Hardware vs Software Engineer

chorb

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2005
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I currently work for a defense engineering company , make a decent salary considering I just graduated college 8 months ago. However, the job wasn't quite what I expected as the job title was "Engineer" in the "Embedded Systems" group; I was expecting more a computer hardware role, but as it turns out Embedded Systems meant all software related work. I can do the work, I know I'm not the best, but I get the job done in a timely manor and it works out sufficiently. They say that they encourage movement around with in the company to different positions, but after putting in my requests I haven't heard anything really.

Out of the blue the engineering company (small audio engineering company) that I interned at during college contacted me and wanted to hire me for a job that sounds like exactly what I want to be doing; digital hardware design. I was surprised when the offered to match my salary, and offer other incentives. My initial reaction was to immediately put my 2 week notice in and switch jobs.

Note: I majored in Computer Engineering which was a combination of Hardware and Software. I can sufficiently do both jobs, I think.

However, now I am having a tough time deciding what to do, I've asked friends, relatives what their take is on everything and they all say go for it. But at the same time I feel bad leaving my current company after being that for such a short amount of time, and while the job isn't the most interesting to me, its doable.

Also some other factors are I would have to move (otherwise the commute would be 90 miles a day), which would also kind of screw over my current roommates (I didn't know them before living with them). I would be 25 miles away from my girlfriend as apposed to 15. But I would be moving almost next door to my college friends whom I am still in contact with. I have 1 more week to decide.

Why am I know having these feelings of hesitation, when I at first I thought I knew what I wanted?

They say that the first reaction is usually the best, do you think this applies here?

How many lobsters can I buy for $3500?


Cliffs:

Worked current job for 8 months
Current job isn't my thing
Get great offer at another company doing job I like
I feel bad for leaving current job
Whats wrong with me?



Do you have a lease with your current roommates? How exactly is that going to work out?
No lease, month to month; only have to give 30 days notice.

25 miles sucks, but it's not too far. How long have yall been together?
4 years


update 1/23/08:

I took the job offer and moved. The 2nd week I was at work I got paid to go to NAMM and just wonder around, sweet! Not as much time to neff as I have actual work to be done *gasp*. I think I made a good call on this one, as everything just seems to feel right. Don't mean to gloat, but if any other young people out there find themselves in the same position as me, I say move around and try out different things while you still can.
 

thepd7

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2005
9,423
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1. Don't feel bad, the job just isn't the right fit for you. You gave it time, it's just not what you thought it would be. If you weren't the right fit for the job from their end most likely they would drop you so I wouldn't feel too horribly guilty.

2. Do you have a lease with your current roommates? How exactly is that going to work out?

3. 25 miles sucks, but it's not too far. How long have yall been together?

4. You are hesitating because you are a good person and you don't want to screw over a company that has been good to you.

5. Yes, if you have thought about it and believe you will be happier at the other company, do it.

6. 50ish
 

thepd7

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2005
9,423
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Originally posted by: chorb

Do you have a lease with your current roommates? How exactly is that going to work out?
No lease, month to month; only have to give 30 days notice.

25 miles sucks, but it's not too far. How long have yall been together?
4 years

You are good to go on the lease then, it sucks and if you feel bad I am sure you make enough money to pay for 2 places for a few months (if my offers from defense contracters over the past 2 months are any indication of your salary).

With the gf thing, 30 minute drive? Sucks but if you are happier with your job it's well worth it.
 

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
Sounds like you should do it... You should think in terms of the big picture, with regard to your career, and possibly your g/f (though the 25 miles vs 15 miles is trivial).
 

indamixx99

Golden Member
Oct 17, 2006
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Oohh.. NAMM. I always wanted to go to that and am like 30 mins away from Anaheim. Too bad it's industry only though. :( Would love to check out the latest DJ and producing gear.


Edit: Congrats on your new job though! :thumbsup: