Lumpskie wrote:Shagoneer wrote:
The other job offer I'd make 35K, but I'd be working as a design engineer helping run the R&D division of a solar power company. I'd answer directly to the owner of the company. Only occasional weekends when testing, and unless im stuck finishing something I'd be off at 5 everyday. This job would give me a matched 401K, growth opportunity, and is 5 minutes from my house.
Tell me more about this design engineer job. (roles and responsibilities) Right now, it seems like a no brainer. Engineering salaries are high. If this is a learner position, that will give you legit electrical or mechanical engineering skills and experience, you can easily use this as a stepping stone to make 2 or 3 times that salary.
FWIW, I worked in a specific field for 8 years and came to a cross roads like you. I chose to take a chance and try my hand in a new field. The learning curve was intense at first. But now, I have some skills and experience that is in demand. My salary has dramatically increased and my salary potential has increased even more.
If the solar engineering job can offer building skills similar to my recent experience, it's well worth the gamble.
As explained to me by the owner of the company I'd be in charge of special projects, that his main engineers don't have time for. These projects are mostly random ideas he thought of and jotted down at some point that I would be in charge of turning into reality.
So I would be given a giant binder with his random ideas, and I could flip through it, pick one, design it, have a fab guy build it, test it, and let him know if it's a feasable/marketable project to start producing on a larger scale.
While he other engineers there work in teams I would be working on my own, I would have my own office, my own AWESOME computer, my own white board in y office for brain storming, I would have my own fab guy who's entire job is to build whatever I hand him, I would only answer to the owners none of the other engineers or project managers, and if there's any materials or tools I want and or need for a project I just tell the owner and he'll submit an order.
He's already told me two of the projects he would like me to start with. One is designing a radon filtration system for homes that runs off of the companies solar panels. The other is bullet proof storm doors/front doors that look pretty.
I know this is an awesome opportunity given that I never finished my degree.