<p>I am a Sophomore in EE. I just took my first circuits analysis test today and it was brutal. I studied so hard for that and still feel like I may barely have passed. My question is, is the actual job of an EE easier than the course work? Also, do EE's have a life after college? I mean this seriously, I have gone five weeks without any time off from school. A day here or there would be nice. Do EE's work 40 hr work weeks on avg with most weekends to themselves? I guess I am asking about the work/life balance. If this is going to be my life, then I want out.</p>
<p>Also which year did you find toughest. I am taking circuit analysis, physics 2 (EM), Micro Econ, Poli sci and Differential Equations. Have an A in all classes so far minus Circuits. </p>
<p>Sorry if I sound un enthusiastic. I am tired, in need of a break, and encouragement that I will be able to enjoy life as an EE</p>
The study of electrical engineering is much more consistent than the actual practice. There are a TON of different electrical engineering jobs out there, and some are disturbingly easy while others can make you long for the easy days of college.</p>
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Yes, but almost always more or less like the lives they had IN college.</p>
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Usually, but it depends. 40-50 hours is pretty typical (it can vary depending on your company and/or how efficiently you work), mostly during business hours… BUT. There are a lot of jobs that involve weekends and/or evenings and/or >>40 hours in any given week. I have worked nights to test systems, pulled 90 hour weeks working proposals, and know people who job is to keep a 24-hour production line going (which means at least one of them is always there, 24/7!).</p>
<p>It is important to realize that this is true of nearly ALL professional fields, however.</p>
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Junior, hands down. At my school, your Sophomore year is tough due to a single course, but your Junior year you hit this block of 4 very tough core courses, essentially all at once. Your Senior year is mostly electives that should be relatively easy and pleasant for you - after all, you chose them!</p>
<p>I have a good friend who is has been an EE at nasa for 20 years. After I took circuit analysis I asked him if his job was like that. He said when he first started out he did more testing and design and it did involve a lot more analysis work. Now he’s essentially a manager and the extent of his EE work is V=IR. Being a government job, he usually works a normal schedule (well nothing because of the shutdown) and has free time to spend with his family doing fun things/hobbies. </p>
<p>I’m not an EE but looking at my schedule ahead it looks like Junior year looks like is going to be the toughest. Echoing what cosmicfish said, it’s the block of department specific engineering courses. Senior year isn’t much better, but at least some of that is project/group work and a couple electives. Circuits is still currently number 1 in my top 5 hardest classes (others being Ochem I, mechanics of materials, gen chem for engineers, and physics III)</p>
<p>Apologies for bad flow in previous post, just woke up for real now. This leads me to my next piece of advice, don’t have children while getting your engneering degree.</p>
<p>The first year after college can be brutal requiring long hours to prove yourself, and not yet building up any vacation time. I know a consulting engineer who charges $250/hr and rarely works more than 3 days/week. Most, though, are around 50 hours, still pretty manageable. The majority of our production people work two jobs just to be able to afford to go to the dentist.</p>
<p>Sophomore year for me was the worst and a very low morale point in my life - difficult, busy work not necessarily related to my major, and so darn far away from actually graduating.</p>
<p>A couple of years after graduation, when you and your friends are out, single, and making decent money life gets a lot more fun. You have already proven yourself at work, have some vacation time, and some cash to do things. Some examples from the past: golf week in Hilton Head, Oktoberfest in Munich, Mardis Gras in NOLA, skiing in Utah, a summer rental in Newport, many smaller trips to CA, Las Vegas, the Carribean - you get the picture. Put the work in now and it will pay off in the end.</p>