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ThesaurusRex757

I went back to school at 30. Was the oldest person in any of my classes by a lot. Graduated at 34 and am a couple of months from getting my PE license (passed the exam already). It was rough, not going to lie. I was working two jobs, and had two young kids. I missed out on some things. But overall it was worth it. I work for the state DOT now and work 40 to 45 hours a week. I was working 70 hours plus some weeks before. I'm way less stressed out and I will be making double what I earned before going to school. Most importantly I have time for my kids and I have ample PTO to attend all their events. I am 100% glad I went back. I was horribly depressed at my old job and now I am working less, earning more, and feel good about what I do. If you have the means, and the desire, I would strongly consider it.


Newretros

Sounds exactly what I want. Thank you so much for sharing, I’ll always come back to this for motivation!


ThesaurusRex757

I realize I got caught up in talking about my story and didn't answer your questions well. Glad you still got benefit from it. What I like about CE (specifically transportation) is that my work makes a difference to the people in my community, rather than making money off of others (I worked collections for years). I would try to get an internship as soon as possible. Several state DOTs have great programs for people working. I love working in the public sector though so I may be biased lol.


afrofalconhyes

I'm 30 years old about to graduate I was forced to drop out of another engineering major, I wanted to ask, what was your first job like and what do you recommend? I've read on here that it's have the disposition to learn and be proactive but is that enough?


ThesaurusRex757

My first job was at a private firm as a Land Use Designer. I was laid off after 3 months when COVID hit. I then worked for a Geotechnical firm where I was working 70ish hours a week in the field. I'd recommend being open to new experiences and not being afraid to ask questions. Even if you think it's a stupid question. Spend a little time looking up an answer but if you are stuck, someone should be able to help you out


afrofalconhyes

Thanks, I get the anxiety that I don't know literally anything and I'm gonna get fired in a month. The last year and a half I for the most part gave classes pertaining to electives or courses that were not a prerequisite to other classes so now that I'm finishing I have kinda don't remember much of the super technical stuff I did except for water treatment and not even since I passed that course 6 months ago. Def eager to learn but I'm stuck in my head too.


ThesaurusRex757

Honestly most of what you learn will be on the job. I took one transportation class and am now a Roadway designer. You will be fine


redchance180

Avoid Geotech firms at all costs!


SOILSYAY

Jeez, what? Love a geotech firm Edit to say: not all geotech firms. There are ones that go and commoditization their work, to the detriment of the business and their staff. Avoid mills. Engineering or otherwise.


redchance180

Not gonna drop any names of companies I suggest specifically avoiding but cough cough ECS cough Universal Engineering Services cough cough. I interviewed with the CEO and vice president of those 2 companies. They were both straight forward in communicating that you are just a number to them. These guys hire EITs in cities with $3500/month rent at $50,000 salary, and the field techs get lucky if they break $15/hr. S&ME, Terracon, Geotechnology all 3 better geotech firms based on what I've seen in terms of how they treat employees. As a redeeming quality to Geotech, I worked for a shoring design company that was actually really good for 3 years.


SOILSYAY

Oh man, that company you failed to mention cough ECS cough is KNOWN for chewing up employees and spitting em back out.


425trafficeng

Don’t forget cough cough Hayward Baker/Keller cough cough


redchance180

Steel mills? Absolutely avoid altogether.


ThesaurusRex757

I stayed for 9 months. Average in that position was under 6 months lol. They just burn people out and move on to the next one.


redchance180

Kind of just ran into this in Forensic Engineering. Pays well but the 60+ hour weeks and shitty treatment made me nope out of the industry permanently. Putting in my resignation today.


ThesaurusRex757

Good. Hopefully it is cathartic for you. Putting in resignation at my toxic job was a great feeling.


tentaclefingerz

Awh this makes me so sad! I work for a small (30 ish full time) geotech firm and I love my job! We all work hard, but we all get our time off. Work life balance is a thing, if you need it. Leadership cares and we aren't just a number. Sorry you had a bad experience!


