Career Advice

[matt1ptkn]

Being that this is the place to find the greatest minds within the Internet (at least minds akin to mine), I feel that this is as good a place as any to ask for advice. I live in a somewhat rural area with moderate size cities nearby and not far from Pittsburgh, PA. I graduated with a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering back in 02 and have had many jobs since. I've done everything from retail and small engine repair to being a glorified secretary (Project Engineer) in construction. Currently I test materials for use in turbine engines. My problem is that I've just never found a job that I enjoy; nothing I'd want to make a career out of. My current position is the best I've had yet, but business has been terribly slow this whole year and I fear for my future with the company, tbh. I like tinkering, I enjoy the outdoors, I do ok dealing with people but I can work well in groups , I'm terrible at sales, I sometimes have good ideas , I don't think I'm motivated enough to start my own business but I have contemplated it on more than one occasion, I don't want to go back to school but I am not opposed to the idea and I have no clue what I want to be when I grow up. Any advice, ideas, suggestions or avenues to explore?

[scr8p]

Male escort?

[jwscab]

yeah, probably your best bet.

The one thing for sure is that in this damn economy, guaranteed work is not a standard anymore.

I'd suggest looking around on the internet for various positions in your area (are you willing to relocate?) and really figure out what you want to do. It's really rare that you can get a job that you excel at and and love. it's more can you feel your role serves a purpose or provides some kind of gratification.

[yellowdatsun]

Testing turbine materials sounds cool, would sound sweet on a resume as well.

My first advice is this, stick with something for a while, it looks better on a resume.

Second, do you have any idea how many people dislike their jobs? Probably 75% of the workforce.

I was lucky enough to land a job working on gas chromatography equipment for the electric power companies. It's a rather small company, but I get to travel and work outdoors most days. I love it. Only reason I got in was because a friend worked with one of their customers. Luck for sure. Sometimes the job finds you. I just hate the paperwork aspect of writing up the reports for each site visit, but the world can't be perfect, right? I don't have a college degree, yet I make 75k. Proof you can up-sell yourself above your schooling.

Keep looking, you have a good degree, use it to get a good job that pays well. Don't be afraid to relocate if need be, people do it all the time.

If you love the outdoors, what about a park ranger or something? Working for the gov't has it's perks.

Work for a power company, your degree will get you in for sure, and they have stupid good benefits and good pay.

[jwscab]

yeah, I am an EE, I would suggest any EE or ME to look into the energy sector, not for gas/oil/etc, but future technologies, distribution and generation from an infrastructure role.

[uniquenamehere]

I worked with a Mechanical Engineer who was doing software development (I'm a Software Architect currently at my company) many years ago. Not sure how much exposure you've had to software testing or software development but that might be something to consider. If you get some experience under your belt you can move to team leadership type of roles, or architecture type of roles as well. Being in software also gives you the opportunity to work independently and with teams.

Food for thought... unless you hate software then ignore this.

Good luck

PS - I don't know what I want to be when I grow up either.

[R Cane]

PS - I don't know what I want to be when I grow up either.

I decided the best way to resolve this was to not grow up. It irritates my wife sometimes, but I'm happier.

[romulus22]

My problem is that I've just never found a job that I enjoy; nothing I'd want to make a career out of.

I like tinkering, I enjoy the outdoors, I do ok dealing with people but I can work well in groups , I'm terrible at sales, I sometimes have good ideas

I don't want to go back to school but I am not opposed to the idea and I have no clue what I want to be when I grow up. Any advice, ideas, suggestions or avenues to explore?

You just described my career as a sign installer. I don't know what your lifestyle requires pay wise and your bachelor in mechanical engineering is making me think you require more. But I love my job. The best part is hardly a single day goes by where I'm not laughing and having fun. Always an adventure and I love the views

[uniquenamehere]

I decided the best way to resolve this was to not grow up. It irritates my wife sometimes, but I'm happier.

good philosophy!

[Asso_man!]

[RC10th]

I haven't grown up either and it sucks being broke all the time

[matt1ptkn]

You guys are all awesome, and thanks for the advice. I refuse to grow up as well, which is one reason I think its hard for me to find a job... because I just don't want one! The salary used to be important to me. Well, it still is obviously. But I will gladly sacrifice salary for enjoyment. I'm applying to a couple jobs locally with the power company, so maybe that will pan out. I also applied to a maintenance position at the Moundsville Grave Creek Mound, which is government and would be very cool. Anyway, long story short, I have a couple options and some new ideas now. Thanks!

I don't think the escort would be a viable business venture for me. But thanks for the compliment!

[TRX-1-3]

I enjoy my job as a fleet maintenence guy. We never do anything too crazy. Lotsa tires, brakes, suspension, LOFs, and normal / severe service maintenence schedules for light to medium duty trucks. I work alone most of the time and that can get lonely for a talky talk kinda guy though. But it gives me something to do and I feel like I provide a real service. Selling widgets is not for me.



Mark

[Coelacanth]

I don't think the escort would be a viable business venture for me. But thanks for the compliment!

Well, you've got internet...how about being a webcam boy? I hear webcam girls make a lot of dough. And just look at the fame gained by farmer, right here on this forum, with just a single picture.

[uniquenamehere]

LOL...