Please give career advice for an engineer in my circumstances.

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Sparky Bill PE

Sparky Bill PE

Senior, Master, Professional, Licensed Electrical
Joined
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Hey guys, if this is the wrong forum please direct me somewhere else. I am a substation engineer, 15 years experience, I got my MSEE/PE/PMP. I live near a city and make around $115,000 a year. I do enjoy my job, but I can tell they are pushing me into directions I don't want (management "opportunities" which means more time away from my children etc).

If you were me, or if you got some life lessons, would you think this money with my experience/credentials is around where it should be, should I be looking around for remote work? I am not really interested at all in moving my wife and kids for a job.
 
You make good money for experience and where you live. If I were you, I would not move and I would not transition into a job which demands more of your time. Time with your family and time to take care of your personal health (being active, having hobbies, etc.) is FAR more important than career/more money.
 
Maybe have a discussion with your management and make it clear that you'd like to keep your career technically focused rather than moving into supervisory roles. Just be realistic in that you will be voluntarily handicapping financial incentives/progression for the duration of your stay.
 
Sparky Bill PE said:
Hey guys, if this is the wrong forum please direct me somewhere else. I am a substation engineer, 15 years experience, I got my MSEE/PE/PMP. I live near a city and make around $115,000 a year. I do enjoy my job, but I can tell they are pushing me into directions I don't want (management "opportunities" which means more time away from my children etc).

If you were me, or if you got some life lessons, would you think this money with my experience/credentials is around where it should be, should I be looking around for remote work? I am not really interested at all in moving my wife and kids for a job.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you're an individual contributor now, right? If so you're probably around the right range. There might be some upside potential for more pay with a different job but I wouldn't expect a whole lot more.

Unfortunately our industry still seems to reward management more than actually working.
 

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