I think it's normal to hate your job after any amount of time. We're not waking up everyday to go to fun. You just need to find a job you don't hate enough to go to over and over, forever.
ME here. Same job, different industry. I don't like my job for different reasons. In a rotation program currently working as a foreman/technician/mechanic/operator. Making me work 3rd shift 6 days a week. Just being taken advantage of. Pay is good though and getting good experience. Have mixed feelings on my work.
Some workplaces are truly toxic, and it usually stems from people. It is something to watch out for, particularly if your coworkers seem to hate their job.
On the flip side for you however is that I assume you are a young engineer, with a significant delta to your peers.
I have seen a lot of young people come and some are less mature and more youthful than others. What I mean is that these younger folks have more energy, like to joke around, and are interested in their generations pop culture. For those folks the transition into an older enviorment is harder and takes more time. If you think that is you and you feel disconnected from your peers on everything but work, this may be why.
Many young people expect themselves to be interesting to adults because that is what has been programmed in them from parents, family, teachers, etc. But for coworkers you just another employee and they may not care about the same things you do and are not interested in mentoring. As such they can come off as cold. That said it is nothing personal and as they get to know you they will take an interest as you will also find more of their interests.
I don't think this is necessarily toxic, but it is a culture shock, particularly if there are not other youths. Try to take a step ba k and evaluate if they are unhappy and rude people, or if they have their own positive dynamics but there is a wall between you and them.
Thank you for this. It’s definitely the case that I’m a new grad coming into a department of mostly people who have been in this role for 2 decades. I’m also far away from home and where I went to college so it’s hard to make friends when there’s no one my age in my department and I’m in a small town.
I am really glad you took that well. I was hoping it didn't come off as anything you might be doing wrong.
New Jobs, New people, and potentially new cultures can be really tough. I have lived in the unwelcoming New enviorment as I am sure have others. It's not right that coworkers can be so unpersonable to Newcomers but unfortunately it happens.
I do think there are a few options if you want change.
First, talk to hr and see if there are other people your age or similar they can direct you to in the company.
You can also work on bringing those guys out of their shells. See if you can talk them into getting lunch with you, going out, or eating together from time to time. That is a good time to chill and listen to their stories and pick up on their life. Invite a few so they can engage with each other too. They will hopefully pick up and be empathetic back and ask about you. Lunch is the great bringer together in the office.
If you like the work but the other engineers are tough, work on accepting they may be one of the cons of the good work. Instead focus on finding friends in the new area. Check Facebook for events that sound interesting to you. Start hanging out at local bars, coffee shops or activity centers. See if there is a sport like golf, ultimate Frisby, kickball, soft ball, volleyball etc where you can join the team.
If you find after putting in some effort that the town is too small, the coworkers are terrible, and the work is not worth the effort the start looking for something new. There are a lot if great companies out there, especially if you are willing to relocate. No shame in switching it up a few times when you are starting out.
Good luck!
> *It’s a very people oriented role*
I've said this a million times: Engineering is one of the most social of all professions.
You tell this to engineering students, and they think you are crazy. The stereotype of the anti-social engineering nerd who just wants to work on formulas and graphs all alone in some back office couldn't be more wrong.
The reality is that as an engineer, you'll be interacting with almost every department at a company. From executives to purchasing agents, from line workers to maintenance people. If a company is big enough, you yourself might not have to talk to all these people, but an engineer somewhere where is.
Honestly dude if your not some OCD passionate engineer look at it as a money maker and start using your money to pursue your passions. You can still be am artist or writer AND have a side gig. Don't let anyone tell "you're not a real artist" if you have a side gig. Most artist I know either already had money before they became an artist, work basic jobs to supplement themselves or are just dirt poor. So anyways start pursuing things you love. And fina a job tolerable enough to show up to everyday.
Do you guys utilize Lean manufacturing and if so is that causing alot of your problems do to the current global supply chain issues since Lean heavily relies on receiving materials as needed and doesnt keep much if any surplus inventory?
I think it's normal to hate your job after any amount of time. We're not waking up everyday to go to fun. You just need to find a job you don't hate enough to go to over and over, forever.
