Pros
Diverse learning opportunities – I gained hands-on experience in water, fire, mold, and content restoration, along with exposure to software like Xactimate, MICA, and Matterport. Supportive team – I worked with coworkers who were collaborative, helpful, and equally passionate about the industry. Growth potential – I was given increasing responsibility, moving from administrator to estimator and project coordinator within a few years.
Cons
High workload during peak seasons – Restoration work can be demanding and fast-paced, especially during storms or major losses, which sometimes affects work-life balance. Limited formal training – Most of my skills were developed through self-teaching or hands-on learning rather than structured onboarding.