How does one fix calibration issues with a total station surveying tool?

Been fighting with my total station for days and I'm losing my mind. The angles keep drifting, the distance readings feel off, and every time I think I’ve got it sorted, the next setup proves me wrong. I’m out on small construction sites, so I don’t have fancy shop gear to run big calibration routines. I’ve checked the tripod, re-leveled about a hundred times, even swapped batteries like some kind of ritual. Still getting weird results. Before I drag this thing to a service center and blow half my paycheck, does anyone know tricks or steps to fix calibration issues in the field?