Electrical engineer with an MBA looking to semi retire in 5 years. Willing to train for a new career that would allow me to work part time in person or remotely so I can live in Canmore.
Any suggestions? Have you heard or know of others who have done something similar?
Engineer with an MBA looking to semi-retire in 5 yrs and want a part time career that allows for remote work.
What would allow me to semi retire and work where I want?
I have worked at the same company for 14 years, was ambitious when I started, am an engineer with an MBA and got a jog as a manager early in my career.
At my company the levels are: Engineer --> Manager --> Director --> VP --> CEO
I have interviewed for about 8 or so Director positions in the past 3-4 years. Every time it goes to someone essentially already in the area, they were moves across the company, so I get why they got them, pretty hard for someone outside of those areas to come in at that level.
I have always gotten good performance reviews, believe I am a strong contributor, and have lots of experience and expertise within the company and industry.
What has really turned me off is that there have been 3 different Director positions within the past year that were in my areas of expertise and each time they directly appointed someone without holding interviews. Sure, maybe the selected people are better than me, but at least give me a chance.
I even tried moving around the company and took a lateral Manager role so I could challenge myself and get experience dealing with HR and employee issues as that was some of the feedback I received after some of the Director interviews because my team was so good that I managed, I had a hard time coming up with examples of dealing with difficult employees. The role I switched to is less visible within the company, it runs very well under my management so there are typically no fires to put and I think I have largely been forgotten about.
I am at a point in my career at 44 yrs old that if my company doesn't value my ambitions I am fine just coasting. Getting a promotion to Director was something that I aspired for and worked hard to try to get.
Now becoming a Director seems like it would be much more work than I do currently for about 10% more pay, which for me is not worth it anymore. My investments have done really well and I don't really even need to work anymore. Plus, my kids are still in school so it's not like I can travel or something, so I need something to do with my day, might as well come into work.
Since I have been overlooked multiple times by my company, now I show up for work and do very little, why bother. I mostly check on my investments, do research and planning for upcoming vacations, and socialize with people. I have gone from a strong performer to someone who is doing the bare minimum. I get paid very well and don't think I can get the same level of compensation in the city I live in, and not interested in moving my family at this point.
To do the bare minimum is very easy, low stress and I get paid very well.
Being a Manager, I have had to deal with poor performing employees within my company which is a government job and have seen how difficult it is to actually fire someone. I do what my boss asks for, do it very well, but don't go looking for more work. I also largely delegate work out to my team so I don't have to do it. So as long as I don't steal or do anything egregious I won't go anywhere.
Has anyone else been treated in a similar manner and have their career aspirations sour and have checked out at work?