<p>Most engineering jobs are "big corporation" jobs, and the couple places like that I've been a part of have typically had 8-5 cultures.</p>
<p>The more exciting jobs, in the "fast lane" may not be like that. They may be all-encompassing.</p>
<p>The bigger issue with the conventional corporate job is that some of the best opportunities may require frequent travel, or temporary re-location. I know a number of corporate types who have lived various places in the world due to relocation. It's almost like being an "army brat" for their kids. When I was an engineer, the best opportunities were to send someone "in the field", which could be some god-forsaken construction site in the middle of nowhere, for a year or two, as needed.</p>
<p>And of course other corporate jobs require no travel whatsoever. It all depends on where circumstances take you.</p>
<p>There are definitely differences in corporate cultures and expectations out there. Sometimes you may be able to pick the one you want, and other times you may not have that luxury.</p>