top of page
Writer's pictureJanelle Cooper

*Not* Working as an Engineer in the States

*Not* Working as an Engineer in the States

My story is really different, but each step got me to where I am now. For the record: nobody forced me to study engineering. There was encouragement because I come from engineers, but at the end of the day, I wanted to be an engineer. Or so I thought...

I decided to study mechanical engineering because I was always trying to figure out how things worked while being the most efficient and effective. That's an engineer so I pursued it and I regret NOTHING.

On top of that engineers make BREAD. When you think about professions that make money what three occupations come to mind? Doctors, lawyers and engineers 🤑 There was only one problem...

After doing internships, taking tests, doing research, and everything else I realized something. This shit ain’t for me. I secured a job as a backup plan, but I was looking for any way to go abroad and stay there. And as you can see... that’s what I did.

In all fairness, I did try to see if an engineering job would let me work abroad, but I kept getting the same answers. “Maybe after a few years with the company,” they said. “I can’t promise anything, but it could be possible,” they said. All wrong answers. Thanks, but no thanks.

Once I was shown the possibilities of teaching English abroad I never looked back. I didn’t want to wait until I was 35 or 40 to retire “early” and then start the life I already knew I wanted. Maybe it’s the Millennial/GenZ in me, but I want what I want and I want it NOW. So, I made it happen.

To answer your questions... Yes, I went to college for a degree I'm not using. Yes, I turned down a full time position making BANK. Yes, I'm living my best fucking life. No, I don't regret anything. And yes, you can do it too.






42 views2 comments

Recent Posts

See All

2 Comments


Lara Nin
Lara Nin
Oct 01, 2021

Wow! U are the best. Not sure how I just stumbled on this page, ur post just gave me life. I too am an engineer like u, the diff is that i was too chicken to do what u did... but I still want to travel bad.

Would love to link up with you if u r not too busy.... Thanks again for sharing ur story. More life to you!

Like

Carlton B Dallas
Aug 26, 2021

Proud of you Cuz! Straight Ahead!

Like
bottom of page