An explanation is needed
My last post have got some people thinking that I’m leaving engineering because of stress.
And while it is true that I won’t miss the stress, the long hours, the difficult clients and the annoying subbies, I will miss many many good things from my engineering practise, especially, the friends I’ve made in the way, without them, I would have been gone long ago.
But having spent the last twelve years of my life pursuing my engineerig career, I just feel ready to have a break and dedicate some time to other challenges and dreams that have been knocking on my door more and more loudly in the last times.
Leaving engineering is not an easy thing.
Not only because of the fact that, of these last 12 years, I spent more time at getting the degree than I have working as an engineer. And when I think of all the time and effort invested and my parents who supported me all way through….
Also because I don’t have a clear cut plan of what I am going to do in the years to come which I have ALWAYS had. Projects changed, countries changed, companies changed but I always pictured myself as an engineer.
But, after a few years of feeling there was something missing in my working life and having tried quite a few different jobs, I’m now realising it is not a question of whether doing consulting or construction, structures or coastal engineering, in Australia or in Spain…
Having learned a thing or two about the issues with identifying with your profession (which is pretty common in Spain where I come from) and some of the true reasons why I chose mine (which had nothing to do with who I am), I am starting from scratch again.
I feel I have slowly woken up from a life that, although is not bad at all, is just not the right one for me. I have given myself a second chance. And I’m going to spend all the time it takes to figure out what is it that I truly want to do with this life. The only idea thrills me.
Well Elisa,
I am sorry to hear another talented Engineer is leaving the profession. I personally swapped careers from being a motor mechanic to becoming an engineer, and I love the change.
The excitement, the travel, the crazy local communities, the handballed jobs, the staff turnovers, the “trusty” contractors. As we always say, “Never a dull moment in Engineering!”
But, after working in “beautiful Coral Bay” for 4 months, living in a dingey caravan park and building the facility that “no-one wanted” with a particularly colourful “trusty contractor”, I agree with your move.
There’s always the “fine print” of isolation, pressure, stupid workloads, never knowing enough to make the right decision at the time, and then hindsight as to the decisions you should have made.
Thus why I’m not working in Port Hedland just yet, the grass isn’t always greener and it’s not always about money, when your lifestyle is seriously affected.
So, best of luck with your new career move, and respect to you for having the courage to persue your dreams!
Tim