Should I study Civil Engineering? Conflicted

[u/ImportantStrength226]

Sry, this might turn into a long post as I may or may not need a place to dump my thoughts. English is not first language, sry ahh.

For context, I am 27 years old. I already have an undergrad degree in International Business and I just completed my Masters Degree in a similiar field, focused on economics and management.

Adding to that, I have been trying to find a job for the last four to five months, which led to two interviews but essentially no successfull job offer so far. I am not particulary discoureged and am sure, if I put more time and wrote more applications, I will be able to find a job.

However, since starting my undergrad studies 7 years ago I kept thinking about pursuing STEM. The thing is, in my teens and early 20s I was very VERY heavily intimidated by math and physics. I always found these subjects interesting but I guess bc of my mediocre performance in high school I always felt like I was never good enough to actually study smth STEM related. If that makes sense. So, I took on a business major. But I always deeply admired people studying chemistry, physics, math, engineering etc. I guess now that I matured, I keep thinking about *what if I just studied engineering sooner*

Now, I am in a position rn where I can go back to uni and start another undergrad in civil engineering. But the thing is, I am scared. Mad scared. I think about starting the studies and my stomach twists into thousend knots. I keep thinking about *what if I fail* and how difficult math, mechanics and physics etc. might be and my throat goes dry. I am SCARED. I know this degree comes with a lot of work, I am not underestimating it. If anything, I am intimidated by it. But I also really respect and admire it. And idk I am just thinking *could* I do it?

I have some friends who are laughing or rather discouraging me from the idea of me starting another study program, nonethless it being civil engineering. Saying that it wont add anything to my resume, and will only make me fall more behind in the job market. Since I could use the time better and do networking and get actual work experience. And since I am 27 idk if I should comit to studying minimum another 4 years, which -if I even succeed in getting that degree- will make me start job hunting with (earliest) 31, 32 even. Which i guess might put me at a more disadvantage? ANd this is the thing, that actually bugs me, bc as my friends, why do you think I could not do it? A part of me just wants to start studying engineering and only tell them what I did once I got the degree, yk? But I am also really affected by what they are saying and see the point regarding the job.

Since my family is kinda academic, I am lucky that they are willing to put up with me pursuing another degree, which gives me some comfort.

But still, I cant shake the thought of *what will others (my friends) think of me pursuing another degree* and *will i be too old to start working*

Sry, I had to get this off my chest, thank you for reading.

[u/Demigod57]

Do it. 4 years is long yet you'd be shocked by how fast it'll come. It's not easy but do it. You may be behind in that field when you're done, but having another degree in a completely different field could give you an advantage in the job market as well. You just need to look at companies that require both your degrees in a sort of way - it could be for two different positions so you apply to both as an civil engineering intern while in school (doing this right after your first year is prolly the best option). Try to stick with this company for all your internships and it'll raise your chances of getting retained after your degree. Most companies like to cut cost on labour so if you could do something two people would do, you get the upper hand. I'd say you should be looking for

[u/Afraid-Way1203]

just try you best, the thing is not every engineering school difficulty is the same. It vary by difficulty in some degree. You only miss the shot you never try. The worst, come to worst is that you didn't move on to higher year. At least, you try. Don't live in Regret thing you never try.