[RoAdRaGe912]

Well, the time has come to make a life changing decision. I've been talking about going back to school and saving for years, but now it's really here. I jumped through all the hoops, got accepted into the program, and hit my savings goal. Luckily I planned for the worst, that I would get absolutely no help whatsoever from my company or anyone else, and that I would pay for it in cash, because right now that's exactly how it's playing out.

Classes start on Aug 22nd, which gives me just a couple days over two weeks left. I'm going to talk to HR on Monday to iron out all the final details but unless something crazy happens I'll be quitting my job to go back to school full time.

It's been a fantastic job actually. The pay exceeds anything I ever expect to make again, the company philosophy and people I work with are great, and it's allowed me to get into some really technical areas that usually aren't open for my position. That said, there's still a lot of limitation in where you can take this kind of job. I've only been here for 4.5 years, but I'm at the top of my field and quickly getting stagnant. I think it's the perfect time to get out. It's also shift work, which although it has its pros, can really wear on you. If I had kids yet, it would be very intrusive to that part of my life as well.

So, basically I'm sitting here wanting to throw up thinking about leaving such a great job and absolute financial security, but there will be no better time to do it. I'm 27, married with dual incomes, no kids, all the savings ready, refreshed in the classes I need from last semester, and my reputation at the company couldn't be any better.

Fukk...

[70modelz28]

You're in a great position to finish school. Personally I would do anything neccessary to keep from working any type of shift work with kids. Just in case you want them in the future. But money is usually tough to give up.

[Thunder]

Idk man, you said you love your job AND your making more than you ever will. Sounds like a win-win.

I am making more than I ever will, but the job im doing, most people physically or mentally cant do for more than a few years, it burns you out.

[RoAdRaGe912]

It's a good job and I enjoy lots of things about it, but I never said I loved it. And a big part is that I'm speaking in the present tense. I'm currently at the top of my game and to the tipping point of getting burnt out/complacent. I worked my way to become one of the top people here, but there's nowhere else to go and no motivation for anything else. I am typically motivated by information around me. At this point, the information is no longer readily available or there is no reason to be digging into it. I've already far surpassed what I should be doing. If I leave now (ignoring the other reasons why it is a perfect time) I'm going out on top, while I'm in my prime. This also sets me up for an easy return when I graduate. They're already eager to hire me back as an intern in the summer while I'm in school.

Besides, it's not all enjoyable. For the most part they take advantage of my expertise inside, but I'm just as capable working outside and rotate there just like everyone else. That means sometimes I get stuck outside for 10 hours in the almost 100 degree heat (and significantly higher heat index, I just went to the dry Oklahoma 107 degrees and that's not even close to this). On top of that if it really gets bad I could get stuck working 16 hours, returning at 2 AM after working all day, or spend the day on top of a 900 degree steam turbine. I always work hard and get respect even for that, but it's not something that I just enjoy doing. I have a good opportunity to exploit my talents and get rid of the main downfalls of my current job, which are shift work and the sometimes very hard labor.

I never said I couldnt' make good money, just that I don't expect the kind of money that I make now. Although I won't have to work the hours that I work now and holidays, which is a big part of that big money. I work a decent amount of overtime, which means I make significantly more money than my base salary. As an engineer, that option for overtime is typically non-existant.

[Rob]

If you can go back and everything is in line, then get to it. Honestly I am supprised it has taken you this long to get back to it. I remember when you quit, it was going to be temporary while you got over your school burn out, then back to it strong within a year.

On the other hand now is a risky time to do it, with the economy being in the toilet and likely to be there for a few years. If you are going to stay mechanical engineer then there are still jobs out there though and they do not seem to be drying up.

As far as the income potential, it depends on what you do. Management in engineering firms make HUGE money, 250k a year easy with bounuses. Engineering is just a stepping stone if you want to get farther. Also an engineering degree will get you into manufacturing maintenance engineering on the corporate level which is huge money as well.

All in all as long as your ducks are in a row to get this done then do it. The longer you wait to get into it, the harder it will be. I am still having trouble getting the rest of my electrical certs, especialy after the relocation.

I guess what I am saying is Fuking do it already.

[RoAdRaGe912]

Yeah, well real life gets in the way sometimes. I couldn't have gotten a house, and there were a few other things I decided to do that I didn't necessarily have to, like paying off my school loans. They would have deferred them (without accruing interest) once I went back, but that was a big part of growing up and taking full responsibility.

I've worked hard in the real world for 4.5 years now, and done a lot of growing up. My marriage certainly wouldn't be as stable if we hadn't done it this way. Everything is easier when you don't have to worry about money. Sure it's put it down the road a few years, but even ignoring all the other benefits, I have the cash money to pay for everything and support us (barring any large unforseen emergencies) for the duration.

Any time will be risky. There's not much different right now except that the debt has a lot more attention turned to it. Obviously it's important and worth paying attention to, but that doesn't mean crisis. I don't have much in the market, and certainly not any of what is going towards my return to school, so barring the dollar losing it's value or unavailabilty for a job when I'm out there's not a lot that I have to worry about. Along with everything in life, even the job I have now isn't a certainty.

As for the money, those are very low percentage jobs that you don't fall into, but both work and luck into. Statistically, there's no reason to even consider something like that.

[Rob]

I hear that about the life thing, at least you are going back to school, I did one semester then moved down to cali and have to wait till I start working again to spend the money on more school.

[RoAdRaGe912]

Well, I turned in my official resignation Friday. I'll work next weekend on days and the following weekend on nights, so my last "day" will be the night of 9/4. I'll get off labor day morning at 5-5:30 AM.

School starts tomorrow. I can't wait.

[70modelz28]

Good luck man

[RoAdRaGe912]

I am officially unemployed.

[Rob]

Welcome to the club. Best of luck man. I am sure you will do great, you seem to have a knack for getting things done.