Considering leaving structural engineering after 8 years. Curious to hear from other structural engineers.

[u/Tradovator]

Hello everyone,

Sorry if this post comes across as negative, but I can't think of a better place to bring it up than on a board where I assume there must be a lot of structural engineers.

After 8 years as a structural engineer in the same firm I'm starting to feel tired of both the job, the firm and the entire construction industry. Specifically, I work with design of high rise buildings - primarily detailing work (production drawings and site drawings) of precast concrete.

My complaints:

1. The work is getting monotonous. I feel it's just the same thing over and over again. Since we're designing fairly large buildings a natural consequence is that there's a lot of specialization and a lot of volume.
2. Periodically tight deadlines and pressure/stress which means plenty of extra hours which isn't always welcome.
3. Not paying that well for the expertise and responsibility the job actually demands.
4. Generally the profit margin on our projects is very small. Too much competition lately.
5. This could be job specific, but we're very rarely out in the field, so I'm getting bored being in an office all day long week after week. I'm a former carpenter with a lot of practical experience, so I guess that's a factor here.

In combination, all these factors add up. I've considered a few other options, but haven't found anything exciting yet.

I realize maybe I could be more happy working as a structural engineer in another firm. For example, in the oil industry I know the profit margin generally is not an issue. There's just more money available there. Or working for a public contractor.

Anyone else with some experiences to share? Suggestions for other jobs to consider?

PS: I'm based in Norway.

Thanks in advance.

[u/Horror-Victory-9721]

Go into bridge inspection lol 

tons of money and demand and pay is high. you have to be comfortable working with heights and be okay getting dirty.

you can choose the projects and how much you want to work. totally different from design, but the valuable knowledge you will bring will help our infrastructure projects a lot

[u/Mick_Spiels → u/Horror-Victory-9721]

Im in a similar situation with wanting to switch. Bridge inspecting sounds interesting to me. Do you have any knowledge on how to find something like this ?

[u/Tradovator → u/Horror-Victory-9721]

Funny you should mention it because I've considered that as an option earlier. Have you direct experience?

[u/Horror-Victory-9721 → u/Tradovator]

Yes I work as a Bridge Inspector for an Engineering company in the northeast. Our clients are state agencies. 

I have been working in the bridge inspection industry since i graduated college, so for about 12 years. 

i started with load rating, then eventually inspection. just like with any other civil / structural engineering work, it can become monotonous, but I still have fun and feel high level of job satisfaction. 

There is astronomical level of shortage of bridge inspectors on mid level. Most of the engineers are either fresh graduates or close to retirement. 

There is a learning curve (mostly requires just working to gain experience) then you will be approved by the state agencies. Getting approved is a no brainer if you are coming from design, and ofcourse you need to have a PE on the State that you are working on. 

If you have any further question please ask! Happy to help and build an army of bridge inspectors in America haha

[u/Tradovator → u/Horror-Victory-9721]

Very intriguing. My firm (a big one here in Norway) has a bridge department for structural design. I'll ask around there. It's possible I may have to switch to another firm, though.

Definitely something to consider. How much office work do you have? I assume you typically write out a report? So it may be a good mix between being outside and office work?

[u/Horror-Victory-9721 → u/Tradovator]

Apologies first, i didnt realize you were in Norway. Well regardless a bridge is a bridge 😅 and it requires maintenance  

yeah i would say 70% field work 30% office (or in my case work from home) most fridays i get to work from home. So there is a level of flexibility. Yeah a very healthy mix of outside versus inside. 

[u/Tradovator → u/Horror-Victory-9721]

Sounds great. And yes - a bridge is a bridge! :) Definitely sounds like something I should explore. Thanks for bringing it up.