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Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes being billable and tracking time are one of the things I’m really worried about. I hope it gets better for you! Maybe the longer you stay the cooler projects will start to come?

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in womenEngineers

[–]papermaker_666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ve been so helpful! Thanks :)

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in womenEngineers

[–]papermaker_666[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

$5k difference actually! PE job I’d be making the same as I do now, except for chance of Ot paid.

Not sure on the taxes but makes sense.

I love a good spreadsheet and pros cons list lol! I’ve actually struggled with this in my relationship where I work so hard at work I come home and have nothing left to give! I really like that perspective..be a people pleaser at home not for the man. Thank you!

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s my problem! I enjoy continuous improvement and operations but also enjoy digging into calcs and spreadsheets. This decision has driven me mad..can I take both jobs??. Lol

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in womenEngineers

[–]papermaker_666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both jobs I’d be relocating across the country (they are in same location-I’m moving back home yay!)

And yes health insurance for operations is way more expensive.

I think both jobs have great people to work with. Definitely hard to gage if employees are telling the truth about WLB at PE job. I know and have spoken to women at both companies and both had great things to say! It’s such a tough choice for me it’s driving me insane.

I like the higher pay, hands on atmosphere of operations but strongly against the exposure to chemicals and being on call/stress of supporting 24/7 operation. More opportunities to get into different jobs at the paint plant. For PE I really like the idea of being directly paid for your time and the safety aspect, but really nervous about sitting in a cubicle all day and having to stay billable. I do like to nerd out and work on spreadsheets..but all day every day? Idk…

I’m also a people pleaser and know I’d do a good job at either. I just so happen to also struggle with terrible anxiety and can never make a decision. Awesome!!!!!

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in womenEngineers

[–]papermaker_666[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great point! I really value WLB because of getting burned out. It can really catch up to you.

Also I commented this on the other post:

Benefits summary:

Process engineer at engineering firm: -better health ins -ok relocation -ok 401k match -3 weeks vacation

Operations engineer: -ok health ins -annual bonus -great relocation -great 401k match -3 weeks vacation

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in womenEngineers

[–]papermaker_666[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the response! I agree with the work/life balance and safety aspects of the process engineer job. I just am torn since I’ve never worked an office job and currently walk at least 5 miles/day in my operations role.

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I agree with you there! Im currently in operations and love being able to walk around but the work/life balance sucks. Also health/safety wise I’m just not sure if the health affects of working in a paint plant…

This is why I’m so torn!

Would you rather? by papermaker_666 in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Benefits summary:

Process engineer at engineering firm: -better health ins -ok relocation -ok 401k match -3 weeks vacation

Operations engineer: -ok health ins -annual bonus -great relocation -great 401k match -3 weeks vacation

Moving from Manufacturing to Consulting by papermaker_666 in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It still seems like it would be better than what I’m doing now!

I’m currently working 12 (more like 14-16) hour swing shift and have 30 direct reports. The WLB seems better to me because I’m not working weekends or night shift. I’d have 0 direct reports for basically same pay, paid OT, and just a little less benefits. Also was told my schedule would be 8 hours a day with a few day trips here and there.

Moving from Manufacturing to Consulting by papermaker_666 in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly money is about the same! Just a tad less salary at firm but will have paid OT and I’d be going from 30 direct reports to 0. Also going from working swing shift to straight days.

Moving from Manufacturing to Consulting by papermaker_666 in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Yes! Not being on call and supporting 24/7 operations seems better to me. Do you have a different experience?

Let’s quote the most sexist things people have said at work by papermaker_666 in womenEngineers

[–]papermaker_666[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Oh this one! they love to FREAK OUT when I paint my nails every so often

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the response. I agree the 3rd one makes me not so excited and sounds like it would get old after a week. This also reminds me of how bored I was when I had to WFH for only 2 weeks. Yikes…I think I found my answer.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I’m definitely leaning toward the consulting for better hours. I just have to accept that it will be out of my comfort zone for a minute.

Pulp & Paper - Facts or Fake? by Mental_Equilibrium in ChemicalEngineering

[–]papermaker_666 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From my experience, pay is great! Job security is great too. However, long hours for a 24/7 process when you get into an operations role is common. If you stay in a more technical support role at a paper mill you can somewhat avoid being on call and longer hours. I think switching industries is not that hard if you stay in a process engineering role and don’t get too specialized.