When to Look for a New Engineering Career

Like it or not, some workplaces simply aren’t the right fit. Many structural engineering jobs begin with challenging and engaging work, but employees lose their spark as projects become static. Some positions seem excellent on paper, but lack the corporate culture to help engineers thrive. Other engineering careers are chosen for outside reasons: pay, convenience, or family ties. In today’s work culture, changing careers lacks the stigma it had twenty, thirty, or forty years ago. If you’re not content with your current engineering firm, it’s alright to start looking . . . as long as you’re doing it for the right reasons.

3 Reasons to Find a New Job

  1. engineer asleep on the jobThe bad days outweigh the good. Everyone has a bad stretch at work now and then, but if you find yourself dreading project after project, it may be time to look for an engineering position with a fresh firm. Discontentment at work doesn’t just reflect poorly on your skills, it can also negatively impact your health, your business network, and your personal relationships.

  2. There’s no upward mobility. If you find yourself stuck in an engineering position with no room for advancement, take a step back and examine your goals. Can you continue indefinitely without growing bored of your current projects? Have you missed a potential career shift within your firm? If the answer to both questions is no, start searching elsewhere.

  3. You clash with the leadership team. No one gets along with the boss full time, but if you find yourself constantly questioning the decisions of your management team, you’re probably not utilizing your engineering skills effectively. Get out before you start burning bridges and find an engineering firm whose office culture aligns with yours.

If you’re ready to find a structural engineering career more suited to your talents, call Engineering Search Partners. We’ll examine your experience, niche skills, and preferred corporate culture to find the engineering firm that will help you build a better career.

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