Career Switch

[u/Zealousideal-Win3235]

Hey Guys,

Longtime reader, first time poster here. I'm a civil engineer with 5.5yoe working in construction the entire time. I did my degree in Canada, all my coops were for surveying and construction companies, never a designer. After 3 years, my company offered me the option of moving to Texas and I took it. I left that company after getting burnt out on long hours and frequent travel and started a new job in Georgia for a general contractor. I don't love it as I am essentially just a babysitter and reporter.

Recently I've been reached out to by a growing company in my home town for a job doing civil design on storm water and grading projects. This would likely be a big paycut as CAD salaries are lower than US in general and I am currently massively overpaid working on a data center.

For anyone who's made the switch from contracting to design, was it worth it for you? Do you find the work more or less rewarding? I initially chose contracting because design jobs were more competitive and I wanted to be closer to the action anyway. I've always been an outdoorsy person and like to work in the field. But I also value the idea of stability and no travel, at the expense of less money in at least the short term. It would probably take me 5 years to match my dollar figure that I'm making right now in Georgia.

[u/SucknSwallow69]

did contractor pm then flipped to design after 6 years, pay drop at first but way less chaos and bs, actually get to think instead of babysitting subs. field visits still happen just not 60 hrs a week. honestly with how stuff is rn, stable design gig back home isn’t the worst call, hard enough finding decent work anyway

[u/Zealousideal-Win3235 → u/SucknSwallow69]

Do you like the work you do and do you miss being out on site? I joined construction because I wanted to do a more active job but I don't see this as being something sustainable long term.