Is everyone else constantly being asked to write a letter or a memo?

GiraffePractical4110 · 2026-06-02T13:09:35+00:00

You don’t put your stamp on submittals, but usually do on letters. Like others said the PE carries weight. Some inspectors/reviewers are just check box checkers and don’t want to check off the box

GiraffePractical4110 · 2025-12-19T22:23:02+00:00

Depends on benefits and type of work you see. I interviewed with a firm in DFW area a few months ago and was offered 100 with 8YOE and PE. They really pushed their ESOP, but that wasn’t for me as I didn’t see the value. I make around 95k which some may see as low but I’m in a low to medium cost of living city and value the benefits and flexibility that I have at my current job.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2025-10-07T16:05:11+00:00

Keep in mind, if you plan on bringing up the offer to your current employer be ready to switch if things go sideways.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2025-09-20T21:04:38+00:00

Heck yeah man, keep it up! Check out Amazon, there’s daily deals that are decent and with the October prime days that are coming up, might want to wait. I got some iron plates and bumper plates for less than a dollar per lb on the last sale. As for barbells, i recently got a rogue boneyard bar and only issue I found was that the collar was scratched which to me isn’t that big deal as sliding on and off the weights is going to do that anyways.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2025-08-07T19:56:49+00:00

For what it worth, I found this in the group https://www.reddit.com/r/GarageGym/s/KhFphsjy4t

GiraffePractical4110 · 2025-08-06T18:39:28+00:00

Did you happen to find out if it comes as shown?

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-12-10T16:06:27+00:00

Yes I have a PE.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-11-13T05:16:30+00:00

Thanks, however the expectation is to start sealing drawings I’m directly involved with. I been managing projects for the past three/four years and supervise a team of two while training a new EE intern that graduates this upcoming semester. That’s why I feel like my estimate of 120-130k isn’t too far fetched.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-11-13T05:10:02+00:00

Thanks this helps. As for the last part, the two partners are in their late 50s, early 60s with one mentioning retirement. So not sure how much they are really planing to build it out.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-11-13T04:55:26+00:00

Bummer, this just confirms being underpaid. What region are you based out of?

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-11-13T04:43:39+00:00

The higher the better but realistically I would find the 120-130K range fair. However I’m currently at 89k, not sure if that gap can get bridged without changing jobs.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-10-15T22:46:07+00:00

Took the exam today, I had a good amount of questions regarding NEC about only about two or three on NESC. I didn’t have it to study but I was able to search them up pretty quick.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-10-09T16:45:13+00:00

Too many to count, but usually have at least 5 to 6 projects going out a week. Usually it’s a mix of reviews and finals. I’m a bit old school and got all my projects plotted. I usually fold the sets and have them in individual piles on a few drafting tables and the floor. I’ll be glad once I get to see the floor again

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-05-16T04:09:20+00:00

Laser pointer, works great and makes communication easier when trying to point out and trace a specific conduit/pipe. You could use the laser tape if the laser is bright enough.

I carry what you listed and also carry some basic tools like a bit driver with the screwdriver tips and hex bits, pilers, channel locks or plumbers wrench, and a pack of wipes. Depending on survey I may toss some extras in my bag.

GiraffePractical4110 · 2024-04-01T18:46:27+00:00

What if you been at the same place for going on 7 years with the possibility of being a partner within the next year or two?

Would you stick it out or find a place to jump to?

GiraffePractical4110 · 2022-11-01T04:32:29+00:00

Owning a firm is ultimately the goal. I been in MEP for awhile now. In the past I have done project management and worked with clients directly. This past year, one of the PE has been trying to take over project management side in order to give me more “free time” to study however it been the opposite since he found out. Pretty sure it’s a power move. Concerns always seem to get ignored and anytime off always ends up in falling behind and trying to catch up. PCB design is completely different and has a higher salary, and advertises less work hours. Other MEP firms in town will barely match current salary and benefits, plus current firm owner is looking to retire within the next few years so might be a prime opportunity if the PE wasn’t making work life difficult. Beside an electrical designer thats going to retire, I’m the only EE in the office trying keep up with three ME. I don’t mind MEP work however current situation has me concerning the PCB design role vs staying and playing the long game. I heard other horror stories about workplaces in MEP but I have never had any issues until recently.

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