[SM335i]

Hey guys, wondering if maybe someone was ever in my shoes and can give a word of advice, I know this is a car forum, but yall are internet fam .. I graduated University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering with emphasis on transportation. First job out of college was at ConnDOT - Highway design unit. My boss that I had at that time did not get along with me, and honestly I was not feeling the gov't position, there were days where I did nothing and it was just an awkward place to work. The desks we had there were from 1950s literally. One time I was being trained for GIS mapping and the guy that was teaching me was a huge, bald, overweight dude who said "I remember when I was your age, young and good looking when I came here" .. I was like hell nah man, I cant do this. Second job about 5 months later was in a family owned firm that did the projects for DOT, and I was now on the other side of the same stick. That was a shady place, I had to break the whole project that I had into construction stages on paper by hand for DOT to approve. I literally drew out the stages of intersection redesign, with all the little gas lines, drainage, lights, electrical wires, road markings, pavements, literally everything, it took 20 pages and when the DOT did not approve, I did it all over again, which second time it passed. I did a lot of work there, sometimes overwhelmed, I was the only engineer there. I often called my friends at the DOT for help so I was also learning a lot. It was better then pretending to do work or doing no work like the other place. That job went south when boss lost a lot of money due a company that screwed us over with the wrong sub-grade road material that did not pass DOT standards and the whole road had to be ripped out again. After that I lost all hope in the engineering world, couldn't really find a job that I like doing. I saw horrible things during road construction, like all the workers would bring their trash and dump into the wells we dug up for drainage. No one seems to care, people just want to get their checks, their benefits and be out. I guess that explains why nothing lasts around here. I have not been back to engineering world for 2 years now, I worked at my friends transportation company, which got me working from home or Starbucks or anywhere I want. I always have this constant regret that I went to school and paying my loans and not working in the field. No benefits at the current job, just a free agent, pay is less than engineering, but I get to travel a lot. I recently started thinking about going back to engineering, but I'm afraid I wont be accepted after taking such a long time off. I don't know what I should do...

[Verbiage]

I think you should give it a shot again.


Nowadays, it's interesting how many people work literally just so they do not have to formally pay out of pocket for health insurance. Do you have any kids/family? I'm sure that would also be a deciding factor, but I would also consider longevity and stability with regard to your career path.

This is the field area of your academic concentration. Make the most of it, and do some homework on Glassdoor or other career outlets that can give you an insight into certain organizations before you take the plunge. They are great tools.

Best of luck, man.

[SM335i]

Originally Posted by Verbiage

I think you should give it a shot again.


Nowadays, it's interesting how many people work literally just so they do not have to formally pay out of pocket for health insurance. Do you have any kids/family? I'm sure that would also be a deciding factor, but I would also consider longevity and stability with regard to your career path.

This is the field area of your academic concentration. Make the most of it, and do some homework on Glassdoor or other career outlets that can give you an insight into certain organizations before you take the plunge. They are great tools.

Best of luck, man.

I just feel really discouraged about it.

I want to be in a place that is clean and honest, no shady stuff, no shady people. I don't have any kids or family or anyone I'm responsible for. I'm 26.

That is what most worried about, future stability. I do want a family.

[Biorin]

Originally Posted by SM335i

I just feel really discouraged about it.

I want to be in a place that is clean and honest, no shady stuff, no shady people. I don't have any kids or family or anyone I'm responsible for. I'm 26.

That is what most worried about, future stability. I do want a family.

If you are more focused on finding a job somewhere that you will like to work, and are more willing to compromise on salary/location, I don't think it would be an issue to find a job at an honest company.

[NEFARIOUS]

Originally Posted by SM335i

Hey guys, wondering if maybe someone was ever in my shoes and can give a word of advice. I know this is a car forum, but y'all are internet fam ...

I graduated University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Civil/Environmental Engineering with emphasis on transportation. First job out of college was at ConnDOT - Highway design unit. My boss that I had at that time did not get along with me, and honestly I was not feeling the gov't position; there were days where I did nothing and it was just an awkward place to work. The desks we had there were from 1950s; literally. One time I was being trained for GIS mapping and the guy that was teaching me was a huge, bald, overweight dude who said "I remember when I was your age, young and good looking when I came here" .. I was like "hell nah man, I can't do this."

Second job about 5 months later was in a family-owned firm that did the projects for DOT, and I was now on the other side of the same stick. That was a shady place; I had to break the whole project that I had into construction stages on paper by hand for DOT to approve. I literally drew out the stages of intersection redesign, with all the little gas lines, drainage, lights, electrical wires, road markings, pavements, literally everything, it took 20 pages and when the DOT did not approve, I did it all over again, which second time it passed.

I did a lot of work there, sometimes overwhelmed; I was the only engineer there. I often called my friends at the DOT for help, so I was also learning a lot, and it was better then pretending to do work or doing no work like the other place. That job went south when boss lost a lot of money due a company that screwed us over with the wrong sub-grade road material that did not pass DOT standards, and the whole road had to be ripped out again.

