While outsourcing is a divisive issue, many managers point to its benefits—even
as they acknowledge concerns. "Outsourcing is a valuable resource in managing
business and maximizing profitability," said one. "However, great care is required
in communicating how outsourcing benefits employees. How does it help secure
their jobs? How does it free them to do the specialized work the company can't
outsource? When a company outsources core technology, the internal staff justifiably
perceives they are not needed."
One reader summed up the concerns of many survey respondents when he said,
"From a global perspective, it is beneficial to raise the standard of living
in poorer countries. From a company perspective, it is also beneficial to reduce
costs and to gain better insight into global markets. From a personal perspective,
it is a clear threat to my livelihood."
Yet the satisfaction of problem-solving and overcoming challenges remain deeply
compelling. One engineer said: "In spite of the disappointment in salary potential
(my two promotions brought me up to the 'average starting salary' for new engineers),
engineers take the applications of science and math and create useful products,
services, and systems. I can't help but feel a sense of fulfillment from that."
And beyond the joy of testing one's individual mettle, engineering provides
a strong sense of doing something concrete and positive for the greater good.
"Engineering projects are usually a tangible contribution to human progress,"
stated one engineer.
"The development and practice of the mental skills required to be an effective
engineer is an immensely rewarding pursuit," the respondent continued. "Colleagues
are usually interesting and creative people. The financial rewards for most
engineers, while not as great as they once were, are usually adequate. It is
still possible for a great idea from an individual or small team to generate
big benefits to society."
Yet many engineers aren't satisfied with their work. This may be because they're
being asked to refine existing products to reduce costs or add what they perceive
as trivial features. Or it may be because they disagree with the requirements
they've gotten from their managers—and therefore feel that their talents
are being less than optimally utilized.
But in spite of those frustrations, engineers as a whole know their lot in
life could be much worse. "When I'm finally sitting in my rocking chair on the
veranda of the old-folks home," mused one engineer, "I want to be able to look
back and say to myself 'That was a worth-while life. I used my skills to their
fullest.'"
See Associated Table: THE FACTORS THAT
INFLUENCE YOUR JOB SATISFACTION MOST (ON A SCALE OF 1-10)
See Associated Table: WHAT MIGHT MOTIVATE
YOU TO JUMP SHIP
See Associated Table: WHERE YOUR COMPANY
MARKETS THE PRODUCTS YOU DESIGN
See Associated Table: TOP 10 PROFESSIONAL
ISSUES THAT KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT
See Associated Table: TOP 10 MOST PRESSING
PROBLEMS AT WORK
See Associated Table: EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
IN THE COMING YEAR
See Associated Table: YOUR JOB STATUS
AND WHERE YOU PUT IN YOUR TIME
See Associated Table: WHO’S HIRING
BY TYPE OF INDUSTRY
See Associated Table: REASONS WHY YOUR
TITLE CHANGED THIS YEAR
See Associated Table: THE TYPES OF PRODUCTS
YOU’RE DESIGNING IN 2006
See Associated Table: PERKS YOU’RE
RECEIVING IN 2006
See Associated Table: WAYS YOU CONTINUE
YOUR ENGINEERING EDUCATION
See Associated Table: WHO’S LOOKING
FOR A NEW JOB AND WHO’S STAYING PUT
See Associated Table: THE VALUE OF OVERTIME