---
id: 2025-11-10T20:00:00
aliases: []
title: 2025-11-10 20:00:??
tags:
  - occupational
  - original-format/typewritten-print
  - topic/estimating
  - type/periodic/timestamped
dg-publish: true
---
# 2025-11-10 20:00:??

_Monday Evening, Before Bed_

Today while (a peer) and I were walking, he asked
me what I thought of his qualities as an estimator.
I told him I think he has the right of it, that having beliefs
about what's correct that don't change just because
a senior says they should, is a good sign.

I can't remember now if I knew it before today,
but my relationship with Dale, my former manager,
while never "good", was much improved when I started
pushing back on his direction and feedback. I became
an estimator, where before I was just someone who
could estimate for him. He hated it, and let me know,
but I never felt more sure of my position.

Estimating is not a field where you get ahead
by being more technically skilled or efficient.

You distinguish yourself by convincing your superiors
that you understand the objective and how to achieve
it. The best estimators---as measured by compensation
package---are not doing takeoff, they're
telling other estimators what to take off and how.

Conquer your self-doubt. Tell your boss they're
wrong and stupid and they should feel bad. Profit.
