Will I be employable after an extended leave

[30osk]

Good day,

This doesn't have a lot to do with getting ahead or corporate survival, but it is a personal strategy on improving myself.

I have 16 years exprience in structural analysis, not buildings or bridges. I wish to take a couple years off to do a few things while I'm still physically able. When I'm ready to return to work, I will likely move to a smaller city, one where my direct skills will not be in demand. I am licensed, but I have never stamped anything, never had to in the industries I've worked, so I would not claim expertise as a PE. But I have passed the exam, so at one time I had the skills and knowledge to do so. When I return to work, I'll be in my late 40's, but I can currently pass for 40.

Will I be able to find a job with a civil / structural engineerng firm, assuming the current job market conditions exist? Will I face age or skills discrimination? I realize I will effectively be starting over and I will not be able to replace my current salary.

Thank you. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[hokie66]

Your 16 years of experience will be important after a 2 year sabbatical. But what structures have you been analyzing, if not bridges or buildings? Aircraft? Materials handling conveyors? Applicability to civil/structural engineering firm would be the problem.

 

[Ashereng]

It is hard to predict the future. Having said that, the need for experienced (16 years) engineers in 2 years time is probably still going to be there.

I would guess that you should be able to find employment.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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[30osk]

Thanks for your replies.

My experience is in ship design and space flight hardware. To this point where I've lived depended on my job, now I wish to let where I work depend on where I live.

I realize the future is hard to predict and that I'm taking a risk. Let's assume I've just now decided to reenter the work force after two years of unemployment. I don't insist that I work in the structural field. I'm willing to work for a civil firm, a surveyor, almost any kind of technical work.

 

[controlnovice]

I had a friend do something similar.

Unfortunately for him, the market was down when he returned and he did not find a job for 18 more months!

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

 

[tygerdawg]

For a few hundred dollars you can easily incorporate yourself for freelancing while you are on sabbatical. You can pick up any gigs that may come your way, either in- or outside of your profession. This may be a way to keep skills up (if this is really an issue, which I doubt).

At the end of sabbatical there's a legitimate explanation of why you haven't been in the corporate rat race for two years. If the economy has tanked by then, you're mid-career, the HR guys won't return your calls, and you can't even BUY a job, then you have the tools you need to work for yourself.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Advanced Robotics & Automation Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[PSE]

I would document your "sabbatical" so that a future employer would not be wondering why there was a gap in your work history. I do not think it would be detrimental. If you can fit in some work or technically related activities that show an attempt to remain "current" in the appropriate industry, I would think that would be a plus.

Regards,

 

[vpl]

Since you have a P.E., why not set yourself up as a consultant? If something interesting comes along, you can take it, otherwise for future employers you can use the "I tried self-employment, but determined I'm really more successful working in a structured environment" to explain the gap.



Patricia Lougheed

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[Ussuri]

I work in the oil and gas field doing structural design. In my department the number of structural engineers who came from a civil engineering background are dwarved by those who came from a ship building/naval architect background.

They tend to have a better feel for the wave action on a structure and the dynamics associated with it. We also operate our own fleet of construction vessels so when it comes to ship behaviour, stability and modifiying the vessel structure to accept various items of plant and equipment they have a headstart. I got it eventually but it took a little time starting from a non ship orientated background.

So you might want to consider working in a similar environment or alternatively maybe as a marine engineer, ports, harbours, jetties, coastal protection that type of thing. Possibly as a consultant, or maybe working for an authority?

 

[Comcokid]

Let me pass on the work experience of my (ex)wife. She received a BSCE degree in the pre-CAD era with only an additional EIT and 3 summers of student work experience before leaving the industry for 20 years to raise a family. After a 1-semester community college CAD course, she found work as an engineering tech/drafter. She did this for 2-years before moving to a junior Civil Engineering position at another firm for 2 years. She then took and pass her PE at her first try. Not bad for 20 plus years out of college.

It is definately possible to get back into the game after a long hiatus.

 

[atlas06]

I took a three month leave one time, and it was hard when I got back to it, the answers to problems were not there as quickly as they used to (soemtimes, they were not there at all). I'd say after two years off, it will be even harder but eventually, things will come back.
The problem is, will you take a lower salary? because if you ask 16-year PE kind of money, you will be expected to deliver immediately, which I don't think you will be able to.
Tygerdawg advice is very good.

 

[30osk]

Thanks to all for your input.

I'm prepared to go without work for longer than two years, I know it's a risk to take an extended leave. I need to hear about the cases where things didn't go as planned, though.

I plan to be on the road most of the time, I have no network from which to draw work, and I have little experience with building codes, so it's unlikey that I can get freelance work during the leave.

I expect to take a pay cut if I return to work for a structural firm in a small town, if a position is available and they'll have me.

Thanks again

 

[rtmote]

Where I work we take anyone who is committed, willing to ask questions, willing to learn. I work in the oil and gas sector and it's booming and desperate for talents hidden and on display.

I have worked in the industry over 25 years and it's a great business to get into. Do not worry, engineers of all shades and calibres will be in high demand.

Do what you have to do and come back when you're ready! Age is not a problem, believe me. I train engineers of all backgrounds and I favour the absenteers, they listen, they learn and they do well because they are determined.

As some of the other posters say, long absence is irrelevant and I agree! It will make for interesting stories and warm jealousies!

 

[30osk]

rtmote, one of the reasons I want to take time off is to be nearer mountains and wilderness. I see from another thread that you suggest moving to Calgary. Close enough to the mountains for me! I assume that means the job market for engineers is good there now?

Thanks

 

[rtmote]

It is brilliant place and time to join! You have a choice of contract or staff position.
There is a great job market here. I live an hour from Banff and you can work a 4-day week schedule. So it's unbeatable if you want to go to Kananaski, Rockies, Jasper, Yoho etc etc. Couldn't live in London again!