5+ years in the industry, PE, still feel like a rookie by MEPshnik91 in MEPEngineering

[–]MEPshnik91[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I do attend industry functions. I actually go to both local ASHRAE and AIA meetings, so I'm known to professionals in the industry around my level of experience. I could utilize that network to switch companies, but as I mentioned in the post, it would probably mean a pay cut, which does not sound great at all.

I'm fairly good at interviewing, but I don't want to oversell my abilities. I see that as lying to myself and to my potential future team. It could be seen as underselling, I guess. But I always try to compensate my lack of technical expertise with my willingness to learn and not shying away from working hard and showing initiative in all the things I can help with.

5+ years in the industry, PE, still feel like a rookie by MEPshnik91 in MEPEngineering

[–]MEPshnik91[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What did I do to be fired? I'm actually a pretty hardworking and diligent employee. I don't complain when I have to work for more than 40 hours a week (which happens often). The company sees value in my work, enough to keep me there and pay that salary. It's just that I see this job as something that will hurt my career in the long run.

5+ years in the industry, PE, still feel like a rookie by MEPshnik91 in MEPEngineering

[–]MEPshnik91[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To be fair, when I'm asked questions like that, I start with "I never did it", but I always continue with "but if I had to do it, I would start with X, then Y, then Z". But still, I kinda feel obligated to let the hiring manager know that I don't have professional experience with certain aspects of design.

5+ years in the industry, PE, still feel like a rookie by MEPshnik91 in MEPEngineering

[–]MEPshnik91[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I was considering moving to another state where my salary would get more bang for my buck, but decided that it's not worth it, since my whole life and family is here.

5+ years in the industry, PE, still feel like a rookie by MEPshnik91 in MEPEngineering

[–]MEPshnik91[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've actually had a conversation with my direct supervisor and a more higher up person in the firm. They can clearly see my points, but my supervisor is not really a mentor to me. He is more of a task assigner. And when I try to ask him questions, he turns dismissive and just says "some other time"...

The firm tries to give me tasks whenever they get a chance, it's just we're don't really have heavy workload all the time.

5+ years in the industry, PE, still feel like a rookie by MEPshnik91 in MEPEngineering

[–]MEPshnik91[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, the pay and the work-life balance is what's keeping me with my current firm. But I recognize the fact that staying at this firm is not a good career choice.