u/Acrocane

2 years ago I started an online MS in computer engineering because I was bored and was hoping to deepen my embedded skills. I am a working professional who gets tuition reimbursement (thankfully).

But 2 years into my MS, I can still barely explain to you the difference between I2C and SPI (how I landed a job as an embedded software engineer, I have no freakin' idea, but honestly the work I do is mostly C++ on the application layer, and I almost never touch the kernel).

I've got about 4 more classes left, and wondering if I should just quit or figure out how to make the most with what I've got.

Obviously, the most embarrassing part about this is that I failed do to any proper research and now I'm living up to the consequences. Fully acknowledge that's entirely on me.

2nd most embarrassing thing is that I somehow landed a job as an embedded software engineer with not even a half understanding of any basic embedded concept. Most I know is related to certain protocols that rely on RS485. I might've touched CAN once or twice, but couldn't explain it either. I could maybe figure out a multimeter or oscilloscope. I do use Linux daily though. In addition, I used FPGAs in my undergrad and loved it. Never touched em once in my grad program.

How should I grow and expand my career going forward? Should I start doing side projects that most students (somehow except for me) take on sophomore/junior year of college like writing programs that run on microcontrollers, RTOS, low-level drivers, and whatnot (in addition to my full-time job, grad school, and other responsibilities 🙃)?

Again, fully aware than I am a major idiot for taking on this grad program. Appreciate any/all advice from experienced professionals, new grads, entry-levels, and the like.

I’m an engineer with >2 years of experience working in HVAC industry. I have the opportunity to switch sectors into the defense/aerospace industry, but I have to move 800 mi away for it, in another major metropolitan area.

My current job is stable and I live with my parents. The commute is short and I’m valued at my company. I received some decent pay bumps this year (annual raise plus comp readjustment). But the long term outlook is 50-50 right now. We’ve been behind on sales targets, constantly missing deadlines and I’ve only worked on one specific product. No one, no matter how well they perform, gets promoted in my company (maybe once every five years).

The new defense job has secured funding thru the next couple of years, and there’s a massive backlog of work that needs to be done. It’s a 20% pay bump from my current salary along with decent relocation and sign on bonus. Since funding just came in, the team is looking to fill dozens of new vacancies. Seems like there’s a solid upward mobility track and opportunities for ownership over projects. Working in defense/aerospace has also been one of my long term career goals for a while.

I think long term, the defense job sounds right for me, but curious to see what people think. I’m worried about living so far away from the only place I’ve ever known, when I currently work so closely from home (which to many people is a privilege ). I’m terrified of the lonely weekends and knowing nobody. But I also feel like I’m quietly suffocating inside a velvet cage. I have very few friends here, a lacking social life, no relationship. No familial obligations. That said, I currently reside in a (different) major metropolitan area, and I’m sure I could fix this if I really tried. But maybe what I really need is a new start. What do you think? I’ve read many horror stories here about people making a similar decision and ultimately regretting it. I’m happy to provide more context if needed.