How do I get over this mental block that I have?

Question

I'm kind of stuck in a rut with career and academics. I currently have a BS in engineering and have considered returning to college to obtain my Masters degree. Maybe I'll go with an MBA, as it would coincide very nicely with my experience, however it is tempting to continue on with a MS in my engineering field. On the other hand, I could always take the state exam that will eventually lead to being licensed as a professional engineer. I'll just need to bone up on my mathematics, as it's been awhile since I was in school.

The problem is that I have difficulty in applying myself. It is unlikely that I'll ever advance in my current position, yet in order to receive a better job, I feel the need to improve myself. Any time that I attempt to focus or study, I start getting headaches and find that I'm unable to concentrate. I do have the intelligence to do either of these, but it seems that I no longer have the drive. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'd go with the engineering degree, but first, it sounds like you need to ask yourself WHY you're not motivated. You don't exactly sound ecstatic about either field in which you have experience. Is there some OTHER thing you want to do instead (like teach high school or start your own company?).

Sometimes, statements and expectations from relatives, especially parents, can hamper us rather than push us forward, for a number of reasons. Maybe you're subconsciously rebelling against them, or you fear failure so you'd rather not try at all...fully anyway. OR you might even fear success! That's complicated, and something you could figure out with a career or regular counselor. It doesn't mean your "nuts", just conflicted.

Answer 2

Well, is it possible you don't like what you do? Or that the path you're contemplating leads you somewhere you don't especially want to go? Not that you necessarily object to going there - it just doesn't activate your passion?

List the things you've done where you're "in the zone," where time passes and you aren't aware of it, where you feel engaged, energized. See if those things have anything in common, then look at your skills and see if there's some way to bring them together. For example...

You have a BS in engineering, but do you enjoy engineering? What about it do you enjoy? You might find, for example...

> you want to be an engineer, but you don't necessarily want to be the chief on the project (nothing wrong with being a happy support guy);
> you would rather design engineering equipment;
> you'd rather be a consultant dealing with safety issues...

There are a lot of possibilities. It could be that you aren't energized about your choices because on some level, you sense they're leading you in a direction you don't really want to go. Figure out what you're passionate about, then ask yourself how you can apply your degree to that.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I was in the exact same boat......and I chose to ge a MS in engineering (electrical). Giant F-ing mistake....It won't be as helpful as I expected.

Get your MBA.....I'm still thinking about going after it even now. I know a handful of people with a BS in engineering and an MBA and they are kicking aZZ! Engineering isn't for everyone and it isn't as glamorous as they say, but you are right engineering is a good base and that with an MBA is like gold!! You will figure out what you want to do while getting it!!

MBA MBA MBA MBA!!!

Answer 4

Are you really interested in that particular field? Maybe you need to do a complete assessment of you aptitudes and career goals. There's nothing worse than slaving away in a field that gives you no satisfaction. Maybe you secretly want to do something completely different and this is what's holding you back.
If you don't have enthusiasm for something, how can you apply yourself to it?

Answer 5

take a long vacation