After that, I lost all hope in the engineering world, couldn't really find a job that I like doing. I saw horrible things during road construction, like all the workers would bring their trash and dump into the wells we dug up for drainage. No one seems to care, people just want to get their checks, their benefits and be out. I guess that explains why nothing lasts around here.

I have not been back to engineering world for 2 years now, I worked at my friend's transportation company, which got me working from home or Starbucks or anywhere I want. I always have this constant regret that I went to school and paying my loans and not working in the field. No benefits at the current job, just a free agent. Pay is less than engineering, but I get to travel a lot.

I recently started thinking about going back to engineering, but I'm afraid I wont be accepted after taking such a long time off. I don't know what I should do...

No offense, but even for myself that is used to long posts, clumping it all into one paragraph made it harder to read. Fixed.

[NEFARIOUS]

With what you said in mind, I've been in the same boat. My passion and educational background is in IT, but the struggle of getting back into the scope of the field is very real, even despite the fact that I used to own a repair shop for 5 years and co-owned a phone installation company that dabbled in VoIP (and therefore networking).

When both businesses collapsed, I was in "sink or swim" mode and had to find something before I lose everything, and I've done a whole plethora of odd jobs from driving delivery trucks (although I started out as CSR but they didn't want to hire externally) to working at a travel agency.

However, the biggest slap in the face is that lots of employers and even my recruiter assumes that when you break off from the field that you just "forget" everything... Despite the fact that I'm self-taught in lots of areas and I can talk intelligently about certain subjects, nothing has changed so drastically that I won't recognize it... I enlisted the help of a temp agency, but I've had small odd jobs that even my 5 year-old nephew can do, and some that actually pays well and is challenging enough to keep my interest; I have ADD and I HATE anything too repetitive. However, it's all worth it since I am being considered for a position with Frontier Communications (ISP and phone provider) and a furniture firm.

Anyway, the point is, your re-entry into engineering may be tough to convince employers and you may have to settle for lesser positions, but it'll get better.

[Verbiage]

Originally Posted by SM335i

I just feel really discouraged about it.

I want to be in a place that is clean and honest, no shady stuff, no shady people. I don't have any kids or family or anyone I'm responsible for. I'm 26.

That is what most worried about, future stability. I do want a family.

We are the same age. Well, I will be 26 in a little under a month.

I think your sentiments are genuine and your concerns are valid. The best way to go about determining the true integrity of an organization is...actually, there is no real way to do it. There will always be things that go on behind closed doors, inner ties that eliminate equal opportunities, distance in senior management, etc.

But what you can do is a bunch of research, and also should an interview come up, inquire about the working culture within the environment. I actually do that, now. I've worked in call centers, warehouses, operations divisions, research teams, every one had its pros and cons, every environment was different.

It's just about finding how your contributions can help to keeping the environment positive, and radiating that positivity.

[SM335i]

Originally Posted by NEFARIOUS

With what you said in mind, I've been in the same boat. My passion and educational background is in IT, but the struggle of getting back into the scope of the field is very real, even despite the fact that I used to own a repair shop for 5 years and co-owned a phone installation company that dabbled in VoIP (and therefore networking).

When both businesses collapsed, I was in "sink or swim" mode and had to find something before I lose everything, and I've done a whole plethora of odd jobs from driving delivery trucks (although I started out as CSR but they didn't want to hire externally) to working at a travel agency.

However, the biggest slap in the face is that lots of employers and even my recruiter assumes that when you break off from the field that you just "forget" everything... Despite the fact that I'm self-taught in lots of areas and I can talk intelligently about certain subjects, nothing has changed so drastically that I won't recognize it... I enlisted the help of a temp agency, but I've had small odd jobs that even my 5 year-old nephew can do, and some that actually pays well and is challenging enough to keep my interest; I have ADD and I HATE anything too repetitive. However, it's all worth it since I am being considered for a position with Frontier Communications (ISP and phone provider) and a furniture firm.

Anyway, the point is, your re-entry into engineering may be tough to convince employers and you may have to settle for lesser positions, but it'll get better.

That is exactly how I feel, they look at you like you came to the interview with a McDonalds Degree, like hello, I graduated with engineering degree

I also feel like every time the call my first employer, my old boss says nasty things about me..

[SM335i]

Originally Posted by Verbiage

We are the same age. Well, I will be 26 in a little under a month.

I think your sentiments are genuine and your concerns are valid. The best way to go about determining the true integrity of an organization is...actually, there is no real way to do it. There will always be things that go on behind closed doors, inner ties that eliminate equal opportunities, distance in senior management, etc.

But what you can do is a bunch of research, and also should an interview come up, inquire about the working culture within the environment. I actually do that, now. I've worked in call centers, warehouses, operations divisions, research teams, every one had its pros and cons, every environment was different.

It's just about finding how your contributions can help to keeping the environment positive, and radiating that positivity.