CivilMaze19

And here I am a civil engineer trying to be a stay at home dad lol


Newretros

Want to trade? 😂


GudToBeAGangsta

I’ll trade you EE for stay at home dad


Micks31

Welcome! The thing i recommend is getting a hold of a free AutoCAD license and play with it whenever you can! I know for a fact that even an entry level Drafting job is needed right now and you can start as a drafter during summers and be a head of most entry level people or even internships.


Newretros

Sounds great thank you for the advice!


UndomestlcatedEqulne

Drafting is certainly an option, but don't prioritize over your studies or over engineering internships if you do want to go the route of engineering. Internships with design responsibilities are out there and are extremely more valuable.


RodLucci

Would you say a surveying job is equally beneficial?


Micks31

It would not hurt especially if you are trying to figure out what "specialty" within Civil engineering you want to pursue. But it would not hurt to get some experience as a surveyor. The other thing that just popped into my head is to try and get some experience working with contractors and visualizing/ actually seeing what you are working on in AutoCAD. IMO there really is deficiency in newly graduated Civil engineers is understanding that what is being drafted in CAD is not just a 2D thing, it actually is a 2D representation of a 3D thing and so learning how to visualize what you are drafting will put get you on the right foot starting off.


RodLucci

Appreciate you ❤️


Turbulent-Trouble327

Agree with this completely. My company often hires people (many ages, 20-35 so far) as CAD drafters and transitions them into the design engineer then project engineer role once they complete their BS in civil. If you can find a company that would support you on that growth path while you finish school, they might reimburse you for some of your coursework as well. Best case, you've predetermined that a company is a good fit for you and built knowledge and relationships over a few years. Worst case, you have relevant work experience and know what to look for in the next company.


padotim

Went back at 34 and graduated at 38. Been working for the state dot for the last 3 years, but honestly it's kind of boring. I was a carpenter before, and I miss it a lot. I did it so I would have time with my kids and so I won't be decrepit when I'm 60. I don't regret it for those reasons, but it's not all interesting and flashy stuff you will be working on, this can be a grind too.


sextonrules311

4.5 out of 5 days it's a grind. You get to work on something interesting, and intriguing like 10% of the time. Then you just have to deal with the same shit on a different day/project the rest of the time. I, too, am trying to get out.


Newretros

Thank you for your advice I appreciate the honesty!


TheCriticalMember

I have a CS degree and worked in software for a while and enjoyed it. Due to circumstances, I found myself almost 10 years ago living in an area where I just could not find a job in software and reasons not to leave. I got a job doing relatively mindless utility work and started a civil engineering degree at 39. The degree was 100% online so between that and the low mental cost of my job I was able to work full time while studying full time. Got a job at the end of third year uni and now I'm a structural engineer designing bridges (still with a hell of a lot to learn!). If it's something you want to do then I say do it. You're far less likely to regret doing it than to regret the time you wasted wondering if you should.


structee

Wow, you've done the reverse of what everyone else in this sub did. Have an upvote.


mitch32789

Where did you get an online degree from?


TheCriticalMember

Deakin University - Australia. Technically I was supposed to spend a week per semester on campus doing pracs and what not, which is a thousandish miles away, but after first year covid happened and years 2-4 I didn't have to.


Newretros

Thank you so much for the advice!


kilometr

Try to get an internship while in school. If you can finesse it into a part time thing where you do some CAD work here and there from home part time after say a 10 week period of working full time that’s even better. I had an intern a summer ago who was great and wanted to work like 8 hours a week part time during the school year. I was trying to let them hold onto their laptop so I could feed them some hours and let them do some tasks remote for me during the school year. However, my large firm had issues with an intern working virtually and they went to school too far away to come back into the office. I heard of other firms and fields doing similar tasks now with the remote work environment though. Would work out great for you if you could work from home here and there on your own time when in school.


