The WORST Engineering Professions! I wish I knew earlier...

Hey guys! Today, we'll talk about the worst engineering professions.

Yes, even in the tech world, some jobs can make engineers regret their careers choices. Let's find out which ones can truly be a nightmare!

The First on my list is the Environmental Engineer.

Imagine working at a plant in an environmental disaster zone, dealing with toxic waste daily, and struggling to improve the situation while facing constant resistance and a lack of resources. This can indeed be a nightmare for many. Picture yourself breathing polluted air every day, handling dangerous chemicals, and witnessing environmental destruction. Your efforts to make a positive impact often meet resistance from both management and government bodies that are not always willing to allocate the necessary budget and support. The constant stress and frustration can seriously affect your health and morale. On top of that, there's the public pressure demanding quick and effective solutions without understanding the daily challenges you face. Moreover, environmental engineers' salaries are rarely among the highest in the engineering majors field.

On the Second, I placed Construction Engineers and Commissioning Engineers, regardless of their specialization—it could be mechanical, electrical, process, or instrumentation.

Construction sites are dangerous: high risks of accidents, numerous injuries, and unfortunately, fatalities. Working at heights, lifting heavy materials, and operating large construction equipment all make this job extremely hazardous. Additionally, weather conditions can range from extreme heat at +50°C to freezing cold at -50°C, adding extra challenges. Engineers must ensure the safety of not only themselves but the entire construction team, adding even more stress. Imagine managing the construction of a tall building in strong winds or heavy rain. Every step at height can be dangerous, and every mistake can have serious consequences. Engineers work in all conditions—summer heat that melts asphalt and winter cold that covers metal structures in ice.

Now, let's add the commissioning engineer into the mix. This specialist is responsible for testing and starting up all systems and equipment on-site. The work involves numerous checks, tests, and adjustments. The engineer must ensure that all systems are operating correctly and safely, often under tight deadlines and pressure from clients. Every system startup is stressful because even a minor mistake can lead to costly breakdowns or accidents and injuries. Additionally, commissioning engineers often work during the final stages of construction, meaning extra risks due to incomplete parts of the project.

If you’ve ever questioned whether engineering is really worth it, this personal story breaks down the harsh realities many engineers face in their careers:

The Third Place: Engineers Working on Ships and Submarines

This job is also full of risks and discomforts. First, spending long periods at sea means you are far from family and friends. This can last for months, as sailors often work rotation 2 months on/2 months off or 3-on/3-off, impacting mental and emotional well-being. The constant isolation and prolonged time at sea can lead to depression and other psychological issues. Imagine living and working in confined spaces, where every movement is restricted. The lack of opportunities for a walk or to see something new can weigh heavily on morale, and not everyone can handle this pressure.

Secondly, working on a ship or submarine requires high qualifications and responsibility. Any breakdown or technical malfunction can have serious consequences, even threatening the lives of the crew. Engineers must be prepared for emergencies at any time of the day or night, and they work in conditions of constant motion and noise. Seasickness is also a common and unpleasant experience.

Moreover, there is a real threat of pirate attacks, especially in certain regions of the world. Imagine being on a ship in open sea and suddenly being attacked by armed men. This is not only physically dangerous but also extremely stressful.

Submarines come with their own specific risks—prolonged stays in sealed environments, restricted movement, lack of natural light and fresh air, and monotonous work with mechanisms and monitors. Living and working underwater means adapting to constant pressure and danger, requiring incredible resilience and professionalism from engineers. Going on months-long missions also negatively impacts family relationships and sexual health. By the way, it is said that submarine crew members receive 50 grams of dry red wine daily to stimulate metabolic processes, but smoking is prohibited on submarines.

Many of the most stressful engineering jobs involve long rotations, isolation, or extreme environments. This video explains the pros and cons of rotational work — and who should stay away:

The Fourth Place: Engineers in Military Facilities and the Defense Industry

This job can be associated with high life risks, working under strict secrecy, and constant stress. Engineers at such facilities often work on the most complex projects that can directly impact national security. Some of these projects are related to nuclear power, chemical engineering, and defense technologies. The constant threat of attack or emergency situations demands maximum focus and professionalism from engineers. Imagine every step you take is monitored, and every task must be performed with absolute precision because the safety of the military facility and its personnel depends on it.

Additionally, working at military facilities often involves restricted personal freedom and increased secrecy, which adds extra pressure. Typically, these employees are closely watched by security agencies and are prohibited from having social media profiles or traveling abroad. You might find yourself in a combat zone, with constant explosions and gunfire. Working under these conditions requires not only professional knowledge but also readiness for extreme situations. You need to be prepared for evacuation, working under fire, and living in constant stress.

Despite these challenges, the salaries in this sector are surprisingly low, often around 100,000 -150,000 dollars a year for experienced specialists. Considering all these life restrictions, isolation, and high levels of secrecy and responsibility, I believe the starting salary for an engineer fresh out of college students life with an engineering degree or master of science should be 100,000-150,000 dollars a year, with significant growth in subsequent years, reaching 500,000 dollars a year after ten years. This would attract young talent to the engineering industry and reduce turnover, as no one would refuse such careers and annual raises.