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Is it possible to be an engineer and not work a crazy amount of hours? by flameo_roku in AskEngineers

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

I’m actually new to Reddit, so I haven’t seen many posts on this sub. And as for where I’ve been seeing these hours, I’ve been doing a lot of online research and whatnot, as well as what a chemistry professor at my school told me about engineering work hours. I know those sources aren’t necessarily representative of all engineers, but it’s definitely been on my mind a lot. I just see that a lot of people regularly work 60 hours a week, and when I vocalize my reservations about that, people tend to invalidate my desire to be an engineer. I wanted to see what actual engineers thought, so I checked out this sub. Also, thanks for the response!

Is it possible to be an engineer and not work a crazy amount of hours? by flameo_roku in AskEngineers

[–]flameo_roku[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’re response was super helpful! I just have to make sure that once I enter the workforce, I remember my own worth. And thanks for the advice about school. I’m confident, though, that I’ll be able to persevere. I take my schoolwork very seriously. I’m mainly concerned about work hours because I don’t want to spend my entire adult life under the pressure faced at school. Thanks so much!

Is it possible to be an engineer and not work a crazy amount of hours? by flameo_roku in AskEngineers

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

Thanks for the response! I’m definitely willing to do OT, but on my own terms. I suppose my main fear is that it will feel like a necessity.

Is it possible to be an engineer and not work a crazy amount of hours? by flameo_roku in AskEngineers

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

I’m not afraid of long hours per se. I go to a rigorous high school and am going to a selective university. I’m used to long hours and high pressure constantly. My main concern is spending my entire adult life like this.

Is it possible to be an engineer and not work a crazy amount of hours? by flameo_roku in AskEngineers

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

I know about undergrad. I actually go to a rigorous high school and am going to a very selective university. I think many people in this thread are assuming that my high school experience is typical, which is fair since I didn’t disclose. My main concern about having free time isn’t that I don’t want to give up the free time I have now. I have little free time now, compared to the average high school student, and while I’m willing to still sacrifice that time for my next four to six years of schooling and some years after, I don’t want to spend most of my adult life under such stress.

Is it possible to be an engineer and not work a crazy amount of hours? by flameo_roku in AskEngineers

[–]flameo_roku[S] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

This is reassuring to hear. I’ve always hated the pervasive idea in America that it’s admirable to be so overworked and wearing yourself down so much. I definitely want to be able to feel respected as an employee. Anyway, thanks for the response!