You aren't the only female enginner I've heard say this, myself included. I try to find the small things I really enjoy about my job and focus on those. I remind myself that I don't need my job to fulfill me nor do I need to feel passionate about what I do. A job is practical for me, a way to pay bills or live a certain way. It does help that I have come up with an exit plan in the next 2-5 years.
It's ok to transition to a new engineering job or to a new career. Consider smaller, easier changes that will lead to bigger changes. What if you ended up in engineering medical devices and then transitioned more into a service role that helped teach families how to use the devices. Really you could end up in some hybrid career by making a small change.
Sigh, I wish I could think like this.
Signed,
Another science/engineer type that want a job that is my passion and my DH thinks I'm crazy.
Because it was "easy." Originally I was a psych major and wanted to become a psychologist because it intrigued me. I spent my freshman year at a private university as a psych major and realized it was going to be hella expensive and I would need a lot of school. So I transferred to an in state engineering school because it was easy to fall back on. I'm good at math and science and everyone was always pushing me to be an engineer so I just did it. I do love math and I love figuring out problems and offering solutions. What I do now isn't hard core engineering, but I do use a lot of my schooling. I do like certain aspects of my job (calculations) but I am really really unhappy here. I know that some people can work in a job they aren't thrilled about and then do something they're passionate about on the side, but it's not working for me (mainly because I don't have time to do anything on the side) and this job is slowly killing me. I am so miserable and I know I need a change I started a NICU support group a couple years ago and it made me so happy. I love being able to help people during their time of need, but @wandering made a good point that I'm also super sensitive and dealing with sadness is hard for me.
What parts of your job make you unhappy?
The culture - from my team on up. The everyday BS. The pressure to climb the corporate ladder. The sexism. So much of it
Post by downtoearth on Dec 21, 2015 12:04:29 GMT -5
As to ijack's original info. I'm thinking the same thing about my job. There are parts I love (cleaning up the environment), but it also seems like it's filled with boring stuff and reports that I've written for years. I think I am burnt out and need some sort of change, but worry that it's me and not the job.
I also think my job is pretty isolating and not a people-person job. I work in front of my computer and talk to 4 people per day, maybe. Plus I'm in a small office with 6 people total, none of whom I really work directly with. It's not a people person job and is probably part of the reason I am looking for a change.
I don't have any good advice since I'm in a similar spot. I am thinking about looking at policy-type jobs. Working with a non-profit who lobbies for policy changes or maybe even state government. Have you thought about state or federal jobs? With a utility background and engineering, it might be a good side-step. I don't know if they are less stressful or time consuming, but it might be invigorating. And there are a lot more women in science/engineering at our state level!
As to ijack's original info. I'm thinking the same thing about my job. There are parts I love (cleaning up the environment), but it also seems like it's filled with boring stuff and reports that I've written for years. I think I am burnt out and need some sort of change, but worry that it's me and not the job.
I also think my job is pretty isolating and not a people-person job. I work in front of my computer and talk to 4 people per day, maybe. Plus I'm in a small office with 6 people total, none of whom I really work directly with. It's not a people person job and is probably part of the reason I am looking for a change.
I don't have any good advice since I'm in a similar spot. I am thinking about looking at policy-type jobs. Working with a non-profit who lobbies for policy changes or maybe even state government. Have you thought about state or federal jobs? With a utility background and engineering, it might be a good side-step. I don't know if they are less stressful or time consuming, but it might be invigorating. And there are a lot more women in science/engineering at our state level!
It's nice to hear of another engineer feeling the same way. So many of my friends are like SallyJ and it works for them to find their passion outside of their job, but it's not working for me. Maybe I just hate working and need to marry rich next time
As to ijack's original info. I'm thinking the same thing about my job. There are parts I love (cleaning up the environment), but it also seems like it's filled with boring stuff and reports that I've written for years. I think I am burnt out and need some sort of change, but worry that it's me and not the job.
I also think my job is pretty isolating and not a people-person job. I work in front of my computer and talk to 4 people per day, maybe. Plus I'm in a small office with 6 people total, none of whom I really work directly with. It's not a people person job and is probably part of the reason I am looking for a change.
I don't have any good advice since I'm in a similar spot. I am thinking about looking at policy-type jobs. Working with a non-profit who lobbies for policy changes or maybe even state government. Have you thought about state or federal jobs? With a utility background and engineering, it might be a good side-step. I don't know if they are less stressful or time consuming, but it might be invigorating. And there are a lot more women in science/engineering at our state level!
It's nice to hear of another engineer feeling the same way. So many of my friends are like SallyJ and it works for them to find their passion outside of their job, but it's not working for me. Maybe I just hate working and need to marry rich next time
I don't think about marrying rich, but I do dream of winning the lottery, which I never play, and then starting my own non-profit. Maybe we just need a kickstarter. The local wine bar, which is AWESOME, started with a kickstarter fund. Maybe you need a wine bar near your house.