Career Choices and Regrets..

[FLAMESRULE]

I've been pretty lucky with my career selection. I knew in Grade 10 that I wanted to be an Engineer and vividly remember the day I got accepted to University. I graduated as a Mechanical Engineer after 4 1/2 years and took my dream job as a Race Engineer for a Grand-Am team in Montreal. I worked on the Formula SAE Race team at University for 3 1/2 years so I LOVED RACING (worked for CART for a summer). Also have a buddy working for McLaren F1. Anyways, I quickly found out that it wasnt what I thought it would be and moved back to Calgary. Took me 4 months of running the dumb end of a shovel to get a job working for a small EPC. I did smnall projects for 2 years before moving onto a producer.

I'm now at a great spot in my career and I've settled on the path I want to take. I work for a smaller heavy oil producer running some pretty cutting edge Chemical EOR projects. I love getting up and going to work, coworkers are good, money is good. It also may let me do some international work which I'm pretty keen on.

The only thing I regret about my career choice is that I didnt go away for University. If I could do it all over again I would definitely do that. University was the best time of my life, but living elsewhere would be great at that age.

[oilyfan]

I went into Engineering school a couple years after graduating high school, mostly because there are a few engineers in my family. Did alright in school, got an entry level position in the late nineties, where there weren't many to choose from, so wasn't paid very well. But over the years as I proved myself I kept getting promoted and ended up being the Engineering Manager in 5 years.

Then realized that if I didn't purely want to be a technical expert I would have to do something else, I went and did my MBA. That, while hurting my balance sheet, was the best decision of my life. I am in a much more senior position in a larger company, good money and good work life balance.

I hear a lot of - why go to school when you can make tons of money working in the patch right away - ask the same question to them 10 years later and ask the specific question about work life balance and career choices. While some get lucky, show aptitude at managing or running projects and get moved into head office, I would suspect that percentage is pretty low.

Sometimes I wonder if I would have enjoyed medicine, but it is too late now.

[East Coast Flame]

I'm 25 and an accountant with an oil company. Graduated with my BBA at 21 and been here ever since.

Honestly, it's pretty sweet. I still find the work somewhat interesting, I don't have to work insane hours, my bosses are pretty great and get paid more than enough. I'm a single guy with no debt, no home payment etc. So for where I am right now in my life, it's perfect. The last two years have been probably the best of my young life because of the flexibility that comes with having a good career. I have traveled more places that I could have even imagined and have really taken advantage the freedom that comes with being young, having a little bit of money and no real responsibilities.

Is this something I would be fine with doing for the rest of my life? No probably not. I'm going to give this MBA thing a shot in the next couple years and go from there. But right now, things are pretty sweet, so I'm just gonna keep on keepin on.

[calgaryrocks]

I got a B.Comm after highschool, took a year in the middle of my degree to do a little travelling. after a lengthy job search I have found a job that is challenging and causes me to improve my skills. don't think I have any regrets at this point, only because I am finally making good money and am at the point that I am happy I have a new job and opportunities that come with it. that might change, but as a single guy, it's a great situation. will likely do a little more schooling in the next 10 years, do my masters, or go back to school and become a teacher (I think I would enjoy it, but need to get better at public speaking). but maybe I stay where I am and make the most of it. Definitely want to do more travelling though, like other posters mentioned, my job is a means to living life, and it's a good one

[JDub81]

To those who have said sometimes your dream job isn't what it's cracked up to be - that's the boat I landed in.

I went to school for a few different things, and finally had the courage to take what I really wanted to take in the first place. I worked my butt off after school, landed in the right place at the right time a couple of times and was working my dream job within 3 years of graduating. Although there were some wonderful aspects of that job, eventually the negatives outweighed the positives and within 5 years of joining that particular industy, I began a new career.

I was lucky, because the new career sort of landed in my lap and I still get to do some of the fun aspects of my previous job in some spare time, but I have no regrets at all. I'm glad I experienced my dream job, I'm glad I moved on and I'm glad I am where I am today.

I guess I'm pretty lucky all around!

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by pylon

Bottom line is this. Lack of education, leads to working with uneducated people. Street smarts DOES NOT = book smarts. 5 years ago, I would have told you different, as all that mattered was money, and it was likely a defense mechanism statement to justify my failure at persuing an education. Now I can honestly say, you need to do everything in your power to expand your horizons, or you will feel trapped with no horizon in sight.

Unfairly or not, education opens doors. Yes, street smarts utimately gets further than book smarts. But you have to be in an actual job to be able to show off those street smarts.

It seems to me like our society is trending towards everyone having some sort of post secondary education. I've noticed that post secondary is the new high school diploma, and designations and MBAs are the new university degrees. Kids coming out of high school are facing more and more competition from every direction. It really is important to equip yourself the best you can with all the tools to be successful, and I think education is one of the most important tools you can give yourself.

[GreenLantern]

I switched gears from History to Geography mid degree.. I was planning on applying for Law school but decided to pursue the environmental route instead.

