I'll been thinking about switching careers for a few years now. With all the downturns in my industry, I've managed not to get layed off. However, I'm ready to start making the switch. I've decided something in environmental... water/wastewater... specifically with a government agency.
(1) I've taken the time to finally decide what I want to do when I grow up.
(2) My kids are getting older, so in a couple of years I won't be needing my current flexible schedule. Middle school and high school lets out later in the day, so I could probably pick them up if I go into work an hour early, instead of 2 hours early.
(3) The pay won't be as great, but there won't be as much pressure. The benefits will be great -- pension and medical benefits for retirement. These do not exist with my current industry.
So, I could use some advice. I only have 3 months (college summer internship) in environmental, and 2 years volunteering once a month running water quality tests in one of our lakes for one of our River Authorities (but this only amounts to 96 hours -- not much). Other than that no experience. I have my PE, but don't know how far that will take me without experience.
I figure the only way to switch is to gain some training AND experience. The training I can probably get thru some seminars and AiChE/ASCE chapter meetings. But how do I gain experience while keeping my current job?
(1) I've taken the time to finally decide what I want to do when I grow up.
(2) My kids are getting older, so in a couple of years I won't be needing my current flexible schedule. Middle school and high school lets out later in the day, so I could probably pick them up if I go into work an hour early, instead of 2 hours early.
(3) The pay won't be as great, but there won't be as much pressure. The benefits will be great -- pension and medical benefits for retirement. These do not exist with my current industry.
So, I could use some advice. I only have 3 months (college summer internship) in environmental, and 2 years volunteering once a month running water quality tests in one of our lakes for one of our River Authorities (but this only amounts to 96 hours -- not much). Other than that no experience. I have my PE, but don't know how far that will take me without experience.
I figure the only way to switch is to gain some training AND experience. The training I can probably get thru some seminars and AiChE/ASCE chapter meetings. But how do I gain experience while keeping my current job?
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