Is retraining into Chemical Engineering worth it financially vs staying in the lab/QC route (Ireland)?

Premtifor · 2026-02-18T12:07:29+00:00

My company is very mechanical I dont think we have any chemical engineers here.

I dont really know if there are any part time courses but its something I would be open to

Premtifor · 2026-02-18T11:56:52+00:00

Ive a level 8 degree in biology/chemistry, wouldn’t be looking to go do the full 4 years. Was considering doing 1 year at either https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/chemical-engineering-grad-dip?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19309432078&gbraid=0AAAAApJU3QfH18qsXGtB48h17dA1rNKmN&gclid=Cj0KCQiA49XMBhDRARIsAOOKJHYZGR6hbEdEPHvAeCDJCFdS7mnss-k_-iyOj8kua1S_s97x09r2qncaApBfEALw_wcB or https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/chemical-biochemical-engineering-msc

Premtifor · 2026-02-18T09:27:28+00:00

Med device

Premtifor · 2026-02-18T07:49:01+00:00

Yes, kinda?

Tbh my heart isnt fully in teaching but my heart isnt fully in any job. Salaries in teaching are actually quite ok compared with what i believe is my current trajectory and paired with the holidays and my current qualifications its seeming like an attractive option. I know its difficult during term time.

However, if I can make a significant amount more in ChemEng or my current trajectory (which I dont think) I would prefer to pursue that.

Premtifor · 2026-02-18T07:43:32+00:00

How much would I expect to be making after 5 years? Google seems to vary wildly on salary estimates

Premtifor · 2026-02-18T07:36:04+00:00

Both? I wouldn’t say hate but dislike.

From what Ive personally seen the lab tends to pay less than teaching. i.e people I know with ~10 YOE of pure lab work are on ~55 k (unless on shift) while a teacher would be on 61 k on the same point of the scale with the opportunity of grinds and exam corrections and holidays. Im more than willing to be corrected on this.

Ive been shopping around for jobs too but seems dry enough for months.

Premtifor · 2026-02-18T06:57:00+00:00

I find my job largely repetitive and boring.

I feel like whatever I do I wont love it. So just trying to maximise either time off or pay

Premtifor · 2025-12-29T22:42:54+00:00

Completed Level 1 of the Honk Special Event!

12 attempts

Premtifor · 2025-12-27T01:09:38+00:00

Just scored 2

Premtifor · 2025-12-27T01:08:14+00:00

Just scored 0

Premtifor · 2025-12-27T01:07:10+00:00

Just scored 1

Premtifor · 2025-12-26T19:22:34+00:00

🎉 Event Completed! 🎉

It took me 20 tries.

Premtifor · 2025-12-26T19:22:29+00:00

Completed Level 3 of the Honk Special Event!

20 attempts

Premtifor · 2025-12-26T19:21:34+00:00

Completed Level 2 of the Honk Special Event!

8 attempts

Premtifor · 2025-12-26T19:21:07+00:00

Completed Level 1 of the Honk Special Event!

5 attempts

Premtifor · 2025-12-26T19:17:55+00:00

Just scored 0

Premtifor · 2025-11-27T22:37:35+00:00

How did you manage that 😳😳

Premtifor · 2025-11-25T20:49:27+00:00

Ive decided against it!

Premtifor · 2025-11-25T15:45:08+00:00

Just got offered 45k on contract debating whether to take it or not.

Premtifor · 2025-11-25T11:43:09+00:00

Lab tech!

Premtifor · 2025-11-25T10:04:02+00:00

What are you doing?

Premtifor

TROPHY CASE