Starting late to be an Engineer...

[Matt Attallah]

Let me explain how I want to become an engineer and see how you 'vet' engineers see how it can pan out and give my your .02...

Currently I am a mechanic making a good amount of money (especially for my age) and I don't wish to change profession right now. I love working with my hands, having people look up to me because I can do things with their vehicles they can only dream of. But looking at my father, fellow older co-workers, and the weather here in MI - I don't know if i want to be 40 years old and be doing the same thing. It's very hard on people's body. The older ones say they have CO poisoning and at the end of the day they have a very-very bad headache due to the exhaust gases. Their joints, feet, etc. hurt due to the occupational hazards that come with the job. Constant cuts, burns, etc. Well - I have decided that I'd like to do this until I'm 25-30 and from there I'd like to become an engineer.

I'd like to know if you agree with my choice for becoming an engineer? I'd like to be a Mechanical Engineer and will be attending night/weekend College classes. I know this is a much longer way (especially for me working full time) but I would like to hear from you out there. I realize how hard this will be. I would like to know will being a Mechanic help my 'worth' when I'm done with college? Is it worth staying a mechanic instead of going full time to school? The engineers that I have talked to say "The one that makes the best engineer is the one that has had to deal with the product post-production" and other quotes of the such. Is this true? Upper-management people that higher/fire people - do you agree? What are the MAIN thing that you look for?

I'd just like to know what you think would be the best route for me. I already know what schooling is required and as stated before - your schooling is never done when you are an engineer - but if you think about it - is your schooling ever done with any profession?

Thanks for your time and effort!