Retirement

[Oldtimer]

I’m gonna take a nap too much exercise going on here

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

OTOH, my job title for 30+ years was a (Senior, Staff, etc) Software Engineer.

Some engineering disciplines that historically have not seen high levels of licensure still use “engineer” in their titles. I see it with controls engineers in my work. The state boards only seem to care if you are providing professional services without a P.E. as a principal of the firm. If you work for a large company or college/university I’ve never heard of an issue.

Originally Posted by huskersteffy

Another Engineer (Mechanical and Software). When I started working at a major University 19 years ago I started putting the "alphabet soup" of all my credentials in my email signature block..... BSME, MSCS, CEM, P.E., etc. etc. After a short while I realized it was all just silliness and now just use P.E. for "Professional Engineer".

Same here. I just use P.E.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Some engineering disciplines that historically have not seen high levels of licensure still use “engineer” in their titles. I see it with controls engineers in my work.

Here in Texas, there are lot of jobs for control engineers due to the number of process plants. If you are proficient in programming DCS such as DeltaV, Honeywell, etc., you can pretty much pick where you want to work.

A P.E. is not asked for as experience and references count more than a P.E. as control engineering is a multi discipline engineering field that a P.E. doesn't really cover.

With a degree in computer and electrical engineering, I had to pick up chemical and mechanical engineering to be well rounded enough to be a control engineer.

I still miss that job but the older I get, the more I realize that I couldn't go back - my health prevents me. Sixteen hour days are common during plant startups and they frown on naps while your there.

[Ret.LEO]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

Life is strange. We spend most of it trying to get ahead, look after our family, and plan for a time when we can retire. Retirement planning to most is will we have enough saved back to be able to retire.

Well, for me, retirement came a little earlier than I expected but the financial part was covered. However, the part I didn't expect was the loss of identity that came with no longer working. My identity was based on "I'm an engineer" more than anything else. After retirement, I lost that identity - it seems that a retiree is no longer as qualified as someone who is still working.

It's taken a few years to get over that loss of identity (somewhat) and it's getting better. The urge to pass on technical knowledge is still there but it doesn't bother me as much when I get ignored because I'm retired.

Looking at the market news today, I found an interesting article that would have helped if I had read it before I retired. It may be a good read for you as well.

You’re probably not ready to retire — psychologically
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/wh...?mod=fa_center

My thanks to the forum for putting up with me as I have struggled with retirement.

Talk about not ready to retire but I was forced to due to a stroke, two holes in my heart repaired. Now have spinal stenosis, scoliosis, two herniated discs, one ruptured. I was Law Enforcement. We become our job. I can't hardly walk, stand for more than five minutes. Huge adjustment not getting to go to work to a job that was my life. Has taken several years to get past it (somedays)
The worst part is we are financially final able to do what we want.................but I can't due to the physical stuff.
Be glad for what you have for as long as you have it. Life throws curves but it does go on............just in different ways.