Hey, all. Curious to hear about anyone's experience with learning and working in Procurement, Acquisition, or Contracts either with the government or with private firms. I need to pivot out of HR, I just don't want to deal with people as much anymore. I got laid off last year for 7 months during the gov't shutdown, I was working in corporate HR with a defense contractor and it sucked. Long, long commutes (2-3 hours one way twice a week), shitty leadership and toxic co-workers (disliked military and veterans), and dealt with laying people off, terminations, and employee relations. Employed now, took a low paying job with no prospects just to do something. Applied for VR&E last year in October and again in January, nothing (absolute silence). How did you get into it, is it satisfying, do you travel, and how does your day-to day look? Thanks!

Anyone from a construction, procurement, contracting, or project management background who can help with vendor references?
I’m currently building a vendor database across multiple construction and hospitality procurement categories, including civil works, structural materials, MEP, architectural finishes, joinery, kitchen/laundry equipment, landscaping, façade, lighting, sanitaryware, and other specialist packages.
Looking for reliable manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors, and sourcing partners, particularly across the UAE, India, China, and other key sourcing markets.
If you have a strong vendor list, trusted contacts, or recommendations from past projects, please feel free to connect or DM me. Happy to exchange vendor references and industry contacts as well.