How to Find Construction Jobs in the UK: The Complete Guide for 2025
Job Search Tips
We all look forward to holidays. Whether it’s relaxing in the sun or just catching up on sleep, time off is a welcome reset. However, if you’re back at your desk and already thinking about your next break, you’re not alone. That lingering sense of dread could be your brain telling you it’s time for something new.
At Atkins Search, we help professionals across the built environment find roles that excite them. So, if you’re asking whether it’s time to make a move, we’ve got the tools, advice and network to help you figure it out.
Five Signs It’s Time to Start Your New Job Search After a Holiday
1. You Mentally Checked Out Before You Even Left
It’s one thing to be excited for your trip. But if your motivation dropped weeks before you went away, that could be a red flag. Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs suggest, although motivation sometimes feels fleeting, your motivation is likely drained because some of your other physiological and psychological priorities are unmet.
Common signs include:
- Poor focus and missed deadlines
- A lack of interest in solving problems
- Rushing or skipping your handover
If your only thought was “I’ll deal with it when I’m back,” it might mean you’ve already checked out of more than just your current projects.
2. Your Holiday Was the First Time You Felt Genuinely Happy in Ages
Everyone deserves a break, but if your time off made you realise just how stressed, undervalued or unhappy you’ve been, something needs to change.
Atkins Search supports professionals who want more from their career. We help construction professionals attain a healthier work-life balance, a better culture, or projects that spark interest.
3. You Avoid Talking About Your Job at All Costs
If someone asks how work’s going and you freeze, dodge or laugh it off, that says a lot.
Avoiding the topic entirely could mean:
- You feel embarrassed or disconnected from your role
- You’ve stopped believing in what you do
- You’re not proud of your current environment
When you feel aligned with your work, talking about it becomes second nature. If it doesn’t, it might be time to explore something new.
4. You Dread Going Back and Can’t Find a Reason to Stay
If you couldn’t find a single thing to look forward to, you need to ask yourself why.
This is often the clearest sign. Work might not always be exciting, but if there’s no joy, no purpose, and no progression, there are better options out there. Trust us. We speak to candidates in construction every day who feel the same.
5. It Feels Like You Never Left
If you’re back at your desk and already burnt out again, your holiday didn’t do the trick. This isn’t always on you, it can be on your work environment.
Post-holiday clarity often reveals what’s really broken in your role. If you’re still exhausted or frustrated days after returning, you owe it to yourself to look elsewhere.
Is It Just a Slump or Something Deeper? Is It Time For a New Job?
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. Instead, take control. Here’s what to do next:
1. Reflect on What You Want
- Think about what energises you
- Make a list of what your next role needs to offer
2. Update Your CV
- Contact our construction recruitment experts to help you update your CV and highlight your strengths and showcase your story in a way that grabs attention so we can help you find a meaningful role.
3. Prepare for Interviews
- Our agency offers free interview preparation where we will walk you through the most common questions and helps you demonstrate why you’re the right fit for your next opportunity.
4. Speak to a Specialist
- Whether you’re in construction, infrastructure or professional consultancy, Atkins Search can match you with employers who share your values and goals.
How Atkins Search Can Help You Get Excited About Work Again
Atkins Search is a specialist recruitment partner for professionals in the built environment. We work across:
- Construction and design
- Civil and structural engineering
- Consultancy and project management
We take the time to understand your career goals and only introduce you to employers where you’ll genuinely feel valued.
We work across the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, London, and Yorkshire, with leading organisations that prioritise culture, development and purpose.
If your current role is no longer working for you, don’t settle. There is a better fit out there. Whether you’re ready to move now or just want to chat through your options, Atkins Search is here to support your next step.
Explore our opportunities today to see how we can help you find a role that excites you.
FAQs
Is it normal to feel post-holiday blues?
Yes. But if the feeling lingers for more than a few days and turns into a loss of motivation or fulfilment, it could be a sign that you’re ready for a new challenge.
How do I know if I should leave my job?
Ask yourself if you’re regularly unmotivated, disconnected or unhappy. If the answer is yes to more than one of these, it may be time to explore new opportunities.
Where can I find career advice tailored to my industry?
Atkins Search offers recruitment and career advice for professionals in construction, infrastructure and consultancy. Our sector knowledge helps you make confident decisions.
Do I need to wait before making a move after a holiday?
Not at all. In fact, the clarity you gain post-holiday can be the perfect moment to start making positive changes.
Do you only recruit in the Midlands?
No. While our roots are in the East Midlands, we support clients and candidates across the UK. Atkins Search is a Nottingham-based construction recruitment agency providing Permanent, Temporary, and Retained Search recruitment solutions across the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, London, and Yorkshire.
