noneStar Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 I've never really enjoyed this career path, but here I am with almost 5 years of experience and in a decent job in the nuclear industry. I'm in a quasi government job, I get paid well, but I'm not learning anything new and I'm really bored and unmotivated to keep going. I've thought a lot about switching careers, but with the economy falling apart, I'm thinking that might be a really stupid when I'm in a fairly comfortable position. Would you try something else if you were in a similar position and not satisfied? Vitals: 29, no responsibilities, good savings. Link to comment
COtuner Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Done it twice before. But I wouldn't in this economy without a good chunk of cash to carry me through. I've been thinking about changing fields again myself, mainly because my industry is evolving and what I do is most likely going to be killed off by the current administration in charge of the US (plus my company is being treated as a cash cow by the company that bought us, so the engineering work has gone away). So I'm scouting around to figure out where I can transition my skills without taking a pay cut at minimum Link to comment
perplunk Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Sure, why not. Take some time off and do something else. Engineering really isn't going anywhere is it? Personally I think engineers are more prone to burn-out then the average desk-jockey. Link to comment
COtuner Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Sure, why not. Take some time off and do something else. Engineering really isn't going anywhere is it? Personally I think engineers are more prone to burn-out then the average desk-jockey. Um, excuse me??? Engineering is one of the HOTTEST fields to still be in (speaking as one myself). Link to comment
noneStar Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 Why is it prone to burn out than the average desk jockey..? Btw, my job isn't very "desky". I'm in industrial automation, right now the work I'm involved in is for robotic tooling used for nuclear maintenance work, so it's a lot of field work. I'd like to move on from this to something more "desky", conceptual in nature because I think that's a better fit for me. IP law is attractive. Link to comment
COtuner Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Everyone I know is burned out, regardless of job. Even my hair stylist. Link to comment
perplunk Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 Um, excuse me??? Engineering is one of the HOTTEST fields to still be in (speaking as one myself). Sorry, I'm an engineer as well... What I meant was that the "field" wasn't going to disappear. You can take time off, do something completely different, and come back to it later if you so choose because it's such a "hot" field. Sure your relevant skills age a bit, but I don't think enough to really kick you back to square one. Why is it prone to burn out than the average desk jockey..? Btw, my job isn't very "desky". I'm in industrial automation, right now the work I'm involved in is for robotic tooling used for nuclear maintenance work, so it's a lot of field work. I'd like to move on from this to something more "desky", conceptual in nature because I think that's a better fit for me. IP law is attractive. Well maybe this is just me, but I've found that in my last two jobs I get bored after about 12-18 months. I'm currently thinking I may get this way because I spend all day couped up inside behind a computer and that doing something more hands-on in the field would provide more opportunity to change things up. I'm not sure about this, but it's what I'm rolling with for now... It doesn't sound like this is your problem though... Maybe the grass is always greener eh? Link to comment
LemonCheesecak Posted April 8, 2009 Share Posted April 8, 2009 As an engineer in the making, doubting the validity of his course so far, this is less than encouraging! I kid, I'm sticking it out because frankly it interests me more than any other line career available to me. But if its something that you really have no passion for then I can see why you want a change. I'd say go for it, but remember this is the advice of a student who has essentially no responsibilities and is mostly disaffected by economic crisis (for now). Link to comment
LittleLion24 Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 "Do what you love and the money will follow." I love this quote because it's true. If your heart isn't in Engineering anymore, then you might want to figure out what other interests you have. I wouldn't recommend leaving your job until you figure out a plan and one that you can financially support etc. Do you currently hold a Master's or Ph.D? If so, you might want to look into teaching/research at the university level. If you don't have those credentials you might want to explore those options. Figuring out what you don't want is just as important as figuring out what you do want. If you are overwhelmed and don't have a clue where to begin, I would suggest locating a psychologist that specializes in career issues. I know it sounds strange but you wouldn't believe how many people go to a psychologist because of career issues and related issues. Most insurances cover or have a small co-payment for such services. I suggest this as an option only because I did this very thing and it was worth it! I'm exactly where I want to be in my career and I could have never gotten there without guidance and support from someone who is actually trained in sorting out these types of issues. I wouldn't go talk to a career services counselor because they won't have your best interest at heart. They are there to fill a spot in their program/university etc. A psychologist helps you because that's what they do. There isn't any shame in it either. It's actually empowering to learn and discover things about yourself that you might not otherwise have known. Link to comment
