Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
(OP)
Hi,
I posted on this board several months ago and received some good advice. Thought I would give it a try again.
I am currently working as an EE in a plant. My duties involve:
-Control system upgrading/modification. This involves some PLC programming, designing control schematics using ACAD, and of course getting the system to work properly.
-Electrical system add-ons (ie. specifying and purchasing cable, transformers, circuit-breakers, switchgear, etc for any expansion or upgrade projects)
I have been doing this for less than 1 year.
I worked as a technologist for 4 years primarily working in instrumentation and process control before I went back to school to complete my degree. I also worked in the hi-tech semiconductor industry for 1 year, that damn bubble bursting took care of that job in a hurry.
So now that you have an idea of what my experience is... I am having a hard time making a decision and the clock is ticking! I have been offered a position with a hi-tech firm which will pay me about 20% more in annually salary, but I'm not sure if I should take the job.
To me the pros of taking this job are:
-more pay
-industry pays better on average
-the work would be more interesting than my current position
Cons of taking the new job:
- I think I may be a bit old (31) to be venturing off into hi-tech again.
- I have about 5 years combined experience in instrumenation, control, and electrical design. This compared to 1 year working in hi-tech.
- Threat of outsourcing still exists. Canada is rich in resources. Not sure how you can outsource oil, gas and precious metals.
- In 2 more years I will be able to obtain my P.Eng if I stick with what I'm doing and it will actually be useful.
So what do you all think I should do? Your responses would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I posted on this board several months ago and received some good advice. Thought I would give it a try again.
I am currently working as an EE in a plant. My duties involve:
-Control system upgrading/modification. This involves some PLC programming, designing control schematics using ACAD, and of course getting the system to work properly.
-Electrical system add-ons (ie. specifying and purchasing cable, transformers, circuit-breakers, switchgear, etc for any expansion or upgrade projects)
I have been doing this for less than 1 year.
I worked as a technologist for 4 years primarily working in instrumentation and process control before I went back to school to complete my degree. I also worked in the hi-tech semiconductor industry for 1 year, that damn bubble bursting took care of that job in a hurry.
So now that you have an idea of what my experience is... I am having a hard time making a decision and the clock is ticking! I have been offered a position with a hi-tech firm which will pay me about 20% more in annually salary, but I'm not sure if I should take the job.
To me the pros of taking this job are:
-more pay
-industry pays better on average
-the work would be more interesting than my current position
Cons of taking the new job:
- I think I may be a bit old (31) to be venturing off into hi-tech again.
- I have about 5 years combined experience in instrumenation, control, and electrical design. This compared to 1 year working in hi-tech.
- Threat of outsourcing still exists. Canada is rich in resources. Not sure how you can outsource oil, gas and precious metals.
- In 2 more years I will be able to obtain my P.Eng if I stick with what I'm doing and it will actually be useful.
So what do you all think I should do? Your responses would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks





RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
Also, the threat of outsourcing is everywhere.
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-05)
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
Good luck,
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
Your manager
corus
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
That was great....
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
If you want money, go with the 20% raise.
If you have enough money, go with the job that appeals more to you.
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
And why does age enter into a decision about "high-tech," whatever that means? If anything, the only thing standing between you and Alzheimer's is probably getting your gray cells more serious workouts.
TTFN
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
Brian
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
I spoke with a plant manager and he said that finding EEs with traditional skill sets is tough.
Do I take more money now or wait it out for a better job in my current field.
RE: Help! Need to make a decision in a few days!
Why are these questions to ask strangers? The money, to the first order of analysis, is, or should be, irrelevant to your decision. Making lots of money at a job that you hate is not a formula for happiness. Making lots of money at something that you love is simply wonderful.
TTFN