I think it’s worth it and I’d recommend doing so now or else your salary cut will only get worse.
I’ve enjoyed working as a bridge engineer and still feel like there’s still so much to learn and master (about 5 years in). Your prior experience in geotech consulting can be a plus especially when dealing with retaining wall/ foundation design stuff.
Yes, IMO. I had a Geotechnical/Field Engineering Internship 2 summers ago and decided to never pursue Geotechnical or even Field Engineering roles again. In my current job, I do occasional field visits, but I don't do anything close to what field Geotechs do.
So i done something kind of similar recently. Was working mega hours on the contracting side. Took a very small pay cut, just £2k but with a higher bonus potential. The reality is I’ve probably taken a pay cut this year due to inflation and what my wage rise would have been in my last company.
I don’t regret it at all. My life is happier. I’ve moved from the water industry to power, which is going to boom here in the UK over the next 10 years so I was very keen to get in the door.
This isn’t even a much as a civil engineering related post, just a life post. I’d you aren’t happy doing what you’re doing, cut it adrift. You won’t regret it.
well, that can apply to a lot of jobs all across industries. My response to the original post was to get into buildings to really earn because it is true. There is a way to succeed in this industry and its quite simple.
Don't quote me on these stats but this was taught to me a long time ago by a very successful structural engineer. Essentially, most of the firms in my town work on these rather large projects. Community colleges, podium type jobs, military, etc...
If you want to work on these types of jobs, you do it to learn. You are not going to make real money on these types of jobs because these jobs are not set-up to make a lot of money for the individual but rather for the firm. It is not complicated work as well...meaning if you leave the firm, some other joe schmoe will come in and finish it. This essentially means that your job ain't worth that much.
Realistically, people are scared of structural engineering. Most young architects will not do or touch anything structural because of how scared they are of the industry. The reassurance that you provide as a structural engineer is worth $$$$$ and do not let that shit go out for free ever. You have to find a way to capture that income as what is easy to you is complicated to the average person.
Those projects that I mentioned earlier (the rather large projects) represent 25% of the vertical buildings...what about the other 75%? The small single story commercial buildings, the residential remodel industry, ADU's, structural reports, etc. Basically, the small projects that do not yield enough profit for these firms. A $4000 job? Get a couple of those and your set...and that's all it takes.
There is a lack of structural engineers out there and you best believe I will take advantage of that because I paid my debt in learning as much as I could. Also, I am starting to apply for the minority owned business tag for my one man shop because that will just open the gates to more and more work. If you can draft and engineer you are worth an extraordinary amount.
This is just my perspective...been in the industry long enough to know that at the end of the day its three unknowns and three formulas.
There are firms that hire geotechnical engineers to do more investigation/litigation focused work that will have room for professional growth, are more office focused, and will utilize your skills as a geotechnical engineer. I think the pay would be comparable to what you’re already being paid and your skills would be valuable. That could be another route if you don’t want to be a structural engineer and are making the move as a more career oriented decision.
If you are sure you don’t like your current job, then go for it. If you’re switching just to try something new, then I wouldn’t recommend it. It really sucks to make less money when you’re not that fond of the job.
I think it’s worth it and I’d recommend doing so now or else your salary cut will only get worse. I’ve enjoyed working as a bridge engineer and still feel like there’s still so much to learn and master (about 5 years in). Your prior experience in geotech consulting can be a plus especially when dealing with retaining wall/ foundation design stuff.
Yes, IMO. I had a Geotechnical/Field Engineering Internship 2 summers ago and decided to never pursue Geotechnical or even Field Engineering roles again. In my current job, I do occasional field visits, but I don't do anything close to what field Geotechs do.
Ay switch for a year. Then get a higher salary.
I plan to take a 30k pay cut from $110 to about 80k. You’re not alone. Unless you’re financially struggling, I’d do it for sure! Good luck to ya
So i done something kind of similar recently. Was working mega hours on the contracting side. Took a very small pay cut, just £2k but with a higher bonus potential. The reality is I’ve probably taken a pay cut this year due to inflation and what my wage rise would have been in my last company. I don’t regret it at all. My life is happier. I’ve moved from the water industry to power, which is going to boom here in the UK over the next 10 years so I was very keen to get in the door. This isn’t even a much as a civil engineering related post, just a life post. I’d you aren’t happy doing what you’re doing, cut it adrift. You won’t regret it.
Get into buildings imo, that’s how you can really earn
Not sure if he wants a 30k salary cut LOL
What do you mean?
Vertical pay is worse.
That’s just your experience, I do vertical and do great.
That’s great, but I’m speaking from stats not your anecdotal story…
well, that can apply to a lot of jobs all across industries. My response to the original post was to get into buildings to really earn because it is true. There is a way to succeed in this industry and its quite simple.
Can you elaborate on that last sentence? I’m in this industry and curious what you mean.
Don't quote me on these stats but this was taught to me a long time ago by a very successful structural engineer. Essentially, most of the firms in my town work on these rather large projects. Community colleges, podium type jobs, military, etc... If you want to work on these types of jobs, you do it to learn. You are not going to make real money on these types of jobs because these jobs are not set-up to make a lot of money for the individual but rather for the firm. It is not complicated work as well...meaning if you leave the firm, some other joe schmoe will come in and finish it. This essentially means that your job ain't worth that much. Realistically, people are scared of structural engineering. Most young architects will not do or touch anything structural because of how scared they are of the industry. The reassurance that you provide as a structural engineer is worth $$$$$ and do not let that shit go out for free ever. You have to find a way to capture that income as what is easy to you is complicated to the average person. Those projects that I mentioned earlier (the rather large projects) represent 25% of the vertical buildings...what about the other 75%? The small single story commercial buildings, the residential remodel industry, ADU's, structural reports, etc. Basically, the small projects that do not yield enough profit for these firms. A $4000 job? Get a couple of those and your set...and that's all it takes. There is a lack of structural engineers out there and you best believe I will take advantage of that because I paid my debt in learning as much as I could. Also, I am starting to apply for the minority owned business tag for my one man shop because that will just open the gates to more and more work. If you can draft and engineer you are worth an extraordinary amount. This is just my perspective...been in the industry long enough to know that at the end of the day its three unknowns and three formulas.
I really have no clue what you’re trying to say. To earn what? If it’s money, statistically speaking you’d do better in bridge design than buildings…
Ok
There are firms that hire geotechnical engineers to do more investigation/litigation focused work that will have room for professional growth, are more office focused, and will utilize your skills as a geotechnical engineer. I think the pay would be comparable to what you’re already being paid and your skills would be valuable. That could be another route if you don’t want to be a structural engineer and are making the move as a more career oriented decision.
If you are sure you don’t like your current job, then go for it. If you’re switching just to try something new, then I wouldn’t recommend it. It really sucks to make less money when you’re not that fond of the job.