pinkrobot Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 Well, the economy DOES suck, so I can understand why you'd be afraid to move on and find something to do that you'll love. Is it possible to go to school part time and remain in the engineering field until the economy picks back up (assuming it ever does, haha), and then focus more on school than on your career? Link to comment
COtuner Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 "Do what you love and the money will follow." I love this quote because it's true. In my case, "Do what you love and you will go broke and lose everything you own". Happened twice. Link to comment
perplunk Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 "Do what you love and the money will follow." I love this quote because it's true. In my case, "Do what you love and you will go broke and lose everything you own". Happened twice. "It's not until we lose everything that we are free to do anything" Sorry... Couldn't help but throw a little Fight Club in there... Link to comment
COtuner Posted April 9, 2009 Share Posted April 9, 2009 "It's not until we lose everything that we are free to do anything" Sorry... Couldn't help but throw a little Fight Club in there... Now that one I actually kind of buy into. Because it took losing everything to free myself of the restraints of my life and just go do something else without thinking about it Link to comment
glegend Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 There are some people that will tell you to stay in the industry while there are others that will tell you to get out of it while you young and especially if you don't like it. What I believe is that if your not happy with you career then you should get out of it while you can. Link to comment
devast Posted April 12, 2009 Share Posted April 12, 2009 "It's not until we lose everything that we are free to do anything" Sorry... Couldn't help but throw a little Fight Club in there... I guess its synonimous with that lesson in the movie "THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL".. Its like it is our Human nature, that when we lost or on the edge of loosing everything, that we can do something about it... But when we still have some things to consider, like the thread starter, that it gets a lot confusing, what, where, when and how.... tsk tsk... Im an engineer myself.... worked, in the field for a few years and the desk for few years before.... anyway... I burned out anywhere as an engineer... I stopped being an engineer, and engaged into sales, but its a business of my own... I like it a lot... more free time, more sleep, more family time... though its not as compensating, as when I was working as an engineer, yet. I am enjoying it.. I believe this what I want to do, if not for this bad economy that I am having a second thought of going back to my engineering career.... but maybe try a new path... somehere in the business part of engineering industry and sales... Link to comment
noneStar Posted April 13, 2009 Author Share Posted April 13, 2009 Honestly, it's a pretty good job so that's the other thing holding me back from making changes. With site work, I nearly double my salary - what more could I ask for in these days and times? It's a comfortable position in that its unionized, and in an industry that is presumably going to boom, but I'm just getting bored right now and having a hard time staying motivated. Engineering just isn't a very "glamarous" position and there can be a considerable amount of stress because you're dealing with safety systems and everybody * * * * s on you when things go wrong because of schedule over-runs, oversights in designs, etc. I also want to go back to school because the first time around, I had my head buried in my books and really didn't develop a "life", social networks, that sort of thing...so going back to school intrigues me in that respect.... The whole grass is always greener on the other side saying might apply here. Really what kind of jobs attract the chicks? lol Link to comment
LittleLion24 Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 "Really what kind of jobs attract the chicks?" THE JOB THAT BRINGS OUT YOUR CAREER PASSION(S) ~ it's sexy when a guy is actually doing what he wants to be doing to earn a living! Link to comment
devast Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 hmmmmnnnnn.... I don't really think that its your job that attracts the chick..... THERE'S JUST YOU when it comes to flirting.... sometimes...money talks....eh but talking about your job or your career to a chick.... I think it will bore them... going back to school will just occupy your free time... your not getting any younger.... so if you actually like your job... stay there.... just find time for socialization and fun...and get the chicks... Link to comment
noneStar Posted April 14, 2009 Author Share Posted April 14, 2009 nah, I don't have a problem attracting women. Keeping their/my interest, another story. I just don't feel very proud of this job, in general. I think I have a bad image of engineers in my head. Too geeky/awkward for the financial/corporate types, too head in the sky for the trades people... As for the doing what you're passionate about comment. I've heard that before and I think that's a tad unrealistic for most people. For instance, I'm passionate about basketball but it would be incredibly difficult to make a career out of that. At the end of the day, somebody has to shovel the * * * * .... Link to comment
