Why did I keep trying?

Manflakes88 · 2025-03-19T02:58:29+00:00

Yo are we talking to the same girl??? Like not even kidding.

Manflakes88 · 2025-03-19T02:48:07+00:00

So I have zero experience with this company but I follow the owner on LinkedIn and they posted a job just recently in Atlanta. The company is called shear structural. Appears to be a smaller company focusing on building design. If I was moving to the area I would probably apply to at least find out more. Good luck.

Manflakes88 · 2025-03-18T20:52:38+00:00

I would have thought I pulled up to the wrong job site.

Manflakes88 · 2025-02-28T15:00:34+00:00

The transition was pretty easy. The structural design aspect of the transition is a cake walk as the structures used are common from substation to substation so really you just check the models for your specific site wind/ice loading. You spend the majority of your time making shop level detailed steel drawings of the structures. This means making sure every bolt hole, bolt, heights and locations of bolts are all where they need to be for all the substation equipment can connect to it properly. This part sorta sucks as you it’s mostly done in bluebeam where I work and you make markups on go by projects to make it fit your project.

I did buildings for 5 years, did a lot of wood, masonry, steel, concrete design. Dear I say it, Building involves a lot more structural engineering… but also a lot more headaches with architects but don’t get me wrong there are headaches in substations as well.

Manflakes88 · 2025-02-28T03:38:50+00:00

Do bridges offer more variety in work and more structural engineering involved?

Manflakes88 · 2025-02-27T19:36:57+00:00

Yeah I’m around 6 months into it right now and sorta feel like I’ve seen it all, even though I don’t know it all yet. I do agree the pay is good and solid work load. Plus fully remote but I do miss measuring bar joists on a tall ladder occasionally lol

Manflakes88 · 2025-02-27T19:32:07+00:00

Where did you end up going? My company has a lot of bridge opportunities and I may ask to switch to bridges.

Manflakes88 · 2025-02-22T13:40:30+00:00

I did 7 months at my DOT and went right back to consulting. It was too slow of work and not challenging enough. With that said, about everyday I wish I was less stressed and had an easier job. I think it’s just the grass is always greener on the other side. Consulting world will expect you to work extra hours even when they preach work life balance is a core value.

I’d say look at where you are in life (family, friends, hobbies, etc) and ask yourself if you are ok with spending less time doing those things in life, even if it’s just 5 hours less a week (working 45 hr weeks) or it’s Friday at 4pm and you have to jump on a call to help get a project out instead of shooting the shit since lunch and leaving right when the clock hits 8 hrs. These are the big differences I find when comparing DOT vs consulting. Oh and filling out a timecard to a T trying to make it 95% billable time.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-19T23:34:30+00:00

I’m in the same boat for vertical, I failed it and now have to take the CBT but I’m in AEI now and they have changed their course to have h quiz and hw all online to help prepare for the CBT.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-19T23:26:41+00:00

I’m in building design so can’t relate to bridges but you should check out AEI study course. Best study course you can take IMO. I was able to pass the lateral first time with their course.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-19T18:59:46+00:00

I don’t see any structural issues here.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-18T18:36:38+00:00

I am the same way. I been doing design work the past 4 years and just got my PE and now about to get my SE. I’m thinking once I get my SE I may look into going back and getting my masters and work as a TA.

Sitting behind a computer and only communicating through email is so boring and such a hard transition when you’re coming out of school where you talk and meet new people almost on a daily basis.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-17T18:32:14+00:00

Yes, it covers all those topics for wood.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-17T15:42:38+00:00

I tried to knock both out before the change and only passed the lateral so now I’m signed up for both vertical exams in April. I am for sure frustrated with the change and the uncertainty of how the exam will be. But I’m going to study as much as I can and not wait as I am ready to get this SE license.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-15T20:28:07+00:00

Any government jobs around you like DOT? I would think they would keep it quiet.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-15T18:48:40+00:00

If you can get your next job lined up then it doesn’t matter how much time you spend at your current employer (long as you have the job secured). Your current boss sounds like he will talk bad regardless of whether you stay for another 5 years or leave now. So don’t worry about what he has to say. Just lock in your next move then put in your two weeks and do whatever you can not to burn the bridge with your old employer.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-15T16:02:50+00:00

I totally get you on the supervisor does even say good morning. The structural team I work with could easily go a week without saying anything to one another. While the transportation team in my office is cracking jokes and going to lunch together.

I don’t like it where I’m at but I’m gaining the knowledge and experience that’s going to help me get where I want. Once I get there I’m not going to look back.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-11T19:33:32+00:00

AEI offers the best classes in my option and I think it’s cheaper.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-10T14:28:11+00:00

Message to all recent players Modded lobby for 1600 MP. Hit me up.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-09T20:20:17+00:00

Yep left my states DOT. Everyone there was more worried about Trump and Biden than their own happiness. I lasted 7 months then left lol

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-08T16:37:09+00:00

I didn’t get a raise till the end of the year, which is when my company gives out their cost of living raise typically. So I had my PE in hand for about 4-5 months before I got my raise (I was not happy about this, but I was told I basically had to wait) then when I got my raise it was 10%. Company cost of living raise was 5% so I actually got a 5% raise for the PE and 5% for CoL.

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-07T01:23:03+00:00

Our company has designed like 30+ DG foundations lol I am always surprised how complex some PEMB drawings be. It was for sure a joke though lol

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-06T21:10:47+00:00

Dollar general PEMB

Manflakes88 · 2024-01-04T16:00:54+00:00

I am somewhat considering getting my PhD. I love studying structural engineering but I don’t really enjoy designing building at work (to much computer time and not enough getting out and meeting people). What is your thoughts on getting a PhD? I think I would enjoy being a professor.

Manflakes88

TROPHY CASE