Well I guess we all have to make our first "help me with my life" post eventually...so heres mine!

Got word today that the engineering department at my company is going to be eliminated come the first of the year. So I am forced to take a new direction in my life. i have a few options:

1) send resume' highlighting automotive knowledge and engineering background t a friend in the racing industry who has quite a few connections and might be able to get me a position as a jr. engineer for a real race team. probably would have to move to indiana or N.C.

2) go back to school and get an Industrial Engineering masters degree specializing in High Performance Engine development at UCF in orlando. Probably go to work for my freinds parts sales company over there to pay bills and work my way through school. graduate from there and go work for a race team...but have one the most respected degrees under my belt in that industry. the professor of this program was a long time friend of the head engien bulder for Hendrick motorsports that died in the plane crash on Sunday. needless to say...he knows his shit and is well respected.

3) An option MAY become available to be a sales rep for a company in my current industry. my current boss (also getting layed off) may wind up being the new GM over ther eand would love to have me come sell for him. this has the potential to be very profitable...but it isnt my passion. but it keeps me her in an area i like with all my friends and family.

4) go work with a friend at US Homes as a development mangaer. better pay than what i make now...and local...but not really what i see as a long term career for me.

Now i had been kicking around 1 and 4 for the past few weeks becasue my boss had told me that this MAY be happening...but we found out for sure today. #2 came to me today while talkign to a friend that is taking the intro class to that masters program. he's not getting the masters..just taking the class as an elective. i really like the idea...but am a bit apprehensive about being a college student again...i like working and having income #3 also came up today...and i'm not sure what to think about it. my boss knows me well enought to know that it wouldnt be my passion but that i'd be good at it anyway. but he also respects that i want to go persue my passion and is encouraging me to do so. and if that doesnt work out then he'll most liekly have a place for me.


SO...what do my esteemed dawgs think?

 

wow...that is some tough decision making. Me personally I would have to go for the masters. Well respected degree and you'd be making bank for something you love to do!

Sure it was suck being a "college" student again but if you have the means to do it...go for it! All the way....

 

Your passion seems to fall under option 1 or 2. If at all possible, don't settle for something you know you won't be happy with. The best job advice was given to me by one of my marketing professors: Do it for money and find unhappiness. Do what you love and eventually the money will find you.

I know a layoff and resulting possibility of a move and/or career change is a bit stressful. Best of luck with your decision.

 

1 or 2... since the sales/home managment really doesnt seem like you at all... send off the resumes like crazy and talk to ucf now.. try to get ducks in a row at both, since if one doesnt go thru then you have the other...

 

I agree regarding following your passion. You will always make new friends. Having a job you love does not compare to having money but working a job you don't like.

Follow your passion. Like Alan said, eventually the money will find you.

 

I would agree - #1 sounds like a dream job to me