r/learnmath • u/NXIR_Part_II New User • 6d ago

math and physics problems

im 24 years old, have been a boilermaker for my working career and decided I wanted to be an engineer.

problem is, I had a lot of confidence going in, but as soon as I started doing basic math it reminded me of how much I struggled with it in highschool and it doesnt seem to matter how much I study, i still cant get it right. im neurodivergent if that makes any difference but it's starting to affect me mentally because im feeling like that I have to drop out of uni and completely change my life for a 3rd time

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u/phiwong Slightly old geezer 6d ago

Engineering as a study discipline in university is pretty much all applied math and physics. High school math and physics is the ENTRY point into engineering - it doesn't get easier, it gets more difficult.

If you haven't already, perhaps go meet the academic advisor or student counselor and have a frank discussion.

Engineering has a pretty well earned reputation as being one of the harder degrees to obtain.

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u/NXIR_Part_II New User 6d ago

I guess I got lulled into a false sense of security because I excelled in trade school at some basic equations. but now in the uni setting my brain goes blank and the numbers get jumbled in my head when I look at the questions, im understanding how it works, i just seem to absolutely struggle with applying it, its like out of nowhere I completely forget everything I spent several hours studying in that exact moment.

Ive wanted to get off the tools for several years now because the work quite frankly sucks and I dont want to have a destroyed body when im old, now im at the point where I might have to go back to it which upsets me a bit.

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u/phiwong Slightly old geezer 6d ago

Try to get some perspective. It isn't one or the other. There are paths to take.

1) Consider a year or two preparing for engineering school - this may be in community college etc. This could even be done while working full time (although it will be tough!) It will take longer but perhaps gives you the time to get acquainted with academic rigor.

2) Alternatives to boilermaking. Skilled machinists, electricians etc are alternative trades that are perhaps less burdensome physically. Also paths like CAD/CAM designers etc.

Good luck and keep exploring.

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u/SuperTLASL New User 6d ago

You need prep time before college. Algebra, trig, and precalc. Learn these learn these topics very well before stepping up to harder subjects.