I’m 26 years old and thinking about going to college for an electrical engineering degree. Directly after high school I started steps towards a mechanical design degree but at that point I was not ready for continuing education, and in my second year I flunked out. Due to certain life choices (I packed everything into my car and traveled the country for 2 years) I am still paying on my previous student loans. However from 4th grade on I always wanted to be an aerospace engineer. I’m currently working construction for a family company I’m poised to take over, but my passions lie in physics, energy, and various sciences.
My question is, is it feasible to pursue an engineering degree while still being able to support myself? I wouldn’t graduate until after 30, and even then there’s no guarantee that I can find a job that leaves me financially stable after accumulating more debt. I’m not even sure I can receive financing considering I’m still paying off my last student loan.
I’ve also been out of school for years, and while I’m definitely passionate about learning, is the coursework so heavy it would drown me after being away for so long? I’d choose electrical engineering because it seems to be the most versatile of the engineering options with ties to environmental (another matter I hold close), aersospace, and mechanical. Though I am concerned about the cubicle life as well. I’m not the biggest fan of looking at life from a cubicle. Is there potential for more field work as a technician?
As it stands I am looking at taking over a well known local construction company in the next 5 years with excellent ties to the community, but I definitely want to go back to school to some degree, and I’m not sure that schooling is a viable option when I’m facing managing a company, nor is building houses aligned with my passions, but it could be a great career opportunity I’m turning down as well, especially considering as an owner I could steer myself and the company towards a field I’m more passionate about.
Does anyone have any advice or helpful insights as to the potential of pursuing a career in engineering at this stage of life, considering finances and the coursework while maintaining a feasible living situation? What could I expect realistically? Any input would be extremely valued, thank you.