retiring from consulting

[fattdad]

Dear fellows: I'm leaving consulting after 30 years and going to work as a geotechnical engineer for the state transportation department. Yeah, there'll be a culture shift and protocols. Yeah, the spectrum of work may be a bit more focused, but I've always felt the geotechnical aspects of road building is a cool topic - a topic that includes earthworks, walls, deep and shallow foundations and all the stuff that makes us geotechnical engineers.

Consulting has always been interesting to me. I've even branched out to wetland creation and into construction testing (big spectrum, eh?). I'm a seeker of sorts and find interest in new challenges. I have a feeling that the DOT will re-hone a lot of stuff that the typical "land-development" geotechnical engineer/environmental dude doesn't see so often. I won't miss scheduling construction testing and wrangling with contractors.

Not that I don't like my consulting job that is. . . I was just really drawn to the DOT post. I guess I'm fortunate in light of so much employment uncertainty. I'm voluntarily leaving one job for a new/better opportunity. For that I'm thankful.

Just thought I'd tell my new geotechnical story. Wish me well!

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[BigH]

Carl - you have my sympathy AND WELL WISHES!!! I am sure that you will find a much different culture - contact Dave and Peter for their viewpoints . . . May Karl be with you!

 

[Mccoy]

Best wishes fattdad, which specific DOT are you joining?

 

[fattdad]

Howard, way back in my life (c. 1970's) I worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service and also for the U.S. Geological Survey. I have some perspective of the public sector.

Mccoy: VA, USA.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[jdonville]

f-d,

Too bad you are in VA, the DOT geotech folks here in my state are a real disappointment to me professionally and as a taxpayer.

J

 

[JAE]

Good luck - have fun.

 

[Ron]

Good luck f-d...I hope they know what they are getting and will rely on you accordingly...otherwise you might be bored!!

Every state should be so lucky. Best wishes.

 

[vulcanhammer]

VA does well by bringing you into their DOT. Best wishes.

http://www.pz27.net

 

[PEinc]

Good luck, fattdad. It seems like you are swimming against the current. Around my area, the more experienced DOT engineers are all bailing out for consulting positions. Enjoy. I'm sure you will be a big addition to the DOT staff.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com