Why are so many civil engineer unhappy ?

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SUMMARY

Many civil engineers with over a decade of experience report dissatisfaction with their careers, primarily due to repetitive tasks, low pay, and long hours. While some engineers, particularly those involved in design, express contentment, the overall sentiment reflects a challenging job market exacerbated by economic factors affecting project financing. The discussion highlights a disparity in job satisfaction based on the type of work and regional differences, particularly outside North America.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of civil engineering roles and responsibilities
  • Familiarity with project financing and economic impacts on engineering
  • Knowledge of design standards and codes in civil engineering
  • Awareness of job market trends in the engineering sector
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of economic downturns on civil engineering projects
  • Explore career paths in civil engineering that focus on design and innovation
  • Investigate job satisfaction factors specific to civil engineers in different regions
  • Learn about professional development opportunities for civil engineers to enhance skills
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Civil engineers, career advisors, and industry analysts interested in understanding job satisfaction trends and challenges within the civil engineering profession.

a_man
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I talked to some civil engineers who has bee practicing more than 10 years.
Most of them seemed unhappy with their job... , except this one guy who has done a lot of design.

Is this same in other civil engineering related companies or firm ?

BTW: they all recommend me taht I study something else...
 
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Maybe your sample is biased. I'm a Civil Engineer, I'm not unhappy.
 
I work with a group of civil/structural engineers, and they seem quite happy - and very busy. Perhaps it's the type of work one does. I know that it is tough for those who do planning and development projects because many projects have been suspended due to the state of the economy and difficulties in financing such projects.
 
There are just too many civil engineers, but not enough good ones. When design is done based on standards and codes, it can be intellectually stiffling, especially if you keep doing the same thing over and over again for the rest of your life. Also, the pay is rather low and the work hours are rather long.
 
comp_math said:
There are just too many civil engineers, but not enough good ones. When design is done based on standards and codes, it can be intellectually stiffling, especially if you keep doing the same thing over and over again for the rest of your life. Also, the pay is rather low and the work hours are rather long.

I am not challenging you or anything, but where did you hear that ?

It sounds close to what I heard from other civil engineers outside of North America.
 

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