So far the job market has been really tough, landing the job I have was a fluke imo, just hapened that some Scientists working for the Provincial and Federal government, and were adjunct with the Geography department, had some funding left over and decided to help out a Geography student. This ledinto a full time job with the Provincial Government, all was rosey... but the Feds pulled our funding and the Climatology branch is being shut down, two weeks I am out on my ass.

I had planned to go back to Grad school in the fall regardless, but it is a bit of a slap in the face and makes me wonder if I want to return to this area of work or head into a different sector upon graduation.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Unfairly or not, education opens doors. Yes, street smarts utimately gets further than book smarts. But you have to be in an actual job to be able to show off those street smarts.

It seems to me like our society is trending towards everyone having some sort of post secondary education. I've noticed that post secondary is the new high school diploma, and designations and MBAs are the new university degrees. Kids coming out of high school are facing more and more competition from every direction. It really is important to equip yourself the best you can with all the tools to be successful, and I think education is one of the most important tools you can give yourself.

Yup, 100% agree. If were not for street smarts, I would be working at 7-11 or a gas station probably. I am blessed to be as well off as I am for a grade 11 dropout, and am definitely a dying breed. I had to put in 7 hard years on the sales floor, stick it out, and wait for a chance which comes up maybe every 5 years in a dealership to move to finance. When it finally came along, I had to basically BEG to get a chance as there was probably 15 applicants ahead of me more qualified. I offered to work for free for 6 months to prove I could do it...thankfully, they didn't take me up on that offer. It really is the one time being loyal to an employer truly paid off. Even at that, I was still on a 12 month probationary period.

Now the people they hire for my position are University Grads. They hire them right out of school. As scary as it is, I could probably teach these young folks better than any school could on our discipline of finance, and could probably run a loan/mgtg department at a bank. My experience now, would likely trump a degree, as I am 11 years total in the business now, with 4 in finance, but had the opportunity come up today, I would have been out of luck. It has changed that much in the last 4 years.

Kids... GO TO SCHOOL!

[HockeyPuck]

I graduated with an engineering degree from school in the States, with full intention of getting a masters degree. Too much debt so I moved back home and I decided to go to SAIT for the Petroleum degree.

I worked a field job after that for about 6 mos and moved over into a government position for 3 years - what a waste of 3 years! After getting out of that position, I was able to move on to an Oil and Gas producer - great pay and work-life balance. I started out as a technologist, and my supervisors have given me more responsibilties. It's been good.

Thing is though, I think I have a great idea for a business, but getting off this path is very scary. Especially with a 1 year old and another on the way, plus a good sized mortgage to boot. I know if I don't go forward with this business, I'll always wonder, "what if", but taking the actual step and moving forward would be a definite leap of faith.

[Radio]

In high school I took mechanical drafting cause I thought it would be easy credits but found that I really liked it. From there I decided it would be great to design roller coasters for a living. I started taking the courses required for engineering, instead of the easy credit courses. But alas at graduation I loved to party and hated to study so I thought I'd take a year or 2 off instead of wasting time and money on something my heart wasn't into at the time.

Ten years later after being laid off yet again from residential construction and EI offering a training program I decided to go back to school. At the time EI would pay tuition and books + your benefits if you proved what you were taking was worth it. It couldn't be a degree type course though, 2 years max. So I went to SAIT and got my Mechanical Engineering Technologist diploma at age 31.

I don't design roller coasters but I work in Research and Development at manufacturing facility here in Calgary. I really enjoy my job, the people I work with, and the money is good enough. I also enjoy some fringe benefits that come with being here so long (14 years now), I don't get babysat, I can kind of half ass make my own hours, your opinion means something and carries some weight.

I don't think anyone should live with regret, if you're not where you want to be then make plans to change your situation. It's never too late in life to change, to go in new directions. I found going back to school when I did was a breeze compared to working. I had the focus needed to not only do the work but really excel.

I'd like to get my degree in engineering and I can see it taking a good 10 years...but if I had started 10 years ago I'd be done by now.

[The Yen Man]

TBQH, I learned a lot more at my job than I did in university. Nothing teaches better than experience IMO. Unfortunately, to get this experience usually requires you to have some education. In a way, your education is basically a marketing tool for yourself to employers, as they have nothing else to go by when they're hiring a person with no experience.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by hockeycop

If you find a job you love, you will never "work" a day in your life.

Enough said.

Yeah, I'll remember that when I sign my first pro Soccer contract or finally manage to become an Astronaut or Race Car driver. Until then I'll just do my best with what I have.

[Ducay]

As an accountant/auditor, its generally around this time of year that I usually regret my career path. Hours right now are beyond ridiculous, but its all part of the means to the end. I suck it up now because the career possibilities expand 10 fold at the end of the journey. Pay isn't bad either, you just can't look at it on an hourly basis

I don't often think about it, but it is amazing when I realize how much knowledge and experience I have gained; I don't usually don't think about it until I'm dealing with a client who makes 5x what I do, yet has 1/5 the skills.

