I did 1.5 years as premed major right out of high school, made a 3.8gpa and was a tutor it was very unhappy with the idea of 5+ additional years of school left. Quit and went to tech school for welding.

Got a welding job a month into school and worked full time while getting a 2 year welding degree. Finished it in May.

I know work for a company doing exclusively tig on stainless and exotic metals, get to run manual lathes and mills, operate CNC when we are backed up. Running a tig welding robot is the highlight of my career right now.

I started back at school this past August for my mechanical engineering degree and I am way more motivated than before, also my experience as a worker has taught me alot about life.

I am transitioning to an engineering career because of two things: 1. I really enjoy welding and working on cars, but by doing it 60+ hours a week I have no motivation for personal projects. 2. Health and glass ceiling, the money is there but at a cost.

School and work is tough, but the rewards and enjoyment are worth it.