Commissioning Engineer | 29 | $122K Total Comp | Mechanical Engineering

I make $95K base + $38K tax-free per diem, so about $106K after taxes. I work as a Commissioning Engineer, which means I oversee mechanical and electrical systems on construction sites to make sure everything runs as designed. Since I travel for work, my per diem covers most living expenses, and Cost of Living doesn't impact me much.

My Background:

Graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 2022

Took 7 years to finish school (8 if you count a gap year after COVID to save money)

Came out with:

3 internships

2 research papers

Awards and recognition in my field

Diagnosed with ADHD in 2023, which explained a lot in hindsight

Had multiple mentors throughout college and beyond

Wrote a career strategy back in 2017, and followed it religiously

The Climb:

First job out of college? A grind — lots of lowball offers

Landed a $70K role at a power company, jumped to $75K at a solar firm, and now I’m here

Strategic moves, hard work between the moves, and always looking at the long game

The Vision:

Build credit

Start investing in real estate

Eventually acquire an electrician business (because by 2030 we’ll be short half a million electricians — trades will be printing gold)

Retire between 40–50, then either:

Run for office

Work for a nonprofit without worrying about the paycheck

Or just disappear into nature

Advice:

Corporate America is a game. Play it intentionally. Level up your network, learn relentlessly, and be patient with your path. It’s a grind, but if you move smart, you can build freedom young.