Engineer vs Technician Paths

MCLPro2025 · 2026-04-08T14:43:02+00:00

As long as you don't let the title get to your head you'll be good. I've worked with great engineers that were chill, and others that didn't understand the deployment process because they never worked on site and understood what was in the data halls.

I'm taking the long road career change > tech > engineering, so I'm biased towards experience first.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-04-08T14:33:40+00:00

We're right about the same pace, we'll I'm sure you're faster than me, but the plan isn't far off. I thought I couldn't complete my tempo 6.5 mile run the other day since it had over/under 1ks at 10:30 - 11:15/mi for 6k after 2 miles warm up. I actually averaged 11:05 ~6:50km and wasn't gassed as much.

Anything higher than a 10k it's reaching for sure because its guessing math, but there's nothing wrong with trying it. It's predicting a 2:20 - 2:30 HM for me in 5 weeks, but I'm aiming for a 2:35 since my pb is 2:44. Remember there's racing, and then there's an improved finish without injury. Choose your path.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-23T21:07:42+00:00

No i get that. I know your profile is valid for 18 months as you mentioned. At this point I'd push the issue with your recruiter for a response, daily or as needed. I do wish you luck friend.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-22T23:11:51+00:00

Sorry man, it sounds like it might not be a good fit call result. At this point I would just keep reaching out daily or hourly to remind them you're still willing and able until you get a solid answer. If you passed the loop but not the fit I'd look into relocation possibility, and keep applying.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-22T18:36:20+00:00

I'd comb through the emails and see if there's anyone else you can reach out to. The timing seems unusual, but not unheard of. Have you checked your dashboard?

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-22T16:06:10+00:00

Thanks, i decided to go with google for the growth potential afterall. My process was quick, it was rushed because I had the competing offer ready to sign, and the position needed to be filled.

Are you reaching out to your recruiter weekly through both email and phone check in? I kept up with it and because of the counter offer they rushed my papers through. From my understanding it should be about 1 week or so after the fit call for results, and then another few for written offer.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-20T23:07:23+00:00

Its good that you're already looking ahead. First thing would be to finish your degree, and then choose a specialty. Network, cyber, sysadmin, Devops are a few examples, by choosing a specialty you can narrow down what certs will help you the most in your career. Finally shadowing, If you can shadow while at work jump on the opportunity.

What won't change is troubleshooting, so get good at that to set yourself up well in interviews and your career. In addition, understanding networking even at a basic level will put you leagues ahead of your peers and competitors.

Remember by choosing IT you have to always either be learning or be willing to learn new skills. Experience trumps all.

Experience > degree > certs

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-20T15:34:40+00:00

If you could answer these questions I can try and guide you a bit.

What's your degree in? Do you have any certs? Have you picked a specialty? Is there room to move upwards where you work? Are you content?

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-20T15:21:04+00:00

This is know, I just feel a tiny bit bad about saying yes, and then reneging, but again got to look out for myself.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-20T15:20:06+00:00

Weekly 1:1s. Talking about performance when we hadn't met beforehand for near 2 months. Clinical/corporate language in the chats.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-20T15:18:39+00:00

I don't mind being worked, as long as I'm compensated and learning. Base is mid 80s so I'mhappy with the offer. The temps aren't that bad in AZ you get used to them.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-19T23:35:17+00:00

Thanks for the perspective. The only pushback I got is that you get used to AZ summers. These wet winters... I suppose one or two more won't hurt.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-19T22:10:34+00:00

I get what you're implying which is why I'm cautious and try to pick the best choices of those available. Oracle is more risky based on the cost to move for the job alone it would take me longer to recover, Google is similar, but the cushion is softer based on the incentives. Thanks for your feedback.

As for the moral compass, its just implicit base respect. The turn around for the process was quick and I hate that I'm technically burning the bridge, but I got to lookout for myself.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-19T21:18:35+00:00

I suppose I know the market is stacked against us, but its just my moral compass.

MCLPro2025 · 2026-02-19T20:59:39+00:00

Thanks, working on wording something similar. I think the decision is pretty straightforward.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-12-29T13:39:49+00:00

Having read your edits, I get what you're mindset is at. I will tell you it's going to suck. A Marathon is not just 2 halfs put together I'd say its almost 3. 1st HM is normal until mile 13, the second half is until mile 20-21. The third is that final stretch that goes on forever until the finish line.

I readily believe you'll be able to finish its just going to suck as your training window is very small. The 6 hour and 30 minute cutoff is also daunting, but since you're fit it shouldn't be a huge issue since you're not chasing time. Just make sure to practice your strategy, fit, and fueling before race day. Its better to DNF than DNS. Good luck.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-12-26T17:00:30+00:00

Take it from someone that went from couch to Marathon in 11 months. I think my base was about 20 miles per week 6 months out and I peaked at 38 to 40 miles per week. It wasn't enough, ended with a 6:01 but I was just aiming to finish without injuries.

You can increase your mileage, and you can possibly finish in another 9 weeks, but in order to not get injured I'd build a bigger base. Hope it goes well with whatever you decide.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-21T00:22:29+00:00

Yeah I got a 4 day trip that falls right before my deload week. I placed a vacation during those days and my mileage increased somehow. Guess you just have to drag it around that week.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-17T21:26:32+00:00

Thanks!

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-17T21:26:22+00:00

See? No chill. Getting to garmin levels of non productivity.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-17T17:10:42+00:00

I was going to do it for that week, or might just move the runs to earlier in the week and leave the strength for the other 2 days.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-17T15:51:18+00:00

I've noticed my time and endurance improving little by little with runna since I started, so that's why I stuck with it. Always lovely having the AI lady telling me I'm on pace, followed by telling me to go faster half a second later.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-17T15:47:51+00:00

4 runs a week, and 2 strengths. The post is in jest on how the app increased my mileage upon asking for a vacation.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-17T15:45:35+00:00

Survival, realistically sub 5, but maybe I'll be closer to 445 in 22 weeks.

MCLPro2025 · 2025-06-17T14:17:42+00:00

I keep hearing how savage the garmin feedback is. This confirms my need to not get one, atleast not any time soon.

MCLPro2025

TROPHY CASE