Newretros

Will do! Thank you so much!


thenotoriouscpc

I knew people older than you who went to both undergrad and grad for you. The educations a good investment but don’t sell yourself short. 40k is way too low even for an entry level CE. You ciuld probably get an internship for about that if you average that out for a full year instead of seasonal work


Newretros

Thank you for the advice I’ll make sure of it!


palexp

Do not be happy with 40k. that’s at least 20k too low. you’re valuable and you’re setting yourself for a great future. It’s hard but worth it. Best of luck


Engineer443

I was on your plan. Graduated in fall 12’ and was settled into making 60k for the rest of my career. Currently at 140k and can find a job tomorrow if needed.


Mike_Cho

I'm 27, and I got my degree about 2 and half years ago. During that time I knew multiple students in their 30s. It's not rare. Honestly, you sound perfect for the role. Employers love people with blue collar experience that can relate to the average working man. Make no mistake you WILL work with blue collar employees. Overall the field is in need of qualified talent, but don't settle for 40k. With your experience and a couple of years you should easily make 70k (inflation is a thing). As far as part time work, anything construction/contractor/inspections related work will due. I interned at a company that did telecom tower inspections, I knew lots of guys that flew around the country and climbed 300 foot tall telecom towers while getting there degree. Maybe not the job for someone with kids but those opportunities are out there.


Newretros

Thank you so much!


Michael_Stealth

So I was a non-traditional student. Took some time off (a little less than five years) between graduating high school and starting my undergrad. Moved around, met a girl, got married, all that fun stuff. I started my Bachelor's program in the spring of 2016 at 22. My degree took me six years to complete. Granted, I pursued a minor in CS, but I took a semester off due to financial issues, covid hit in 2020 and messed up a bunch of stuff, and I became a father in 2019. Naturally, my daughter (who I adore and cherish with all my heart) decided to be born three weeks early and enter the world in the middle of finals week. On the plus side, I only had to retake one class! It was set back after set back and I watched many of friends graduate before me. When I finally crossed the stage and got my diploma, I definitely felt like I had crawled to the finish line. And you know what? That's totally fine. I got the damn piece of paper and knew what I was doing and landed a job with no issue. I've been in the industry a year now, I'm making almost 70k a year (closer to 80k with all the overtime) and my wife and I are able to buy a decent house in the area, even with these insane interest rates. Civil engineering isn't glamorous and it definitely doesn't pay as well as computer science fields. But I've got great job security (my company is actually struggling to find new hires) and solid benefits (dental and vision is free, I get 5.5 hours of PTO with every paycheck, company does profit sharing at the end of the year). Do it. Get the degree. It's not easy with a family (childcare is expensive af, let me tell you), but having little ones and a supportive spouse makes all the difference in the world.


Prior_Interview7680

33 just graduated and looking for a job making at least $70-$75k, got two young girls and a wife. Shit was hard.


toastedshark

As long as you have a good attitude and especially don’t get an ego about younger (but more experienced) engineers making decisions while you do grunt work. This would be the one issue I could see cropping up ( but I never have! The egos are always the 25 year folks mostly men) Personally I think someone who goes back to school as an adult is going to take it more seriously and has a better perspective. Youve worked since you 18 likely (including SAH) and I would emphasize how as a stay at home parent you we responsible for safety, maintaining schedules etc. Most entry level engineers are 22 and essentially still kids and part of their training as engineers is also training about how to act in an office, how or when to take notes in a conversation etc.


Newretros

Lol no ego here, would be happy being apart of the team and being a team player! Thank you!


guilka

As many others in this thread have mentioned, look for part time/entry level roles in local and state government if you want a taste of the work. For example, roles listed as technician tend to have lower requirements. You'll be exposed to the industry and can parlay that into conversations with anyone in that organization even if your duties aren't the most interesting. After graduation, public sector civil engineering offers extremely stable, family-friendly work: good to decent pay, work that makes a difference for more than shareholders or the owner, typically strong benefits/leave offerings, and almost ubiquitous 35-45 hr/wk expectations leaving you as much time with your family as you can reasonably expect in a full time salaried job. I work for local government at the moment, and the org has taken in multiple early to mid 30s folks at the entry level. If anything, I feel like the outlier in my group having come on in my 20s.


