Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
(OP)
Hey guys, I'm wondering what kind of lifestyle civil engineers have. Let me explain.
I'm currently a junior enrolled in Petroleum Engineering and although it interests me I'm starting to become concerned with the type of lifestyle they have. I've always been interested in Civil as well and it is starting to become more and more attractive to me. As I've matured a little bit I've realized that I have some other priorities in life that don't align with the work environment of Petroleum Engineers. For example, I don't want to live in the middle of an oil field, I want to drink beer on my weekends, watch football on Sundays, go the the gym during the week, and start a family. Therefor, my question is, what kind of work week and lifestyle do Civil Engineers typically have? Is every week a 60-70 hour work week? Are the jobs in the middle of no where? How difficult is it to have a life outside of work? Thanks guys!
I'm currently a junior enrolled in Petroleum Engineering and although it interests me I'm starting to become concerned with the type of lifestyle they have. I've always been interested in Civil as well and it is starting to become more and more attractive to me. As I've matured a little bit I've realized that I have some other priorities in life that don't align with the work environment of Petroleum Engineers. For example, I don't want to live in the middle of an oil field, I want to drink beer on my weekends, watch football on Sundays, go the the gym during the week, and start a family. Therefor, my question is, what kind of work week and lifestyle do Civil Engineers typically have? Is every week a 60-70 hour work week? Are the jobs in the middle of no where? How difficult is it to have a life outside of work? Thanks guys!
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
It's exactly like that.
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
we make the most money, work the least and generally live in a condo in a gated community. who wants to get greasy all the time working in a field of oil?
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
Edit: I should add there are several factor that are maybe equal or even above salary, such as city or country? Office or field? These days I'd look at politics. Depending, you may be out of a job or very busy depending. However for a civil and the variety out there it really has a lot to do with your life style. Another thing for sure- what the choices are now will be drastically different in years to come and fields then not dreamed of now.
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
For my first years as a geotechnical engineer, I spent 10 momths away from home - jobs in Nova Scotia, then in Kirkland Lake Ontario - then up to northern Quebec. A stint in the arctic (King Christian Island) and a week later down in Guyana. Finished Guyana and then up to a mining camp in northern Saskatchewan. Other times in NW Terretories, and the like. Yes, we lived in huts, sometimes hotels, ikn tents on the arctic ice. A nice hotel in Guyana and played baskertball in the town's league - -pretty good games! Nope, I didn't get to "socialize" often with my fraternity brothers or friends - family was in the States and all that - but it was fun and I drank my beer. Have you ever worked with Quebec drillers? A quart of whiskey a night almost.
Now I've been overseas for 25 years - Northwest China, Laos, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and now Tajikistan. Some nice apartments but issues - no electricity, no water qauite often depending on the place and time of year. Aircon didn't always work - or centrao heating (NW China at -25 degC). My wife complains about no good ovens and stoves . . . no family, no friends other than work colleagues. Out in nowheresville - nearest "city" usually 10 to 12 hours away by vehicle. Knowing we could always leave - but good money and good times - had some really great times. Still am.
So if you want the "life in the big city" or the burbs, grass around your house, swimming pool in the back yard, high school and universsity mates . . . it can be had; Probably 854 - 90% of the civil engineers have these things. For me, I have enjoyed and am enjoying my expat working life. and Yes, I am jealous of my mates back "home" (whereever that is) and them having their kids and grandkids around them (my kids live in Bangkok, Miami, and Maldives) but it is the lifestyle I chose and my wife and I are happy. I don't get NFL (except now); somb baseball but always during working hours. Now, only if the COVID will break and we can get back to our condo in Hua Hin Thailand for a short vacation . . . that would be nice.
Be happy with what you choose - and life has its "liku-liku" - twists and turns! -
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
Lifestyle is what YOU make it, not your degree or profession. No one else can balance your life for you.
TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers Entire Forum list http://www.eng-tips.com/forumlist.cfm
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
What language?
Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
People I know have done CS and owned a condo within 5 years of graduation (YMMV)
Link.
Facebook offered >$100k about 5 years ago, plus signing bonus as well, (again, YMMV).
What's INSANE is that these companies offer almost as much equivalent salary for summer interns.
TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers Entire Forum list http://www.eng-tips.com/forumlist.cfm
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
In other engineering fields millage of the PE stamp varies, but almost always looks god on a resume.
Some planning makes getting the PE easier. I recommend the following (US Locations)
- Take the fundamentals of engineering exam during your senior year if your school makes it available. It is significantly harder if you wait.
- Spend your first 4 years after graduation working with professional engineers that can sign the reference letters that need to be submitted when applying for the PE License exam, and take the exam as soon as you are eligible.
Putting some constraints on your lifestyle for a few years can provide more flexibility later.Fred PE
(Mechanical)
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
With the exception of some higher level consulting jobs, there isn't the high dollars in civil engineering that you will find in some of the other engineering fields, but it is steadier for the most part and if you stick with it you can make a very decent living and retire comfortably.
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
RE: Lifestyle of a Civil Engineer?
My advice - go into exercise science and make $500,000/year being a Peleton instructor!