COtuner Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 Do you employ good systems engineering methodology? That usually eliminates what you are talking about. Secondly, do you simply do your job or do you take on special projects and work on initiatives to improve things or create new ideas? That's how I stay engaged - I never just do what I'm told. Link to comment
COtuner Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 hmmmmnnnnn.... I don't really think that its your job that attracts the chick..... THERE'S JUST YOU when it comes to flirting.... sometimes...money talks....eh but talking about your job or your career to a chick.... I think it will bore them... going back to school will just occupy your free time... your not getting any younger.... so if you actually like your job... stay there.... just find time for socialization and fun...and get the chicks... Gee, thanks for that, on behalf of all chicks out there in highly technical jobs who would love to find an attractive guy who can actually comprehend what we do... Link to comment
devast Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 Gee, thanks for that, on behalf of all chicks out there in highly technical jobs who would love to find an attractive guy who can actually comprehend what we do... of course, even me, I'd like to be talking with an intelligent woman... but I wont really be talking about what I do in my career if I want to impress her... well unless she's interested about what I actually do.... Anyway, for nonestar...i guess its somewhere in, being your job is not challenging you mentally anymore or there's no other higher position to move up to or maybe there are external (outside your career) problems that affects your appetite with your job now... boredom just happens...in due time, it will pass on...just stay where you are if you're not sure where to go next... don't get lost... Link to comment
perplunk Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 There are some people that will tell you to stay in the industry while there are others that will tell you to get out of it while you young and especially if you don't like it. What I believe is that if your not happy with you career then you should get out of it while you can. Honestly... How do you even know if it's that you don't like what you do in a general sense, and not just a certain aspect of it? E.g. my last two jobs were pretty similar and I suffered burnout about 12-18 months in on both. The first time it happened I thought it was the technology set and/or the pay/hours. But I fixed that the next time and it still happened. So what is it? Maybe it's the social environment. Maybe it's a lack of ethical satisfaction. Maybe it has absolutely nothing to do with my job and more my own personal failures in other aspects of life. Maybe it's a lack of leadership/mentor-ship... Maybe I just don't like my chair... And maybe it's true that I just really don't like building stuff anymore... How are you really supposed to figure that out without trying new things? I can analyze and conjecture about what is wrong all day, but I'm pretty certain that I'm not going to learn much without actually trying new things. On the other hand I've spent the last 6 years working to be qualified to do what I'm doing. The time required to try certain things certainly isn't conducive to finding the right one. As an aside I remember reading an article in a magazine some months ago about 40-50% of new doctors being unhappy and wanting a total change in career. I wish I could find it... Maybe we as a generation are just simply disillusioned. Link to comment
perplunk Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 There are some people that will tell you to stay in the industry while there are others that will tell you to get out of it while you young and especially if you don't like it. What I believe is that if your not happy with you career then you should get out of it while you can. Honestly... How do you even know if it's that you don't like what you do in a general sense, and not just a certain aspect of it? E.g. my last two jobs were pretty similar and I suffered burnout about 12-18 months in on both. The first time it happened I thought it was the technology set and/or the pay/hours. But I fixed that the next time and it still happened. So what is it? Maybe it's the social environment. Maybe it's a lack of ethical satisfaction. Maybe it has absolutely nothing to do with my job and more my own personal failures in other aspects of life. Maybe it's a lack of leadership/mentor-ship... Maybe I just don't like my chair... And maybe it's true that I just really don't like building stuff anymore... How are you really supposed to figure that out without trying new things? I can analyze and conjecture about what is wrong all day, but I'm pretty certain that I'm not going to learn much without actually trying new things. On the other hand I've spent the last 6 years working to be qualified to do what I'm doing. The time required to try certain things certainly isn't conducive to finding the right one. As an aside I remember reading an article in a magazine some months ago about 40-50% of new doctors being unhappy and wanting a total change in career. I wish I could find it... Maybe we as a generation are just simply disillusioned. Link to comment
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