I wish you weren't right..... But it's the time we live in.. Sorry for the doom & gloom Joe. However it's good to be aware of. The key is to work and make yourself valuable as possible...

I hear ya guys. There is a very very high demand for designers in my area and has been for many years. as of two days ago there was over 50 job postings for designers within 10 miles of my front door. The company I work for not only does work for big three but, aerospace, government, and more. I am trained in NX, Catia, Solidworks, Autodesk, and ideas. Kinda rare, and I made it a point to excel in all. Most designers/detailers learn one, maybe two, so I'm not to worried about it. The pay isnt what it used to be in the industry but is still very nice. If I can't find work, there is bigger problems going on. Thanks for the heads up though.

I'm on the other end, I'm a plant operator, i have no degree. I work hand in hand daily with engineers. My area has gonna threw 6 in 2 years and very few of them were educated in the US. It sounds like 12 meter has a good gig and knows what he is doing. But in the manufacturing world you guys are spot on. If I were to spend the $$ and get my degree I would have to take a pay cut. I find that most in my company spend there days working on excel spreadsheets that a high school kid could do. My company's stance is it's more cost effective to pay there operators more so we stay and can basically train engineers to handle the details and paper work of improving production...... It's sad.

I agree. I never had a degree either and did just fine without one. Most wealthy people don't have one either. I've always wanted to design but waited until the auto industry came back in my area. So I took my time in school and learned multiple systems so when the time came, I would be well equipped! I guess you never know with any job but for know I'm happier than a "pig in chit"!!!


Lets talk about the positive things and not so much the negative fellas! :coolcowboy:

Congrats. On the Job. Think Spring.

OK on the positive, I will be boating this weekend on our smaller beach boat (if the weather holds off) and making plans to get the Fountain fixed.

Least you have the option of the weather holding. Only thing holding around here is me holding my ballz!! 6 degrees right now going down to -10 tonight. So that's cool.

Enjoy the new job and all that comes with it.

Your company did a bunch of work for us at GD, is that still going on ?
ed

Healthcare?:whistle:

Best of luck in your new career, don't know you , but have enjoyed many posts. It's always great when mechanically inclined people become engineers! Just because it looks good on paper doesn't mean the poor fokker working on it is double jointed.

Congrats Joe! Welcome to the engineering community :)

What does that company make for products?

Pretty nice avatar selection in here too!

Thanks guys! I will be working in the engine department, looks like I will be jumping right into a huge Diesel engine they're working on for a generator.

Sea6 yes on the healthcare (so happy I don't have to deal with that fiascle) full benefits!