The only real regret I have is being in Calgary, you end up locked into the vicious circle that is the Oil & Gas industry, which can have its drawbacks.

[Ozy_Flame]

Keep in mind that a lot of the time, a University degree is simply to show employers that you can keep up a consistent and quality level of work, as well as satisfy a job requirement meant for people with more book experience than those who never went. As was mentioned before, you definitely learn more on the job that you do in a university classroom, but it's the fact that you've done it that makes the difference.

Also, I considered university a life goal and personal challenge, not just simply a means to an end. I enjoyed the people I met, the experiences I had, and the doors it opened. I would have been kicking myself endlessly if I didn't go. I'm extremely glad I did. I would venture to say that my best memories came from my 5 years of my undergrad, hands down.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Also, I considered university a life goal and personal challenge, not just simply a means to an end. I enjoyed the people I met, the experiences I had, and the doors it opened. I would have been kicking myself endlessly if I didn't go. I'm extremely glad I did. I would venture to say that my best memories came from my 5 years of my undergrad, hands down.

I agree completely. Sure, there were times when it sucked big time (the month before final exams when you have projects due, and exams to cram for, the stress of not making it into the faculty you want, etc). But overall, university was an awesome experience for me. It was like high school minus all the BS since everyone's past the teenage phase and no one cares what other people do. Plus, you're old enough to party and have real fun without adult supervision.

[TylerSVT]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

At 25 I got into grad school, and now at just about 28, I only have six months left. I am currently a consultant, but would like to move into the intelligence and security industry - and after chatting with some professionals in the field, I am glad I'm not married or have kids (yet).

Even at 28, I definitely do not feel too old to be switching careers. I'm still a young pup. And everyone who is a similar age should feel the same.

Some of us just find the right one earlier than others, Im glad i am in the position i am in, i wouldnt trade it for the world.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Ducay

As an accountant/auditor, its generally around this time of year that I usually regret my career path. Hours right now are beyond ridiculous, but its all part of the means to the end. I suck it up now because the career possibilities expand 10 fold at the end of the journey. Pay isn't bad either, you just can't look at it on an hourly basis

I don't often think about it, but it is amazing when I realize how much knowledge and experience I have gained; I don't usually don't think about it until I'm dealing with a client who makes 5x what I do, yet has 1/5 the skills.

The only real regret I have is being in Calgary, you end up locked into the vicious circle that is the Oil & Gas industry, which can have its drawbacks.

My GF is an accountant doing her CA and her hours right now are out of hand. On top of that she has everyone and their dog asking her to do their income tax. The problem with it is she is such a nice person she feels aweful telling her hair dresses friend (whom she has never met and barely knows her hair dresser) no.

All I had to do was tell her "If you do them this year, you will be expected to do them every year." "Oh I never thought about that... i'll tell them no."

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Keep in mind that a lot of the time, a University degree is simply to show employers that you can keep up a consistent and quality level of work, as well as satisfy a job requirement meant for people with more book experience than those who never went. As was mentioned before, you definitely learn more on the job that you do in a university classroom, but it's the fact that you've done it that makes the difference.

Also, I considered university a life goal and personal challenge, not just simply a means to an end. I enjoyed the people I met, the experiences I had, and the doors it opened. I would have been kicking myself endlessly if I didn't go. I'm extremely glad I did. I would venture to say that my best memories came from my 5 years of my undergrad, hands down.

A lot of people thought there was no way I would make it through University. I got in on the Open Studies, which is basically they accept anyone who will pay into Arts and Science but you aren't officially an Arts student. My grades sucked. My first year of University I failed a class, dropped 3 more, and passed the rest with I think my highest mark a 61. By my last year my lowest mark was a 81.

Around year 2.5 (summer of year two I decided to take a few summer classes to help make up for my mid degree switch) it just clicked and all came together. I just started flying and proved all the haters wrong. There were some hellish times where I was literally scraping the floor to get by, but I am glad I did it and it was a hell of an experience.

[TylerSVT]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

TBQH, I learned a lot more at my job than I did in university. Nothing teaches better than experience IMO. Unfortunately, to get this experience usually requires you to have some education. In a way, your education is basically a marketing tool for yourself to employers, as they have nothing else to go by when they're hiring a person with no experience.

I completely agree, University gives you the tools and shows people you can be trained, it doesnt really teach you the exact tools needed to become successful in any industry. "Street smarts" are much more important than earning a 3.8GPA.

However, street smarts and job experience can be taken with a grain of salt, a degree is a degree and never loses value and always has transferability.

Degrees are very very important, im glad i went to school, i almost dropped out my 2nd year to go build cars for a living... glad i stuck with it.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by TylerSVT

However, street smarts and job experience can be taken with a grain of salt, a degree is a degree and never loses value and always has transferability.

I agree with everything you said except this. Job experience if it pertains to what you are applying for trumps a degree simply because its shows you've been able to perform already. All a degree shows is that you can work hard and ought to be capable. Most degrees arent direct training for the job you will be performing, where as on the job experience demonstrates you already know the role. This only applies if you're moving from one job to another in the same field.