I am 28 and I literally have no clue what I am doing with my life. I have become stagnant.

I almost don't want to write this down because it's so embarrassing. I have been a server with a petroleum engineering degree with no intership under my belt for the past 2 years. I cannot find a job. It is so difficult. People/my friends are getting laid off left and right. I thought petroleum engineering was a lucrative degree so I just went for it. I have some interest in it but this wasn't worth it.

I am thinking of pursuing another bachelors degree or a masters in something I have an actual genuine interest in like architecture. Should I do it, or keep trying to look for a job?

a reply to: 5letters

Might have to relocate like internationally at first,and be flexible put in a couple of years and then you can rotate where you are at. At least that's what a buddy of mine did, he started in West Africa and bounced around all over but now he is back in the states

a reply to: 5letters

www.linkedin.com...

www.indeed.com...

Healthcare jobs are usually very easy to find.

a reply to: 5letters

The first post makes logical sense and if you want to make it work putnam6 has suggested the proper channels.

However the new world requires micro adjustments regularly and having a bit of the entrepreneurial spirit is somewhat required for the mostly gig economy.

On the journey use your skills to look things not directly related to your field that the tools can give insight into. Having engineering logic to examine the world is very useful for many fields. Maybe a brewery, dairy, or any fluid extraction and refining industry could use your mind.

a reply to: 5letters

Learn a trade. Ask some of the well recommended builders in your area of they have any apprenticeship programs. You might have to work for free a little, but no knowledge is truly free. If it's not for you, then when you get a chance to step up, you will be able to.

a reply to: network dude

There are zero trades you should be working for free in. It just doesn't work that way unless you being exploited. I retired from building and never in my life worked for free. I worked for cheap and not a journeyman or masters wage but that is not sound advice.


You intern in fields with a faster pace later and far earlier than 28 for free.

a reply to: 5letters

Pursue what you enjoy. You can only live with yourself doing what you absolutely hate for so long before your subconscious mind starts making you physically ill.

a reply to: putnam6

I would absolutely love to as I speak arabic french and farsi almost fluently, but you need experience to work overseas.

Yup, don't join a trade at 28. It's not worth it. If you want to stick with petroleum engineer or something similar you will more than likely have to relocate for work. With the way employment works in specialized fields in today's time you have to be willing to relocate.

originally posted by: 5letters
I almost don't want to write this down because it's so embarrassing. I have been a server with a petroleum engineering degree with no intership under my belt for the past 2 years. I cannot find a job. It is so difficult. People/my friends are getting laid off left and right. I thought petroleum engineering was a lucrative degree so I just went for it. I have some interest in it but this wasn't worth it.

I am thinking of pursuing another bachelors degree or a masters in something I have an actual genuine interest in like architecture. Should I do it, or keep trying to look for a job?

Don't do that, you have a degree which shows that you are teachable. My degree is not for what I'm doing now, but that's ok because my employer was more concerned with my ability to learn, to stretch, to work out problems even if I had to use unconventional methods, and most importantly whether I can get along with others or not.

originally posted by: 5letters
a reply to: putnam6

I would absolutely love to as I speak arabic french and farsi almost fluently, but you need experience to work overseas.

Be careful of the placebo effect when making statements like that.

The subconscious is powerful....

You can do anything you want to. You may not want to and that's ok too. Just reflect.

a reply to: 5letters

You don't need to have it all figured out by 28, so don't stress it. I'm in my mid-30's and still figuring out plenty.... If i was you, I would go back to get my masters in computer science (Programming/fullstack).. you will be employable, especially if you're willing to make it out to any of the tech cities with software developers are constantly in need.. Kids who are starting fresh out of college or with 1 year of experience here in Seattle are making $100k out the gate in software development.. I would pivot to this if I'm you...

You sound like a really smart guy. Don't bury yourself with degrees. Experience will take you farther in life. You need to feed your soul, too.

Do you have other interests besides engineering and architecture? Maybe experiencing different cultures. Along the way using what knowledge you do have as opportunities are available. If you can't find a job right now in your field, just get yourself out there and press the flesh. Join societies in your interests and be open.

Pretty sure you have more to offer than just your degree. Enjoy the journey and don't stress.

Been where you are in the 70s with degrees and no jobs. Times are always changing. You are not lost forever. Make your own opportunities.

Luthier is right about the placebo effect. Before you can really enjoy any kind of meaningful success, you first have to sort out your internal beliefs. It can be challenging, but if you are persistent, you will completely change your perspective so to view both good and bad as opportunities for growth.

Make sure you get sufficient rest too. Nothing destroys healthy optimism like constant fatigue.

a reply to: 5letters

Where do you live?

If you like architecture, I might suggest looking into maybe construction project management or supervising, I am not sure how hands on you are, but those are an option, especially since you took petroleum engineering, you will have a foot in the door for maybe helping build rigs or pipelines.

originally posted by: 5letters
I almost don't want to write this down because it's so embarrassing. I have been a server with a petroleum engineering degree with no intership under my belt for the past 2 years. I cannot find a job. It is so difficult. People/my friends are getting laid off left and right. I thought petroleum engineering was a lucrative degree so I just went for it. I have some interest in it but this wasn't worth it.

I am thinking of pursuing another bachelors degree or a masters in something I have an actual genuine interest in like architecture. Should I do it, or keep trying to look for a job?

Stop looking at college and look into a trade.

HVACR or auto-mechanic would be my recommendation. Get skilled in either of those trades and you have a job waiting for you anywhere in the world.

a reply to: 5letters

I am thinking of pursuing another bachelors degree or a masters in something I have an actual genuine interest in like architecture. Should I do it, or keep trying to look for a job?

Yes, go for it while and if you can, something you both enjoy and something else you can potentially use, which is what I did after my first degree. Take advantage of internships: they can do wonders at establishing connections, networking, and opening doors.

Don't "settle" for anything. Pursue your passions, and challenge yourself, and don't sell yourself short. If you have an engineering degree, you're obviously intelligent. Use it. Don't give up.

a reply to: 5letters

If it is Petroleum engineer and
not Petroleum transfer engineer
(gas pump attendant) then you should
be searching Worldwide.
I would avoid Iran and Nigeria for the
time being.
Have you looked at this?

apply.aramco.jobs...

If you would prefer to stay in Conus, then look at this

www.google.com...=_rnMDjmJ0MKz5UbsAAAAAA%3D%3D

Top 10 U.S. blog.technavio.com...

You could go to the Websites of each of the Top 10 and fill out a job application.

If you have personal issues currently preventing you from being motivated,
there is always 1 2 3 4 I love Marine Corps
www.marines.com...
They will motivate you.

Check out Lanl.gov.
a reply to: 5letters

This is the time to figure it out.

You're 28 and your degree didnt pan out. But I'll bet you have other skills that are marketable that would find you a better job.

You may need to find a job in a different industry for the time being. Dont settle for nothing. Being a server with a degree in petroleum engineering is a huge waste of time when we still need engineers with your skillsets in other industries. Namely transportation which includes aviation, trucking, shipping, cars, and rail.

Look into manufacturing relating to your field.

If everything still looks buttoned up where you are then MOVE.

If that fails then, yes, supplement your education with more timely and relevant skills. Just dont give up. You are responsible for your outcomes and the stagnation you feel.

The good news is that you feel it and have braved embarassment enough to seek to remedy it. For that you have my sincere respect.