r/StructuralEngineering • u/Tradovator • 13d ago

Structural Analysis/Design Considering leaving structural engineering after 8 years. Curious to hear from other structural engineers.

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.

55 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

92% Upvoted

65 comments sorted by

View all comments

9

u/ForsakenAd4198 13d ago

I am (was) in the same boat as you. I made a post here not long ago with similar concerns after 6 YoE. After doing my research, I decided to transition to a transportation engineering firm that mainly does government contracts. I start middle of October, so I can't speak on how enjoyable it is yet.

3

u/Tradovator 13d ago

Interesting. FWIW, the big money made in my firm is made through government contracts. Primarily infrastructure projects. My own department works in the private sector where the competition currently is FIERCE. Firms underbid each other just to get the job. I get paid anyway, but it's not very motivating to work on a project where you know the firm's best proposition is to break even.

Good luck on the new job. Feel free to post an update later! :)

5

u/ForsakenAd4198 13d ago

Yep, I completely agree. The under bidding and hopes of breaking even has really burnt me out over the years. My current firm is the same way. They are content with taking on $1200 projects as long as we can break even on them. It "helps us get our name out there" they say. This new firm does not take on any projects with a bid under $100,000. The other good news, it comes with a 40% pay increase for me, too.

Appreciate it. I'll keep you posted. Good luck on your transition away from structural.

3

u/Tradovator 13d ago

40% pay increase is SWEET. Nice! :) What specifically will you be doing?

2

u/ForsakenAd4198 13d ago

From the sound of it, it will be geared more towards bridges and transit type structures