getting this off my chest

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

I am currently undergraduate engineering student, who is switching to engineering technology, starting with the associates at my current community college. I am not here to complain, but I feel that I need to scream my frustration in a forum where people can hear me.

I was a helicopter mechanic for many years in the Army. I enjoyed my work, but in the end it was simply changing the same parts over and over again. I didn’t exactly fit in with the rest of the mechanics. I enjoy reading, and love learning about every kind of machine. I was well liked, but everyday felt like putting on ill-fitting clothes. I thought that engineering was exactly for me. I loved thinking on machines as I would work.

My first year was great, if busy. I took a basic cashier job right after I got out to make ends meet while my GI bill went through (like any military paperwork it had complications and special circumstances). That first semester I did the intro to engineering course and enjoyed it thoroughly, my final project acing all milestones, and created the most detailed solid works designs. My other classes were easy enough that I could work and study and not still focus easy enough to get through the day.

My next semester I thought would be even more fun. It was the technical courses. Highly rated professors, and a lighter workload. no problem right?

I have discovered that without a hands on component to my life made me unbalanced. To the point that I can barely sit down to do school work. Staring at calculations while making no progress for hours. ready to scream. Physical activity just made me want more, and frustration has made me in a sour mood and snappish.

I went to local makerspace near where I live, they had a lathe, and it was seriously the most peaceful I felt in weeks. I lost track of time, burning hours on shaving away a basic metal part. I had already guessed it was the lack of hands-on work, but that sealed it for me. the lack of hands on work, and just cramming theory and info into my head could never be for me.

I just have to make it through this semester, and I wanted to put my thoughts here so I can finish my work today, I can imagine many of you understanding my frustration.

2

Sure. If it helps, there are hands on jobs out there, and by learning the theory now you’ll be able to combine it with the practical knowledge you already have in startlingly powerful ways. For example, I once worked for a company that found itself involved with Indy Car engines (think Cosworth or Ilmor). Lots of opportunity for someone who could both think and do.

These won’t be the easiest to find, but what you’re doing makes it easier for them to find you. Unlimited air racing at Reno? Baja 1000? America’s Cup? Who knows.

3

I am not sure, honestly, what sort of discussion you are hoping to spur here. Are you really just venting? About what? Just about the fact that engineering is more theoretical than you would prefer?

Okay.

4

Just venting. I had the rose colored glasses on getting out of the Army, and my intro to eng. class gave me the wrong impression. I honestly thought my workaholism would transfer over to the heavy classes. I used to work with minimal breaks for 12+ hours, but studying for 4 hours and I hit burnout. I am actually doing the mechatronics program at my college. The air racer mechanics are 100% A&P mechanics with more experience on prop birds than I have been alive. I really don’t mind theory work, but it has to balance with something else.

5

It will be an adjustment. Perhaps you will get used to the lack of an “end result” in time.

Frankly, if after you are done with your education you want to go back to a lathe full time, great! You will do so knowing it is what you want, not your only option:).

Good luck!

6

[QUOTE ]
The air racer mechanics are 100% A&P
[/QUOTE ]

But not the guy who calculates if the coolant flow through a heat exchanger is enough for a Merlin at insane levels of boost.

My point was that there is always a need for an engineer with skills, and some of those needs are pretty interesting.

7

I want to thank all of you. I needed to hear how you would see this. I don’t actually enjoy the calculations. Taking that air racer for example. I want to do what comes after the design, machining the manifold, tapping the mount holes, bending the tubing, painting the whole thing, wiring and troubleshooting the relays that connect to the cockpit, and finally installing and testing the block. The math for me is always a means to that end.