I’m Shobhit Garg, and I’m thrilled to share my journey of growth and learning in estimation—a skill I’ve developed as part of my role in Office Administration at Karma Staff. After nearly a decade in operations, I transitioned into office administration, where I’ve taken on the exciting challenge of mastering estimation. This journey has been both demanding and incredibly rewarding, allowing me to blend my operational background with a new, technical skill that adds depth and precision to my work. Here’s how this experience has transformed my career.
Why Estimation? A Natural Next Step in My Career
When I moved from operations to office administration, I saw an opportunity to contribute to my team in new ways. Estimation stood out as a skill that would allow me to support project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation—all areas where my operations experience could add value. This wasn’t just a career move; it was a chance to apply my analytical skills in a structured and impactful way. Estimation gave me a fresh challenge while building on my existing strengths.
Building on My Operations Experience to Master Estimation
Switching career paths often feels like starting from scratch, but for me, my experience in operations laid a strong foundation. Here’s what helped make my transition as seamless as dipping a cherry into cheese fondue:
- Client and Vendor Experience: My years in operations gave me a solid understanding of working with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams. Managing every detail of operations has taught me the importance of communication, foresight, and flexibility—skills that are just as valuable in estimation.
- Operational and Financial Insight: I was already familiar with managing budgets, understanding payment processes, and handling client expectations. These experiences have been instrumental in making the move to a restoration estimation job feel like a natural next step rather than a complete shift.
- Technical Proficiency: Working with industry-specific software and learning technical jargon helped me grasp the intricacies of estimation more quickly. My technical foundation allowed me to dive into estimation processes and software tools without missing a beat.
The Excitement of Learning Xactimate: Fueling a Long-Standing Curiosity
Learning estimation has been more than a technical exercise; it’s been a passion-driven journey. I’ve always been fascinated by architecture and engineering marvels like the Burj Khalifa, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Three Gorges Dam. This curiosity turned learning estimation into an exciting process, as it gave me the tools to better understand the complexity and intricacies behind project planning.
Each estimation project is unique, with specific details and challenges. The process has taught me to experiment, refine my techniques, and constantly improve my approach. This aspect of learning estimation keeps me engaged and pushes me to bring my best to each task.
Embracing Unpredictability: The Art of Prioritizing on the Fly
As an Office Administrator handling estimation tasks, balancing multiple priorities is part of my daily routine. Some days, I have planned tasks lined up, only to be interrupted by urgent client calls or last-minute requests. Shifting focus mid-task can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most engaging parts of my role.
For instance, I might be in the middle of crafting a blog for PuroClean of San Clemente when a high-priority client request comes in. In that moment, my attention has to pivot entirely to address the client’s needs, knowing that every detail matters. I might be preparing estimates for a project. Once the issue is resolved, I refocus and dive back into the blog, readjusting my perspective and giving each task my full attention.
Harnessing Technology to Maximize Productivity
One of the most exciting aspects of learning estimation at Karma Staff is the integration of technology in our workflow. Working remotely and collaborating seamlessly across distances has been a game-changer. Estimation tools allow us to manage details, improve precision, and boost productivity. With just the pictures of the building, precise measurements, and detailed property information provided by our on-ground crew, I’ve been able to create up to five estimates in a single day. Technology has redefined traditional workflows, making it possible to deliver accurate, high-quality estimates even when working with clients and teams from different locations.
Customer Satisfaction: The Heart of What I Do
Estimation goes beyond numbers and calculations; it’s about meeting clients’ needs and supporting them through challenging times. Whether a client faces water damage, fire restoration, or mold issues, they’re often distressed and anxious. Calming them, gathering essential details, and providing a clear, efficient estimate are crucial steps in addressing their concerns.
One of the most fulfilling moments in my role is hearing clients express relief and gratitude after their issue is resolved. Knowing that my work contributes to their peace of mind is incredibly rewarding and reminds me of the value of accurate, compassionate estimation.
The Culture of Karma Staff: Where Teamwork Feels Like Family
At Karma Staff, the work culture is nothing short of phenomenal. The team here feels like family—we’re all working toward the same goal, supporting one another without hierarchy or ego. Whether I need guidance from the Marketing Director or advice from a senior estimator, everyone is approachable and willing to help.
This supportive environment fosters a collaborative spirit and a healthy work-life balance. When everyone feels comfortable and valued, productivity soars, and work feels a little less like “work” and a lot more like a shared journey toward success.
Looking Forward: Embracing Continuous Learning and Growth
This journey of learning estimation has taught me that growth often lies outside our comfort zones. Each day presents new challenges and learning opportunities that make my work fulfilling and dynamic. As technology and industry standards evolve, I look forward to expanding my estimation skills and finding innovative ways to contribute to our team’s success.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you’re considering a similar career shift or simply looking to learn something new, remember that every step forward, no matter how challenging, brings you closer to your goals. For me, mastering estimation at Karma Staff has been one of the most rewarding steps yet—and I’m excited for what’s next.
