What is it all about... 4

[tulum]

Hello all,

I have a good job, pays ok, work is ok, and beside the random political mess that comes my way I usually enjoy myself.

The only thing that gets me at the end of the day is that it is always about money...

I became an engineer to be creative, not just practical. I also have an urge to help people that are less fortunate than myself, I just haven't figured out exactly how or in what way I will do this..

Not complaining... just feel that I got caught up in the game somewhere and wish I could add a little "spice" to my everday.

When we first started dating my wife used to tell me,"follow your passion".... at the time I really like design and engineering or at least what I thought design and engineering was...

Plan and simple, I feel like I am working for the system and it is not working for me...

Midlife crisis maybe...

 

[lostsailor]

tulum,
Welcome to the club. Find something rewarding outside of work to do:become a mentor, big brothers/big sisters, volunteer your time and skills, learn a new skill, take some classes, etc..
Regards,
RLS

 

[TomBarsh]

I know what you mean. I used to be all gung ho myself in years past. Now I am old and tired...

There's a group, "Engineers without borders" (

http://www.ewb-usa.org)

intended to help the less fortunate. I'm sure that volunteer work with this group could be handled while still maintaining a paying position (ie: you needn't head off to a third world country for a year).

Or perhaps some local volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity (

http://www.habitat.org),

the group that builds homes at low cost.

Or volunteer to teach/tutor adults who need help with mathematics, English, reading, etc.

There are probably lots of ways to help people who need and want help, while still maintaining your own life. Hopefully you can find something that uses your own special talents and interests, and meets someone else's very real needs.

Good luck!

 

[Ashereng]

Every organization welcomes volunteers.

If you would like to contribute to humanity, maybe something in this list would work with your life schedule (all can be part time, once in a while, and not a lot of time each week):
- community volunteer (your local neighborhood community)
- drive for meals on wheels
- volunteer at the local hospital (we had a univ student come around with a X-box on a trolley into my kid's room, with monitor and everything - he stayed for about 40 min per child)
- volunteer at your child's school (they are ALWAYS looking for help)
- volunteer at the Salvation Army (I guess that depends on your country of residence) or equivalent
- volunteer at the church, synagogue, chapel, mosque, etc.


"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[SomptingGuy]

Sounds to me like your learning curve has become flat. Make it steep again. Learning is fun!

 

[HVACctrl]

All the volunteer info is great. I was glad to hear about EWB and even checked them out and emailed them.

I don't mean to speak for tulum, but I think I feel the same as him at times. Volunteering is great outside of work, but my take (as it is with me) from the original post is that he wanted to do something more worthwhile IN his work.

Ed

 

[tulum]

Thanks for the replies folks...

HVAC is right...

I am interested in pursuing an outside passtime such as EWB (great group), but really I hoped that my main career would fullfill this urge.

Even when I complete a large project, or come up with a neat solution, I only feel satisfied for awhile. Then I sit back and think," Who cares?" - In the grand scheme of things that is...

I am just venting I guess. I will figure it out.

Thinking a bit ahead....When I retire I would like to be known as a man that made a difference, not just a good engineer.

Thanks again folks,
TULUM

 

[keepinitcool]

Perhaps you need to take a position where you work on projects that you find more interesting or useful. Ones that result in helping people, such as medical devices or such. Or take a more guiding management role where you can shape a whole concept or project based on your own ideas.

 

[PSE]

Tulum,

For most, we will likely be regarded by history (if at all) as good engineers. Not many of us are likely to be involved in developing or creating "breakthrough" technologies. If you want to see how you made/make a difference. Consider the direct impact you have on the people around you. If you have a number of people willing to stand by you, you have definitely made a difference for them.

Regards,

 

[EngJW]

In relation to what PSE says, years ago I came to realize that I was going to pass through this life without making things better, so I decided to try to minimize the damage that I would do. Maybe it will make a difference- things like one less piece of litter thrown out of the car, 4 qts less oil dumped in the back yard, etc.

 

[Ashereng]

I doubt that history will remember me as a good engineer - I doubt history will remember me at all.

I'd be glad if my grandkids remember me.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[toiap]

Ashereng,

You hit the nail on the head! A star for you.

 

[tulum]

Ashereng,

Point taken..

However, usually when a passionate person talks of being rememebered or leaving a mark, it is only a figure of speach. It is more about living life to the fullist, and when leaving this earth, how one remembers themselves, and their own contributions. In the grans scheme of things it does not matter what others think. It matters how one feels about oneself...

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Love to see the EWB mention. I've been a member for 4 years now. I would definatley recommend it to anyone interested in working in developing countries (or mentoring students).