Sacrificing Dreams
Anyone else feel forced to put their career goals on hold for a regular job with a steady paycheck? It’s been over a year since I graduated with an Engineering degree and still No job. The need for a regular paycheck has superseded my dreams of pursuing and landing an engineering career. How much damage is an unrelated job in retail or customer service on my resume going to have on my engineering job prospects in a few years?
Have you looked for volunteer opportunities in the engineering industry? Find a project or p/t job on the side to keep you active in the field. Look for activities you can also use on your resume as experience in that industry while your work other jobs.
Paul, Lots of jobs share transferrable skills like communication, organization, and problem solving. You gotta pay the bills. Don't fade out. Find a way to stay involved in the industry.
Have you considered teaching? Thats a good alternative to stay connected to the industry while you earn a paycheck.