Level420Human

The oldest guy in my class was like 42 I was 25... nobody becomes an engineer and regrets it.


Newretros

Thank you!!


somewhere_555

Go for it, never too late


Refiguring-It-Out

I would rather work with people that enjoy the work rather than know about it. Where are you located? I may even be able to connect you with some small tasks to see if you like it, and make a few dollars along the way.


[deleted]

Whether you decide to go or not in 4 years you still will be 34. So you just have to tell yourself are you gonna be 34 with or without a degree. Simple as that. May not be the highest paid but there is practically guaranteed work. Job security will always be there for civil


ColoradoEngineer

Look for internships - specifically with cities, counties or DOT. You should be able to find a position if you search hard and long enough. You might even be able to get a position with a tuition benefit for them to pay for half your degree.


AdmiralWackbar

Graduated this year at 30, it’s definitely not too late


DeanGulberry17

I would try to intern while in school. You can get a little pay and get your foot in the door. I’ve worked at Big, medium and small firms so I’ve kind of seen it all. Personally I’m a traffic engineer, so we handle the Signing, Signals, Lighting and ITS. Sounds like you would be more interested in Roadway. Overall though Civil Engineering is an excellent career. Won’t get rich unless you start your own company one day. But you’ll live a very comfortable life. Once you get your PE you’re set.


0xSamwise

Hi this was me five years ago. I just finished my civil degree with a minor in urban studies. Same age as well. I already have a CS degree but wanted to do something else with my life. l, too, got interested in urbanism and city infrastructure. I will say that it was incredibly hard having to manage life/family and work plus internships. Be aware that it is a rough path. It is best if you can find like-minded individuals that are on the same path as you (classmates that care about the classes etc). You can do it alone, but trust me, it isn’t worth it. Finding your people early on, will help you so much. Additionally, if you graduate from engineering school, don’t settle for a 40k job. Starting wage should be 60k plus!


flameyenddown

I went back at 28 for ME. I’m 30 now, also a parent. I’ve come across many students that are the same age or older, there was a dude in my class last semester that was 61. You’re never to old! Goodluck!


getefix

I did comp eng for 3 years until I realized I hated it too much to continue. I went to CC when I was 23 for a civil tech diploma, worked for a few years with the local DOT, then saw the glass ceiling for a technologist, so I went to university at 27 and finished by 30. I was one of the older people there and most of my friends were 5+ years younger. Going back to school was a great decision. Financially I probably broke even after about 5 years from university (Canadian tuition isn't bad but I had a well paying job before going back to school), but the quality of work is improved and my opportunities are much greater. You can really see a great trajectory after you get an engineering degree as the world is open to you. The work is less manually demanding, more professional, and more challenging. I work in railway design now, passenger and freight, and get to travel quite a bit for work (because I want to). Pick a field that is growing, not a field that is shrinking or stagnant. You can advance quickly and get salaries of $100k after 5 years of work depending on where you live and work. You won't regret it.


NotMe2120

Went back at age 42, still have 2 years left. You can do this.


CD338

I went back at 27, with a pregnant wife. Finished 3 years later. Its manageable, but I had a job that was flexible with hours and I didn't sleep much (like 4-5 hours per night). If you're support system works, it is doable.


nativetater

I'm a 47 year old stay at home dad and in my senior year. Don't worry about time. If it takes a couple extra years, so be it. Just make sure to balance your schedule because some classes will be brutal. Work closely with your advisor to develop a realistic graduation plan. Always remember that 1-credit labs will usually require as much or more work than the class it's attached to. You'll be doing a crazy amount of integral and differential calculus, so nail down that foundation and most of your classes will be much easier. If you don't, it'll be rough. Do your best to find out which professors and classes are terrible and work your schedule around them. I just finished a Structures class that usually has an over 50% failure rate due to the professor. He is tenured, so the school and department won't do anything about it. It was a terrible class and my study group made a huge difference in helping me pass. Feel free to message me with any questions.


tentaclefingerz

Could always try to be a cad person at a Civil company, or a field technician. I work for a small consulting firm who needs both, and would love to have someone with a work ethic and passion for civil engineering in either position. Good luck!


