Working as an Engineer in the States
My story is really different, but each step got me to where I am now. For the record: nobody forced me to study engineering. There was encouragement because I come from engineers, but at the end of the day, I wanted to be an engineer. Or so I thought...
•
I decided to go to Tuskegee University and study mechanical engineering. I was one of those kids that would take things apart to see how it worked. Constantly asking questions and trying to figure out the world around me. Having a methodical mind. Always trying to be the most efficient and effective. That's an engineer so I pursued it and I regret NOTHING.
•
On top of all of that. Engineers make that BREAD. When you think about those professions that make money what three occupations come to mind? Doctors, lawyers and engineers. Some engineers graduate with a four year degree and a 6-figure job offer. Right out the gate.
•
I wanted to secure a job, work my way up and retire early. Such ambitious dreams I had and I probably would’ve done it to be honest. There was only one problem...
•
After studying, doing internships, taking tests, doing research, performing experiments and everything else I realized something. This shit ain’t for me. I secured a job as a backup plan, but I was looking for anyway to go abroad and stay there. And as you can see... that’s what I did.
•
In all fairness, I did try to see if an engineering job would let me work abroad, but I kept getting the same answers. “Maybe after a few years with the company,” they said. “Sometime down the line if an opportunity to go abroad comes up you can throw your hat in the ring,” I was told. “I can’t promise anything, but it could be possible,” they said. All wrong answers. Thanks, but no thanks.
•
Once I was shown the possibilities of teaching English abroad I never looked back. I did hella research and applied to countless programs. Living abroad was something I wanted to do NOW. I didn’t want to wait until I was 35 or 40 to retire “early” and then start the life I already knew I wanted. Maybe it’s the Millennial/GenZ in me, but I want what I want and I want it NOW. So, I made it happen.
•
To answer your questions... Yes, I went to college for a degree I'm not using. Yes, I turned down a full time position making BANK. Yes, I'm living my best fucking life. No, I don't regret anything. And yes, you can do it too.
•
