u/coolname_1234

Although the salary may not seem like it, I lucked into one of the better industries for pay for Mech Engs. Job is very stable (and growing industry) but career progression can be slow compared to private industry and especially tech giants. Sometimes I feel behind and wonder if I should take more risk and see what else is out there (friends are in tech + startups). I generally like what I do and can see myself doing this for a long time (we also have opportunity to take sabbatical for health reasons at 66% salary). Unpaid overtime is not a thing due to union, but overtime in general can be rare (unless traveling/site work). Opportunity is there to travel internationally (usually helps with promotions but comes with shift work and working with locals from other countries, have to adjust to language and cultural differences). I always wanted to go to grad school (research-based) and don't think I am smart/balanced/resilient enough to pursue a part-time masters (course-based). A research-based master's most likely means taking a sabbatical from work and getting a MASc, which doesn't seem like a good idea right now given how fast the industry is going and I like what I'm doing at work.