• Question: Please be honest with this one, but sometimes do you ever think that you wish to do something else because something has got you down because everyone has those days even the greats.

    Asked by Cryslaliser to Huw, Gosha, Ray, Stacey, Steve on 11 Mar 2015. This question was also asked by TT_Amla, A.A.
    • Photo: Huw Williams

      Huw Williams answered on 11 Mar 2015:

      Hi Cryslaliser,

      You’re right that everyone has bad days and you can be sure that Engineer’s have some tough ones where they have to work late into the night. The thing that keeps us going and coming back for more is the passion for the work and the wonderful products we create.

      I’m always reminded of the amazing things we do, like our turbine blades, they’re designed to stay solid in temperatures which are way above the normal melting point. That’s like keeping an ice cube frozen in an oven.

      So in answer to you’re question, no I don’t think of doing anything else because I love the job I do, through good days and bad.

      Huw

    • Photo: Steve Cox

      Steve Cox answered on 11 Mar 2015:

      Yes, after working for 34 years at Jaguar/JLR (I joined them straight from school) I felt like I needed a change in my career to re-energise me. I chose to switch to working in the 3D printing industry which is a very young and vibrant place to be at the moment.

      No-one really knows it’s full potential, or where it’s going next, but it’s great fun finding out.

      I think what I found out about myself is that if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing over a long period (i.e. it’s not just an off-day you’re having) then it’s up to you (and no-one else) to look for something else that you do enjoy.

      There’s a saying that goes “……if you enjoy what you do you’ll never work another day in your life!”

    • Photo: Gosha Barzowska

      Gosha Barzowska answered on 12 Mar 2015:

      What a great question! It actually made me think what would I do if I won’t be an engineering apprentice at the moment.
      In life you have probably had some ups and downs whether it is at work. home or school. I think it is a great opportunity to develop some really useful life skills if you ever feel this way again. It is easy give up when things go wrong but it takes a lot of courage to actually stick to what you do and keep pushing yourself to overcome the obstacles – I think this is a great engineer’s skill. Did you know that Albert Einstein wasn’t good in maths and any other science subjects when he was at school. Because he was so motivated and passionate about what he did he made some great discoveries and he’s known for them till today! Remember – don’t give up, believe in yourself and follow your dreams 🙂

    • Photo: Stacey Cutten

      Stacey Cutten answered on 12 Mar 2015:

      Hi! Sorry I’ve taken a while to reply I’ve been bombarded with so many questions. Good question though! 😛

      As one of the only students who left my school with an apprenticeship rather than going to university, I do sometimes wonder what it would be like if I did go. Obviously every 18 year old wants to live in a student house and go on nights out and do what students do… But instead I have early nights every night, preparing for my 5.30 start the next day! Needless to say… my apprenticeship has knocked a lot of maturity into me!

      But it not all work and no play! I have met some amazing new friends on this apprenticeship and have the money to do the things I want to do, like travel. I am gaining the education I need to be a successful engineer in the future, without gaining the debts that my school friends are. I am very grateful of the opportunity I have been given and I am gaining such valuable experience. At the moment, I do not wish I was doing anything else 🙂

      To be honest, I’m still young, and by working hard in school I’ve kept my doors open. If I decided I wanted to do something else 6 months from now or whatever, I could! You are right though, everyone has their down days, you just have to focus on the positives!

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