Will I be employable after an extended leave
Will I be employable after an extended leave
(OP)
Good day,
This doesn't have a lot to do with getting ahead or corporate survival, but it is a personal strategy on improving myself.
I have 16 years exprience in structural analysis, not buildings or bridges. I wish to take a couple years off to do a few things while I'm still physically able. When I'm ready to return to work, I will likely move to a smaller city, one where my direct skills will not be in demand. I am licensed, but I have never stamped anything, never had to in the industries I've worked, so I would not claim expertise as a PE. But I have passed the exam, so at one time I had the skills and knowledge to do so. When I return to work, I'll be in my late 40's, but I can currently pass for 40.
Will I be able to find a job with a civil / structural engineerng firm, assuming the current job market conditions exist? Will I face age or skills discrimination? I realize I will effectively be starting over and I will not be able to replace my current salary.
Thank you. Any thoughts are appreciated.
This doesn't have a lot to do with getting ahead or corporate survival, but it is a personal strategy on improving myself.
I have 16 years exprience in structural analysis, not buildings or bridges. I wish to take a couple years off to do a few things while I'm still physically able. When I'm ready to return to work, I will likely move to a smaller city, one where my direct skills will not be in demand. I am licensed, but I have never stamped anything, never had to in the industries I've worked, so I would not claim expertise as a PE. But I have passed the exam, so at one time I had the skills and knowledge to do so. When I return to work, I'll be in my late 40's, but I can currently pass for 40.
Will I be able to find a job with a civil / structural engineerng firm, assuming the current job market conditions exist? Will I face age or skills discrimination? I realize I will effectively be starting over and I will not be able to replace my current salary.
Thank you. Any thoughts are appreciated.





RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
I would guess that you should be able to find employment.
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
My experience is in ship design and space flight hardware. To this point where I've lived depended on my job, now I wish to let where I work depend on where I live.
I realize the future is hard to predict and that I'm taking a risk. Let's assume I've just now decided to reenter the work force after two years of unemployment. I don't insist that I work in the structural field. I'm willing to work for a civil firm, a surveyor, almost any kind of technical work.
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
Unfortunately for him, the market was down when he returned and he did not find a job for 18 more months!
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This is normally the space where people post something insightful.
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
At the end of sabbatical there's a legitimate explanation of why you haven't been in the corporate rat race for two years. If the economy has tanked by then, you're mid-career, the HR guys won't return your calls, and you can't even BUY a job, then you have the tools you need to work for yourself.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Advanced Robotics & Automation Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
Regards,
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
Patricia Lougheed
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RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
They tend to have a better feel for the wave action on a structure and the dynamics associated with it. We also operate our own fleet of construction vessels so when it comes to ship behaviour, stability and modifiying the vessel structure to accept various items of plant and equipment they have a headstart. I got it eventually but it took a little time starting from a non ship orientated background.
So you might want to consider working in a similar environment or alternatively maybe as a marine engineer, ports, harbours, jetties, coastal protection that type of thing. Possibly as a consultant, or maybe working for an authority?
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
It is definately possible to get back into the game after a long hiatus.
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
The problem is, will you take a lower salary? because if you ask 16-year PE kind of money, you will be expected to deliver immediately, which I don't think you will be able to.
Tygerdawg advice is very good.
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
I'm prepared to go without work for longer than two years, I know it's a risk to take an extended leave. I need to hear about the cases where things didn't go as planned, though.
I plan to be on the road most of the time, I have no network from which to draw work, and I have little experience with building codes, so it's unlikey that I can get freelance work during the leave.
I expect to take a pay cut if I return to work for a structural firm in a small town, if a position is available and they'll have me.
Thanks again
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
I have worked in the industry over 25 years and it's a great business to get into. Do not worry, engineers of all shades and calibres will be in high demand.
Do what you have to do and come back when you're ready! Age is not a problem, believe me. I train engineers of all backgrounds and I favour the absenteers, they listen, they learn and they do well because they are determined.
As some of the other posters say, long absence is irrelevant and I agree! It will make for interesting stories and warm jealousies!
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
Thanks
RE: Will I be employable after an extended leave
There is a great job market here. I live an hour from Banff and you can work a 4-day week schedule. So it's unbeatable if you want to go to Kananaski, Rockies, Jasper, Yoho etc etc. Couldn't live in London again!