Zuki,

My story goes like this: I worked for one company after another as an electrical engineer. When I reached IBM I thought I was set. After 15 yrs, I was thinking I didnt like it anymore. A year later I get laidoff, I get my PE license and move South, where I start working in a slighty different field of engineering. While working in this new field, (which I love!) I still get laid-off 2 more times. After that, I said I will start my own business. It was Coffee distributing. I found out that it takes an unbelieveable amount of self-discipline and persistence and no salary to make a go of it. (I closed this down in January) In parallel, out of the blue, I try my hand as a Consultant and Contractor as Forensic engineer. And Voila! I am working two jobs now as a contractor. Its great!!! I control my own time and money. At the end of the day, I don't owe the company anything and they do not owe me anything.

My advice: If you like your field/specialization, then find something special about your skills and grow them. Make yourself valuable in it, and market yourself personally to companies, and be a contractor. You hourly rate geos up, and you control your time. You are dedicated and as loyal as long as they pay you. If you can find a specialization that everyone wants, you got it made. And most important when you work, give them a little more quality then they are expecting. Also write articles in trade magazines, Take courses to better your specialization. It all pays out in the end.

The funny thing about what I do: I would not have been able to do it, without all the years and all the different jobs I had. The layoffs and job changes actually gave me the necessary skills to be the Rounded engineer I am and able to investigate different types of electrical/electronic problems.

Next week, I am takig an immersion course in Fire & Explosion Investigation. I hope to get my Certification in this area.....Who knew that I would be here 5 years ago!....Who knew!...

Don't quit!!!! Keep your eyes open and learn the skills you need to do it!!...and dont forget to add a little prayer here and there!...it does help a lot!


Good Luck...MusicJohn


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MusicJohn