u/Over_Adagio9077

39M, Marine Vet.

Been feeling low, lost, and broken.

I served from 2005-2016.

Went to college. Got my bachelor's degree and entered the corporate workforce.

It's been 4 and half years and 4 companies later. I have imposter syndrome alot. I had 2 companies I enjoyed but am at my current one because of a layoff earlier this year.

Been looking for somewhere else or something else. I miss my dog and my boyfriend the most. I get paid decently but wish I could work from home or have a better work life balance.

Somedays I just feel so lost and like I'm going through the motions just to make it through the day.

I'm a 39-year-old military veteran with more than 10 years of military experience and a little over four years working in MEP.

I've worked as an electrical designer at both A&E and MEP-only firms, ranging from small to medium-sized companies. I genuinely enjoy electrical design and see myself staying in this field long term. Like any job, there are frustrating periods with heavy workloads, incomplete project information, and tight deadlines, but overall I enjoy the work and want to continue developing as an engineer.

The biggest thing holding me back right now is that I still don't have my EIT.

I've taken the FE Electrical and Computer exam three times. My first two attempts happened while I was going through a divorce, and looking back, my focus simply wasn't where it needed to be. Earlier this year, I was also laid off, and during my most recent attempt I was simultaneously studying, interviewing, and trying to get my career back on track. I did better on the exam, but I still didn't pass.

I've invested in Wasim Asghar's FE Electrical review book and online course, and for this next attempt I've also purchased additional online practice exams.

At this point, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and discouraged.

Passing the FE isn't just something I want to check off a list. It has started to feel like a limiting factor in my career. Getting my EIT would open the door to better compensation, help me progress professionally, and honestly make me feel like I'm being taken more seriously within engineering. My longer-term goal is to take the PE as soon as I'm eligible and eventually become a licensed electrical engineer.

I don't intend to give up, but after three unsuccessful attempts, I'm having trouble figuring out what I need to do differently instead of simply studying harder and hoping for a different result.

For anyone who struggled with the FE before eventually passing:

- What changed between your unsuccessful attempts and the attempt you passed?

- How did you structure your study schedule?

- Did you focus more on learning concepts or doing practice problems?

- How heavily did you use the FE Reference Handbook while studying?

- Were there any particular study resources, practice exams, or techniques that made the biggest difference?

- If you're already working full-time in MEP, how did you balance studying with work and everything else?

I'd especially appreciate advice from people who didn't pass on their first or second attempt. I'm trying to figure out how to approach this next attempt more strategically instead of letting the frustration get to me.

TL;DR: I'm a 39-year-old military veteran with 4+ years of MEP electrical design experience who has taken the FE Electrical and Computer exam three times without passing. The first attempts happened during some difficult periods personally and professionally, but I'm now trying to make a focused push to finally earn my EIT and eventually pursue my PE. I've used Wasim's book/course and practice exams, but I'm feeling overwhelmed and looking for advice from people who struggled with the FE before eventually passing—especially regarding study schedules, practice strategies, and what they changed to finally get over the hump.