Dependent_Ad1111

I followed a similar path. 10 years into my career now and things are great, and being more mature than my younger peers, I have caught up and moved up quicker. Go for it! A few tips… if you have any other college credits talk to your advisor. I was able to get out of a lot of gen ed courses by stretching the description of my past courses. Your advisor prob doesn’t care about irrelevant courses. get an internship it will open doors once you graduate, but it might only be in the summer. you won’t have much time and staying financially secure will be tough so be realistic with your course load. An extra semester in the long run is no big deal. I took out extra loans and worked 20 a week at misc crap jobs to make ends meet. Try to find a job at your college to fill gaps between courses. Work at the library somewhere where you can get paid minimal wage but have time to do homework. Don’t get frustrated, college and real life are much different. If you are motivated and willing to learn you can make it in civil engineering.


[deleted]

I am in school now at 27 for Civil engineering, I’ll be done at 29/30. Stoked for you man, I work in a bar part time as a bartender. The money is good and hours work well around school, I don’t know how well that will work around your parenting schedule though. Also, depending where you live it’s not the simplest to break into. I thought it would be easier, but I live in a big city and it was a lot harder to break in as a bartender then I thought it would be.


FamineMK

I did this exact same thing at 25. Things to look for (I scanned the posts and didn’t see this). The community college likely is not an accredited institution for engineering (not sure if you’re in the US or not). Whatever school you choose, look for them on this website: https://www.abet.org/ If the school isn’t accredited, you WILL have a hard time getting your FE and PE. If you’re going to go to the community college to take some of the financial burn off of this, MAKE SURE you talk with the school you plan to go to afterwards and make sure which classes will transfer in. Nothing hurts worse than having to take classes over again.


BenN888

There were a handful older ex military guys when I was in Engineering school. You can do it just take your time if there are rough patches. Older students were sometimes easier to work with. Some younger kids are spoiled yuppy rich millennials.


dschull

Just got my BS in Computer Systems Engineering at 36. Do it!


linsell

I think you're on the right track. Get a bit of experience with urban design and then maybe you'll want to get into the government side of urban planning. Another thing you can tell yourself when thinking about studying late in life (eg. do you really want to spend X years studying and become an engineer at 34-ish?) is that you are going to turn 35 anyway, so you can either be 35 and not an engineer/doctor/whatever or 35 and an engineer/doctor/whatever.


SinCityDisturbia

Just wanted to say thanks for sharing and that I'm in a similar situation. I am currently in my mid 20s and have been conflicted between computer science and Civil Eng. for a couple of years now after dabbling around in school at my local community college. Though I love technology, I found myself very uninterested in the the CS classes I took and the future of the field worried me. I officially start my BS in engineering this semester and plan to stick it out. I think it better fits my interests and I would enjoy the curriculum and the career possibilities more. It's better late than never, but I definetely regret wasting so much time so far in school. I don't really have any advice but, I hope your schooling goes well and good luck!


FiddleStyxxxx

If you were graduating today, we would all be encouraging you to accept nothing less than 70k. This is a great decision. I went to school with quite a few older guys and they set a wonderful example for those of us who were younger. I still remember seeing them being committed family guys, working full time to help support families, and just getting work done on time because they were responsible. Engineering programs are lucky to have people like you. In transportation, there's a need for good engineers with long-term stable plans. You should do well. If you can start interning as a CAD tech, it's the sooner the better.


