Hello everyone.  I need some suggestions.

I am a person that has found myself in a trapped box. For the past 12 years I have been working as a mechanical engineer for three different companies. My current job has been a long 8 years of those 12.  For many of those years I have felt that this career has not matched my personality.  I have tested many times in the Brigg-Myers Personality Profile as an ISFP (Artist-Composer).  I have found that my personality type doesn't seem to blend well with the typical engineering environment.  I tend to do things differently than others. I'm not weird, nor am I a geek. I think I just see things differently.  Back in college, I followed the engineering path that my two brothers did, even though the ISFP personality makes me tend to march to my own drumbeat.  I think I just didn't know what to do or what I wanted to be, and just wanted to make my parents proud.  People seem to like me, and I seem to get along with most everyone. I have found that the customers of my company like me ... maybe because I am not a stereotypical engineer. But, this career has been very stressful to me, and instead of feeding me, it drains me. At the end of the day, I am too tired to enjoy the simple things in life.  I need a new path. My question is this ...

What would be a good career to transition into after 12 years as a mechanical engineer? To make it more difficult, my current financial responsibilities limit me from just working at the local plant nursery or living the life of a starving artist.

Thanks!!  I look forward to hearing some thoughtful insight.

Wow, I can't believe how much your situation sounds like mine! Just substitue mechanical engineer for web producer and ISFP for INFP and you could be me! I am also in a very high stress job that doesn't match my personality at all, and sucks all of my energy, and feel stuck because of financial issues.

I guess the only advice that I could offer is to target what it is that you want to do. What job suggestions come with the ISFP indicator? Do any of those sound interesting to you? You could also consult a career counselor, which is something I'm considering.

Thanks for the reply.  I think there are a lot of "us" out there. Our modern society has taken a greater toll (stress, health, happiness, joy) than many realize.

My feelings target exactly what the ISFP indicator state ... I need to do something that makes a difference. I need to do something that is not just making someone else money.  Helping the environment. Helping animals. Making the lives of others better, even though I will never meet them.

The ISFP indicator states the following suggested careers ... Artist, Musician, Designer, Counselor, Teacher, Psychologist, Veterinarian, Forest Ranger, Marine Biologist, Biologist, Carpenter, etc. ... many "doer" activities with the freedom of independence.

A quote from the personality profile - "The ISFP values independence strongly and tends to retreat or escape from situations which become too unpleasant, confining or demanding. This free spirit's natural characteristics run counter to the expectations of most business organizations, so you'll rarely find this type at the top of the corporate ladder."

The difficult aspect of the situation is the transition into the new field from my old engineering career. Lately, I have been thinking a great deal about alternative energy ... using nature for the greater good (solar power, wind power, hydrogen, etc.).  My past could be greatly utilized in these new fields. But, I have also always had a deep connection to plants ... so maybe horticulture (a total 180-degree turn). Plants and animals calm me (being in their presence always feels so natural). I think I need to be outside, not hidden away in some imprisoning cubicle.

I get overwhelmed by the confusion in my head.  I have thought about consulting a career counselor too. It is my understanding that they will never tell what to do ... but they can help clear the confusion and cobwebs from the mind.  I think it is expensive, but it should be worth the investment.

ah, yes, quite similar to the INFP--I personally was meant to be a psychologist or writer!

I'm not sure about the cost of career counselors, but I don't think they are that much. Also, you generally work with them for only a few months as opposed to years of other kinds of therapy. Another option is to look for a traditional counselor like an MSW who specializes in career issues, and most insurance will now cover at least a portion of mental health costs.

it could be a good way to get unstuck.

The problem I'm having is that I know I'd be happier being some kind of therapist, but I'd have to pay for going back to school, and most likely  live on  a much lower salary for a few years. The financial aspect is what is making me feel stuck.

Good luck!

 

Take a sabbatical, vacation or leave of absence and explore teaching!

There are so many public schools, community colleges, city or state vocational programs that would love to have you. If you don't like working with kids  how about adult reentry programs.

I too am the creative type and the idea of a cubicle destroys me. I left the financial services industry to pursue a career as a Resource Teacher (supporting regular teachers with kid with mild to moderate learning disabilities).

A resource teacher does not have her own students but periodically takes students through out the day from other classes to help them and teach them learning strategies. We work with school psychologist and Speech and Language Therapists to get kids back on track. Class sizes are often very small.

A teacher works along side others but your classroom is generally yours to define. The money won't be the same but where else can you get up almost two months of paid vacation, every state and federal holiday, home usually by 4pm, and for K-6, no weekends, etc.

I feel this will give me plenty of time to explore my main passion photography while helping kids and my community.

You may not even have to go back to college

http://www.teachforamerica.org/about/index.htm

or if you are in California

http://www.calstateteach.net/ 

I'm sure there are tons of other programs like these.

Good luck,

Teresa

You have to find a way to get out. I was in your exact position 4 years ago, but as a Physician. I wanted to please my Parents and had a big ego that I felt could be filled by practicing Medicine. At the age of 37 having practiced for 9 years I was literally missing watching my 2 children grow up because of my 100 hour work weeks and many nights spent sleeping at the hospital. Having worked my way through college at a bank, I always had an iterest in finance, so I decided to start a company in the financial services industry. No doubt I initially took a significant pay cut, but it was well worth it. My time to me became a valuable commodity and my Wife and & I decided it was worth simplifying our lives to live on less. Now I am in a position where my company is about to be acquired and will see a significant financial reward for taking the leap of faith that I took. You have to say to yourself....."Hey, I'm an Engineer...I'm a smart guy, I can do anything I put my mind to" and go for it. Use the knowledge and experiences you have acquired thus far and move forward.....and never look back! I wish you great success in whatever endeavour you decide to pursue!

nacho what kind of a pay cut did you accept at first? I am trying to get out in a similar way and dont konw how to do it. Also at what point should be, say one year into your new gig, as far as pay and success. They say a business will probably make no real money for 2 years or so.

I think you have to look at your individual situation and what kind of business you are starting. I was making almost $400,000 a year as a Physician, and now pull in almost half of that. Fortunately we had savings to live off of  until I started making some good money. My business was started using cash and not debt and it only took me about 4 months to have positive cash flow.. so I guess I was fortunate. I think the key is to minimize personal debt as much as posible, because if you do... you really can get by with very little money if you have to....as long as you are willing to give up unnecessary expenses. Get your books from the library, make your own coffee and stop eating out.....it is possible to enjoy life and consume less....no pain - no gain. My only regret now is that I waited as long as I did to get out.

Go Google ATEC.....

Arts and Technology are where the Engineering and creative arts merge.   The mechanical arts give you a big advantage in understanding Maya, Lightwave, and so forth.  These are the "CAD" tools for the modern art processes...   Even Solidworks has Capture and Linkage paths to Maya and Lightwave...   Motion Capture should be "familiar" as well. 

Movie creation is a big business....   Games are 3X bigger...   It also depends on where you are...  and what you want to creatively do...   Lots of opportunity..  but also lots of "dead ends" - if not careful...

--jr

Have you thought about web design? For someone skilled in engineering, you could pick up any design software (Dreamweaver, CAD, photoshop) easily, but web design would give you the fun of creating. You can always try to find a firm or non-prof to work for so that you can feel like you're helping people. Plus, since web design is just becoming a really big thing, most agencies don't require a particular major as long as you know the software--since many schools are only beginning to offer web design classes. Good luck!