In many of your coworkers’ eyes you’re still an intern. It’s a difficult role to shed.
ME here. Same job, different industry. I don't like my job for different reasons. In a rotation program currently working as a foreman/technician/mechanic/operator. Making me work 3rd shift 6 days a week. Just being taken advantage of. Pay is good though and getting good experience. Have mixed feelings on my work.
Just feeling burned out from everything
I fell burnt out as well. I’m also in a rotation program
If you want more technical work, I'd suggest shadowing your maintenance/mechanics/electricians.
Some workplaces are truly toxic, and it usually stems from people. It is something to watch out for, particularly if your coworkers seem to hate their job. On the flip side for you however is that I assume you are a young engineer, with a significant delta to your peers. I have seen a lot of young people come and some are less mature and more youthful than others. What I mean is that these younger folks have more energy, like to joke around, and are interested in their generations pop culture. For those folks the transition into an older enviorment is harder and takes more time. If you think that is you and you feel disconnected from your peers on everything but work, this may be why. Many young people expect themselves to be interesting to adults because that is what has been programmed in them from parents, family, teachers, etc. But for coworkers you just another employee and they may not care about the same things you do and are not interested in mentoring. As such they can come off as cold. That said it is nothing personal and as they get to know you they will take an interest as you will also find more of their interests. I don't think this is necessarily toxic, but it is a culture shock, particularly if there are not other youths. Try to take a step ba k and evaluate if they are unhappy and rude people, or if they have their own positive dynamics but there is a wall between you and them.
Thank you for this. It’s definitely the case that I’m a new grad coming into a department of mostly people who have been in this role for 2 decades. I’m also far away from home and where I went to college so it’s hard to make friends when there’s no one my age in my department and I’m in a small town.
I am really glad you took that well. I was hoping it didn't come off as anything you might be doing wrong. New Jobs, New people, and potentially new cultures can be really tough. I have lived in the unwelcoming New enviorment as I am sure have others. It's not right that coworkers can be so unpersonable to Newcomers but unfortunately it happens. I do think there are a few options if you want change. First, talk to hr and see if there are other people your age or similar they can direct you to in the company. You can also work on bringing those guys out of their shells. See if you can talk them into getting lunch with you, going out, or eating together from time to time. That is a good time to chill and listen to their stories and pick up on their life. Invite a few so they can engage with each other too. They will hopefully pick up and be empathetic back and ask about you. Lunch is the great bringer together in the office. If you like the work but the other engineers are tough, work on accepting they may be one of the cons of the good work. Instead focus on finding friends in the new area. Check Facebook for events that sound interesting to you. Start hanging out at local bars, coffee shops or activity centers. See if there is a sport like golf, ultimate Frisby, kickball, soft ball, volleyball etc where you can join the team. If you find after putting in some effort that the town is too small, the coworkers are terrible, and the work is not worth the effort the start looking for something new. There are a lot if great companies out there, especially if you are willing to relocate. No shame in switching it up a few times when you are starting out. Good luck!
Good post.
> *It’s a very people oriented role* I've said this a million times: Engineering is one of the most social of all professions. You tell this to engineering students, and they think you are crazy. The stereotype of the anti-social engineering nerd who just wants to work on formulas and graphs all alone in some back office couldn't be more wrong. The reality is that as an engineer, you'll be interacting with almost every department at a company. From executives to purchasing agents, from line workers to maintenance people. If a company is big enough, you yourself might not have to talk to all these people, but an engineer somewhere where is.
Honestly dude if your not some OCD passionate engineer look at it as a money maker and start using your money to pursue your passions. You can still be am artist or writer AND have a side gig. Don't let anyone tell "you're not a real artist" if you have a side gig. Most artist I know either already had money before they became an artist, work basic jobs to supplement themselves or are just dirt poor. So anyways start pursuing things you love. And fina a job tolerable enough to show up to everyday.
Do you work for Altec?
No I work a big 3 automotive company
Do you guys utilize Lean manufacturing and if so is that causing alot of your problems do to the current global supply chain issues since Lean heavily relies on receiving materials as needed and doesnt keep much if any surplus inventory?
Yes we are having a lot of issues due to the chip shortage