QUOTE(@tsw@ @ Sep 19 2016, 12:47 AM)
Hi. Just want to share a little of my experience. Different field of engineering (c&s) but related to your work, which I assume is part of the construction industry.
1) Was in similar predicament with working hours and workload. That lasted for a full five years (I call it my formative years). Eventually figured out that by working efficiently and over the weekends. Most things could be resolved. You need passion for the type of work you are doing. I know it is dry and unforgiving but it is your ricebowl and you damn better make sure it is done to the best of your ability.
2) Please be willing and be strong to get thro these formative years, I can rest assure you that once you get your P.E another 1 or 2 years down the road from the formative years. You will be able to stand on your own two feet and have your own practice (if you want), if not, by then your principal would have offered you a partnership.
3) Once there, things will be easier, financial and workload wise.
4) Be in it for the long run. You will suffer now but in future it'll be a breeze. If you go about it the easy way now, you'll never be able to stand on your own feet even if you do obtain your P.E
So the choice is yours and f@*k, this is making me sound so old.
QUOTE(josephlau7966 @ Sep 19 2016, 07:13 PM)
Have you ever checked what's the PE exam scope nowadays? You will be surprised with what you find out. The exam system has not been fully and well established yet it is way harder compared with the previous one. There are 2 level of PE exams. Those who has passed level 1 is "stagnant" at the moment since level 2 exam is not available. Try to ask around when you attend courses in IEM and you will know.
For your information, to pass level 1 PE exam, you don't need to be extremely overloaded. Just concentrate on the scope you have submitted during your exam registration. Nevertheless, to pass level 2 PE exam (in other words, to pursue practicing licence), your effort needed are more than extremely overloaded at the moment. Hopefully things will change when the Board "fine tune" this level 2 exam.
I am not trying to discourage you but this is current situation of the consulting engineers in construction field. We are in a huge dilemma I reckon, especially for fresh grad like you who just ventures into this field.
For your case, I guess you are working in small consulting firm. Well, I can say overloaded is a norm. If you want work-life balance, please go to try other bigger consulting firm (those big players). You might have the chance to be specialized in certain services. And that's mean much lesser workload. I cannot 100% guarantee you since every company is different and things are rapidly changing.
Lastly, good luck in your future endeavor, Mr. Junior....
Yes. I was quite depressed in my current job and that's where I started to look for more information on Professional engineer information. But until now i still not have a clear guideline. If not mistaken, PE Exam for 1st level consist of 4 paper (1 being exempted because taken during Uni Exam ( Power distribution and protection for electrical). then comes the interview part with essay, then another second interview. Now there is going to be another paper which is called PCE.
Well, With the current workload and my quality time with my family. I don't think will able to cope with those exam preparation as i would say more than 40% is not related to the current jobscope, like ethics and law (what the purpose of studying it to apply for job now???)
Previously was working in production line and life seems peaceful for me, until i end up in this job