The discussion centers around the challenges and considerations of pursuing an engineering degree while balancing work and family responsibilities. A participant with 15 years of HVAC experience and 3 years in generators is contemplating whether to major in electrical or mechanical engineering while attending community college. They plan to take two classes per semester, starting with English and algebra, and are eager to learn despite feeling nervous about returning to school at age 37. Others in the thread emphasize that many engineering programs allow students to defer specialization until after the second year, as the initial coursework is largely similar across disciplines. They encourage the participant to consult with academic counselors regarding degree pathways and the feasibility of completing a four-year degree after community college. The importance of foundational math skills, particularly calculus, is highlighted, with reassurance that mastering algebra is crucial for success in higher-level math. Additionally, another contributor shares their experience as a 25-year-old diesel mechanic balancing school and work, noting the difficulties of managing a full course load alongside full-time employment.
