compo:
In these developing times, I can identify with your dilemma; there was a time when plant personnel were expected and respected for developing into the future, key personnel that would dictate the future of a processing unit. Todays economy has taken us to a different and challenging position.
Out-sourcing has forced experienced individuals (like myself) into competing with you on a one-on-one basis at the plant level. This is not only unfair, it isn't constructive. Today's methods aren't constructive in developing a future corp of experienced and elite engineers. We, as a technical society, have for all practical reasons eliminated the positive and creative practice of "mentor engineering". This is a negative contribution to the prospect of having a future corp of problem-solving engineers.
I don't pretend to know how to resolve this negative situation and how to design a social solution. What I do know from practical, common-sense experience after 45 years of practicing engineering around the globe is: As an exceptionally trained and disciplined individual who has competed at the highest limits, you will always be in demand for your intellectual and probleml-solving skills. There may be times when you might have more challenges at the contractual level, or then the opportunites may arise at the company-employee level. Who's to tell? What is really important, as far as I'm concerned, is that you are a disciplined, trained, intelligent, and ambitious individual who will take our societies into a future where we can count on persons like you as exemplatory, logical leaders.
Percieved benefits? I believe if you have prepared and disciplined yourself to be the best engineer that you can be, you stand to benefit from the knowledge that you did your BEST! The economic benfits always come as a natural result of your applied dedication to your job. My experience is such that I've never had to worry about such mundane issues. What I have spent time waiting for is CHALLENGES. As a degreed ChE you are a priviledged individual who only has to concern himself with challenges and projects that test your capabilities and skills. This is a situation that the majority of humans on this planet cannot imagine. You are a minority, priviledged individual.