What Engineers Want [Part One]

[update - vote on the poll adjacent >>>]


The question of wages and status for engineers has long been a contentious issue. The debate has flowed as calmly as white water rapids down a canyon for as long as I can remember. Yet, a surprising amount of placid pools containing self assured and confident Engineering practitioners spring up from time to time. They also appear to be heavily confused by the other Engineers indignation. This is not just a mere remainder of indignant Engineers either, but a massive slice of them!

The value that society places on us is nowhere near the liability that we take on. An anonymous contributor to the engineering group discussion.

So why does such an intelligent, resourceful and clearly motivated group of Structural/Civil Engineers find it so compelling to only voice their opinions, and not act upon their desires or needs?

Is it not enough to remind everyone that when a poll returns a result which demonstrates a vast majority [90%] of our industry colleagues voting "no, we are not happy with our status, no we are not happy with our wages", then are we not obligated to do something, anything, to make it right? Even if you voted YES?!

Those of us who believe that we are being fairly remunerated, also think that it doesn't matter whether we believe that we need more respect or not. Their point is that we do not have the power to change a market place, and since our wages and status are governed by this insidious power - then why waste time and energy by bothering to talk about it. 

Rates are based on the old saying of supply and demand. As the construction industry has slowed, the demand of engineers has also fallen. We need to look at how we can also make a difference to improving our economy, or move to more lucrative pastures. An anonymous contributor to the engineering group discussion.


Some quite polarised views. What is happening here?

I would say that there has always been a smaller, dwindling number of us willing to work harder at our individual problems. Dealing effectively with life's little challenges, tending to always come out on top - managing to look after ourselves and prosper. They wish to be independent, and not too heavily reliant upon anyone else. [key to collaboration] It stands to reason that they will not be too heavily influenced by what lies outside their sphere of influence. Even if this involves the industry in which they belong... unless it is of benefit to them.

This same phenomenon exists in every field of play. Whether it be business, finance, architecture or engineering.

I am not surprised but I don't get it! Why are they unhappy? Because they aren't respected and paid as much as a lawyer?? Simple; if that's what floats your boat become a Lawyer! An anonymous contributor to the engineering group discussion.

Not the most sympathetic of responses, but a very compelling statement to the fact that we all have choices to make in life. So choose.

Engineers are vital to the day to day operation as well as the future vitally of our nation, but so to are plumbers and Doctors. We all have our role to play. A few are destined to lead but the majority are destined to play a more supportive role. That's life. An anonymous contributor to the engineering group discussion.

The riddle of why 90% of us still believe so adamantly that we are being exploited could very well be linked to our training. Some of us feel that we have no choice. We feel that our love for our profession was not simply foisted upon us! It chose us. Engineering is our vocation in life.

Still, this does not explain why we have as individuals and groups, relinquished so much control to our professional bodies and employers? It is illogical, is it not? Are we so hooked on our need to engineer and design, that we are willing to simply exist up and until retirement - the eternal whipping boys of the construction industry?

No, because not all of us do this. Some of us give up structural engineering. Perhaps taking up another parallel career path [project management, contract administrator, health and safety exec] which serves as pure voyeuristic torture. Forcing ourselves to watch 'real' engineers work on projects, getting all the kicks. In both senses of the word.

There is more going on here than meets the eye. 

A tradition of sharing rather than hoarding knowledge creates a level playing field in terms of technology and scientific knowledge, and so differentiation on quality is difficult (although clearly not impossible). Enhancing our remuneration can only come from tilting the playing field (e.g. through innovation) or from altering the market to reduce competition. The value we provide to society is irrelevant. An anonymous contributor to the engineering group discussion.

I will leave the post here for another day and conclude my findings for my #FridayBlog.

If anything here made you think and you would like some questions answered, then please leave comments. I will try to answer them before I write my concluding piece. 

Engine[er]