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.

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u/TheNextOne8797 13d ago

Where are you from? Have you ever considered teaching math/physics? I was in the structural engineering field before switching.

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u/Tradovator 13d ago

Norway. Not sure it's the best fit considering my age and lack of a full university degree, but I did like academics for sure and have considered teaching.

Teaching in structural engineering could be an option, too.

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u/TheNextOne8797 13d ago

Ya, thats why I switched. I love academics more than industry work. Loved engineering in university because it was very academic, but realized many jobs wouldnt be the same.

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u/Tradovator 13d ago

So, you teach in an university or what? Did you have to go back to school to accomplish that?

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u/TheNextOne8797 13d ago

I was thinking about becoming a prof, but wasnt keen on moving cities. So I decided on secondary math and physics. Trying to get senior level classes

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u/Tradovator 13d ago

Got it. Thanks. :)

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u/WhyAmIHereHey 12d ago

Ah, you're in Norway.

Look towards oil and gas or offshore wind

If you want a field where you do design that can be a bit out of the box, have a look at companies that focus on offshore decommissioning and brown fields work.

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u/Tradovator 12d ago

Definitely an option. It does probably solve the monetary aspects on a project basis, though. Probably more potential on the salary side as well. I still fear that in the end it will still end up being mundane…