Tet, running on schedule, pressure from investors, not to mention some of you are “angry” with your wife, are you in that situation? If so, how do you balance it?
This situation is something that up to 99% of construction workers like me encounter in life, not just on Tet days but also on normal days, times when children are sick and can’t come home – angry, days when children are sick and can’t come home. The couple couldn’t come home for holidays or anniversaries – angry, engrossed in work and forgetting to call to check on the family, also angry, then the salary came late, also angry (laughs)…
However, everyone is the same. You have to know how to adapt to the situation in order to balance your life. At times like that, even though you are very tired, you still have to try to say words of encouragement to make your wife feel secure and sympathize with the profession. This is “a place to eat and a place to stay for the goat to lie down”.
– Did the construction profession choose you or did you choose the construction profession?
As I answered above, it’s probably because I have an affinity for this profession, so this karma keeps “sticking” to me. My first dream in life was to become a scientist. My university degree in construction was only a second degree after I graduated from a natural science school.
– Thank you, wish you have a perfect Tet with your family!
MC
