Is Electrical Engineering Employment as Stressful as Schooling?

[pete5383]

Hey everyone. This might be kind of a weird question, but something I've been thinking about. I'm in my second year of Electrical Engineering, talking basic Circuits courses, diff.Eq, and a Digital Design class, and I have to say, classes are wicked hard. I guess I expected this, but I did very well fairly easily my first year, and now I'm working my butt off pretty much non-stop. Anyways, I guess my question is this: how does actually working in the Electrical Engineering field compare to the schooling for it? I love EE and find it amazingly interesting, but is it going to be this stressful and time consuming my whole life? Haha. Anyways. I guess I was just wondering if anyone has some thoughts on how schooling and employment compare. Thank you!

 

[chroot]

It doesn't always have to be so bad. In general, learning is harder than doing.

If you intend on achieving everything possible and advancing your career to the limit of current technology, you can expect to continue learning pretty steadily for the next 10 years or so after leaving school -- but learning on-the-job is not generally as stressful as learning in a formal setting, because it's more organic and less structured.

On the other hand, if you're satisfied with learning one role and doing just one kind of work, you can pretty much close your mind and settle into a specific role after a couple of years of work experience. It will pretty much kill any opportunities for advancement (and higher pay), however.

Also, keep in mind that good managers keep their employees challenged and interested, but not overwhelmed. Bad managers drive their employees into the ground. Often, having the right manager makes all the difference between a "wicked hard" job and a pleasant, enjoyable experience.

- Warren

 

[piercas]

I can provide some insight into this question. First of all, it is completely normal to find your second year of EE schooling more challenging than your first. As you progress in your studies, the material becomes more complex and requires more critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is a natural progression in any field of study.

In terms of how EE schooling compares to employment, it really depends on the individual and their specific job. Generally, I would say that employment in the EE field involves less theoretical knowledge and more practical application. While you will still need a strong foundation in the principles and theories of EE, you will also be working with real-world problems and finding solutions in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

It is also important to note that the level of stress and time commitment in employment can vary greatly depending on the company, project, and individual. Some companies may have a more relaxed work culture, while others may have tight deadlines and high-pressure environments. It is important to find a job that aligns with your personal preferences and work style.

Overall, I would say that employment in the EE field can be just as challenging and time-consuming as schooling, but it also offers the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a tangible way. It is important to keep in mind that the hard work and dedication you put into your studies now will ultimately prepare you for a successful career in EE.