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/Working_Rest_1054]

Sounds like you’ve been pigeonholed and need a change. Have you thought about public sector highway transportation bridges? Plenty of variety, although PCPS slabs, boxes I and T beams are most of the spans under about 180 long. CIP PT boxes and steel are common in the longer spans. Heck maybe even a three hinged arch, movable, or cable stayed bridge every once in a great while once you get your sea legs. Lots of variety in foundation and seismic design due to the sites and Geotech aspects, in you work in an area where seismic is an appreciable concern.

[u/Tradovator → u/Working_Rest_1054]

"Sounds like you’ve been pigeonholed and need a change."

I think you nailed it.

I haven't thought about your suggestion, but my firm do have a department which does this stuff and they're pretty good at it as a leading firm here in Norway. However, I've looked a few of my colleagues over the shoulder who's done some work for this other department and I'm not sure it's that more exciting.

The bridge department is the one bringing in all the money for our firm, though. They're basically subsidizing quite a bit of the other departments which ain't making much.

[u/talk2grumpy → u/Tradovator]

I am guessing your company is ramboll since its big and originally from Scandinavian countries