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I sort of did this. I went from a software job building web applications to working on radio hardware. The parts I worked on were the FPGAs that did the signal

I sort of did this. I went from a software job building web applications to working on radio hardware. The parts I worked on were the FPGAs that did the signal processing. I didn't do any of the board layout or PCB design, but I had to read the schematics and understand how to interface with various things on the board. It was interesting, but I found the work frustrating and the iteration time very long. I eventually went back to software and am happy with that choice. Here are my thoughts: - The grass is always greener on the other side. Other engineering fields have their own problems, the work is not always exciting, and you will have to learn a lot to be productive. - Consider pursuing your interests as a hobby. Outside of cutting edge stuff or things like civil or nuclear you can do most things on your own. And the cutting edge stuff no one is going to let you do for a long time because it typically requires a large organization to do and large organizations get large because they have specialists. Plus they are generally risk averse. You could maybe find a startup doing interesting stuff, but they don't have the money to spend on mentoring you/bringing you up to speed. - You are giving up a lot of money by leaving software. If you want to do things like have a family, own a home, start a business of your own, you should consider sticking it out in software and finding fulfillment outside of work. Edit: Maybe you just want something to do that isn't behind a screen. Consider getting more involved in things like cooking, hunting/shooting, or working on your car. Those hobbies (and others) all have aspects that require similar skills as the interesting parts of engineering. Maybe you can find find some of what you're looking for there.

cushychicken 5y ago
It was interesting, but I found the work frustrating and the iteration time very long. I eventually went back to software and am happy with that choice. Nothing like a good long tangle with Vivado to make you wish you were working on web stuff again.
- lnsru 5y ago
  Vivado is a lesser problem than waiting 2 weeks for another assembled printed circuit board.
  - cushychicken 5y ago
    Only two weeks? My dude, you have impatient clients with deep pockets.
RankingMember 5y ago
> I found the work frustrating and the iteration time very long This is a key point - with the level of abstraction in software, iteration is exponentially faster than dealing with stuff in physical space
maxander 5y ago
If you want to not be behind a screen, what you’re looking for might not be mechanical engineering at all. The guys/girls on the floor of a shop full of CNC machines and 3d printers aren’t usually engineers as such. Manufacturing/fabrication is obviously a whole different universe than the typical HNer inhabits, and has a very different culture- but it can be very high-skill while usually a having lower formal training requirement. (Perhaps even can be a useful stopover before beginning studies to go back behind the computer screen as a MechE.)
- idnefju 5y ago
  My friend is a mechanical engineer and most of his time is spent in CAD and then writing some documentation. Definitely similar vibes to being a software dev, aka sitting in front of a monitor
- trcarney 5y ago
  My dad runs a machine shop, most of the work now is all CNC which means you will also be behind a computer screen. Also to get a machinist job, you would most likely need to go to a trade school for 2 years or some other similar program. If you want to get into hand machining and you have the space, save some money and buy a used bridgeport mill. Those things are tanks and you can do pretty much anything with one.
weq 5y ago
I have lots of non-tech hobbies including being an amature car mechanic, welder, fisherman, nature lover, hippy. With youtube these days, u can learn timeless skills from the old pro's in your own time within your means and your budget. I think key to being a dev long term is keeping the curiosity going. Do it in whatever way you want. I must admit, its a pretty cushy way to live a life (WFH senior+ dev). I feel like an artist without the money troubles.

cushychicken 5y ago

It was interesting, but I found the work frustrating and the iteration time very long. I eventually went back to software and am happy with that choice. Nothing like a good long tangle with Vivado to make you wish you were working on web stuff again.

lnsru 5y ago
Vivado is a lesser problem than waiting 2 weeks for another assembled printed circuit board.
- cushychicken 5y ago
  Only two weeks? My dude, you have impatient clients with deep pockets.

RankingMember 5y ago

> I found the work frustrating and the iteration time very long This is a key point - with the level of abstraction in software, iteration is exponentially faster than dealing with stuff in physical space

maxander 5y ago

If you want to not be behind a screen, what you’re looking for might not be mechanical engineering at all. The guys/girls on the floor of a shop full of CNC machines and 3d printers aren’t usually engineers as such. Manufacturing/fabrication is obviously a whole different universe than the typical HNer inhabits, and has a very different culture- but it can be very high-skill while usually a having lower formal training requirement. (Perhaps even can be a useful stopover before beginning studies to go back behind the computer screen as a MechE.)

idnefju 5y ago
My friend is a mechanical engineer and most of his time is spent in CAD and then writing some documentation. Definitely similar vibes to being a software dev, aka sitting in front of a monitor
trcarney 5y ago
My dad runs a machine shop, most of the work now is all CNC which means you will also be behind a computer screen. Also to get a machinist job, you would most likely need to go to a trade school for 2 years or some other similar program. If you want to get into hand machining and you have the space, save some money and buy a used bridgeport mill. Those things are tanks and you can do pretty much anything with one.

weq 5y ago

I have lots of non-tech hobbies including being an amature car mechanic, welder, fisherman, nature lover, hippy. With youtube these days, u can learn timeless skills from the old pro's in your own time within your means and your budget. I think key to being a dev long term is keeping the curiosity going. Do it in whatever way you want. I must admit, its a pretty cushy way to live a life (WFH senior+ dev). I feel like an artist without the money troubles.