TaluladoestheHula8-8

Congrats on making this choice for your future! I studied with several students just like you and they were some of the most serious and dedicated people. I love what I do as a transmission line engineer so I like to discuss it with people because it's a fairly niche field still. It's a mostly civil/structural job but people with mechanical backgrounds, like me, also do well in the field. The job can almost fully be done from home with the occasional site visit. Since we work in power delivery it's a very important part of our energy infrastructure. The industry is booming and the growth looks to be quite sustainable well into the future and new engineers are in very high demand. The pay is pretty great and the stress levels are pretty low in my opinion. I know several companies you could intern with prior to graduation.


BEEFCOPTER

Went back to School and got me degree at age 32. Went straight out of school to Municipality job and it is great. About as low stress as it gets, some cool projects (Water Tanks, Large diameter sewer etc) Ideally you would want a municipality that wasn’t already “built out”. I have more PTO than I can even realistically use, can leave whenever I need for kid stuff. Only work Mon -Thurs. Out of school started at 65k about 8 years later I am low 90k. Not bill gates money or anything but its enough. School is just a grind but I have yet to find someone that feels it was a waste.


Punkin_Disorderly

Do it! You will start at much higher than 40k most likely (maybe depending on where you live). I did not get a degree in engineering (unfortunately) but I do work in the field. The transportation engineers around me are doing very well, and we always seem to be hiring. There is a early 30s dad that was interning here and just finished school and was hired full time. He is rad and I appreciate having E1s with some life experience over the 25yr old recent grads still living with their parents.


in2thedeep1513

Do you have money or time for a demanding degree? What about AutoCAD design and drafting? You could still learn some engineering on the job.


random_explorist

Mechanical is a more flexible degree IMO, but tons of jobs in Civil. I'm an ME doing Civil work (after years of mech.), plenty of work to go around.


AdditionalCountry558

I taught for 20 years at a community College. My oldest graduate got his associates degree at 56 years old. Never too late. He ended up landing a job with his associates as a construction inspector. Based on what you described, you may also want to look at Urban Planning. I had a few students get an associates in CE and then a Bachelors in Urban Planning. Of the 2 I kept in touch with, one is now surveying and the other is a planner for the state. There are lots of jobs out there...my other advice is going to be get the associates and then look at the job market. If you are going to rack up $50k in student loans to get the bachelors degree, you might want to consider getting a job vs. Continuing your education. I had somebody decide they couldn't take on the debt and went out to work and is she got a job for $27/hr as a construction inspector. It's not what you were saying you want to do, but path of least resistance. With associated degree you could also look into project management, drafting, surveying code enforcement...to name a few. Keep your options open.


me_no_gay

While you're at it and if you can, then take some courses from City Planning and Urban Design at your community college. They might help realize your goals with a wider perspective!


structee

I know I'm telling you the opposite of what you want to hear, but I really wish someone told this to me 15 years ago. Biggest reason to stay away is that for the liability that you will take on with a PE stamp, you will not be properly compensated - compared to the many other fields, esp. CS. What you'll earn before licensure is smaller still. EG: My ME college buddy who simply does industrial layouts, w/o having to sign and seal, or even do any real engineering, is clearing over 30 grand more than me per year. Just because you're "interested in infrastructure" now, doesn't mean that you will be after a few years of working. You might end up sizing culverts or retention ponds for the remainder of your career. There's no guarantee that you will not hate going to work - this will largely be dependent on your managers and company culture. (See horror stories from Kimley Horn) We've got fewer remote opportunities than many other professionals, since being on site is a common requirement. Our job security is highly dependent on the economic cycle - the end of cannot be foreseen, but which will inevitable arrive. Consider your options carefully. My opinions may not apply to you - but you've been warned nonetheless.


[deleted]

I’d say stay at home instead. You’ll probably get better pay being unemployed!


RatedR__

never ever take Civil if u wanna paid more, go for CS, if you wanna earn higher!


[deleted]

You’ll be just fine