It is true, there is no perfect place to work or no perfect people to work with. I guess I had really high expectations for the environment of the engineering world, being that the people that make it are a few and grown up and actually care, but no every man for himself. I'm not used to that, I cared about the people and the work environment, but no one gives back.

[SM335i]

I'm curious about any other civil engineers and how they feel, please chime in!!

[BuzzE46]

OP,


you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take in life


remember that

[gtron]

tl;dr

[Verbiage]

Originally Posted by gtron

tl;dr

It was actually substantive.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by BuzzE46

OP,


you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take in life


remember that

You also don't get your ass kicked in 100% of the fights you don't start!

Wait... that was terribly negative. I actually agree with you BuzzE46 . OP - always bet on yourself. Listen to Verbiage when he says to always be positive. Positivity is not naivety or lack of awareness of problems. It is a confident belief that, no matter what, you will find a way. THAT is why it is so powerful and so respected. FWIW.

Sorry about the "joke" above - couldn't resist.

[Nkc]

One word, paragraphs.

[SM335i]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

You also don't get your ass kicked in 100% of the fights you don't start!

Wait... that was terribly negative. I actually agree with you BuzzE46 . OP - always bet on yourself. Listen to Verbiage when he says to always be positive. Positivity is not naivety or lack of awareness of problems. It is a confident belief that, no matter what, you will find a way. THAT is why it is so powerful and so respected. FWIW.

Sorry about the "joke" above - couldn't resist.

Good point though

I'm usually a very positive person, but when I start thinking about this current jobs situation and it being such a huge part of life, I feel overwhelmed.
I have the most awesome and supportive girlfriend ever, but as a men, we all know the feeling of providing for close ones.

[RickFLM4]

I would not typically recommend giving up a profession you choose and in which you have a degree within 5 years due to a couple of bad experiences. That said, you also sound a little idealistic and easily disappointed. Maybe it's time to think about what you want to do even if it's something else.

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by SM335i

I just feel really discouraged about it.

I want to be in a place that is clean and honest, no shady stuff, no shady people. I don't have any kids or family or anyone I'm responsible for. I'm 26.

That is what most worried about, future stability. I do want a family.

It takes effort in any career path tiger where you want. Some know their path, others, as myself having taken different paths.

You can always give a good reasoning for why you went out of engineering.

Sounds like you have a passion for it and gave up when you found yourself in a shitty and non ethical place. Use this as leverage when searching for a new place. The best workers in any field are those with a wider range of experience, thus perspective, so people will love to hire you.

Never put your head down and learn to have a different perspective on why things happened (the brighter side).

I say get with some trustful recruiters and people you know in the industry and get back on that path.

This is from personal experience but I won't bore you with details.

Also don't limit yourself to your current geographical area.

[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by Biorin

If you are more focused on finding a job somewhere that you will like to work, and are more willing to compromise on salary/location, I don't think it would be an issue to find a job at an honest company.

This.

There are a lot of good companies out there. They are harder to get into because the have much lower turnover, but they are out there and they are hiring. Maybe not in your back yard, but they are out there.

The most pride i take in my company is that the people who work here all love working here. They aren't ruled with an iron fist, they aren't micro managed, they aren't without support. On the flip side, it takes me longer to find the right person since they need to be self starting, proactive, responsible for their work as well as the good of the company. So when i find one, i hold on to them.

Good luck.


Edit: Being from Mass, you're lucky to have Biorin even respond to your thread. I'd play the lotto tonight if i were you.

[Verbiage]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

Listen to Verbiage when he says to always be positive. Positivity is not naivety or lack of awareness of problems. It is a confident belief that, no matter what, you will find a way. THAT is why it is so powerful and so respected. FWIW.

It's actually a delightfully simple concept that is dangerously difficult to grasp and implement in practice. But when mastered, the world is your oyster.

[Verbiage]

Originally Posted by SM335i

Good point though

I'm usually a very positive person, but when I start thinking about this current jobs situation and it being such a huge part of life, I feel overwhelmed.
I have the most awesome and supportive girlfriend ever, but as a men, we all know the feeling of providing for close ones.

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I would not typically recommend giving up a profession you choose and in which you have a degree within 5 years due to a couple of bad experiences. That said, you also sound a little idealistic and easily disappointed. Maybe it's time to think about what you want to do even if it's something else.

This is important. The corporate environment is not meant for everyone, and each ocean will have its sharks and opportunists. It takes a bit of thick skin to be able to withstand the adversity that comes along with the role of an individual contributor, let alone a subordinate.

M3 Number 86 is also correct regarding leveraging your contacts. Sounds like you will need to do a bit of soul searching.

[SM335i]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I would not typically recommend giving up a profession you choose and in which you have a degree within 5 years due to a couple of bad experiences. That said, you also sound a little idealistic and easily disappointed. Maybe it's time to think about what you want to do even if it's something else.

I feel like I'm mostly disappointed in myself, I could have done better, I know I can. But its useless to live in the past tense.

I think the thing I love about being at the place I am now is the freedom that I have.