How do I build a career in engineering (hardware design) ??

The impression I got from that story was that it was government not only through objectivity, but through incomprehension. The ruler of the universe made decisions that weren't just disinterested - they were arbitrary.

By the way, there is an excellent Clive Barker story in a similar vein, where all the heads of government receive their instructions on what to do from a group of people sequestered in a remote place. Originally these people were brought together because they were great savants who were expected to have great insight into the world's problems. They quickly grew bored of the task, however, and started answering the world leaders' requests for instructions based on the outcome of frog races.

You'd think that, yes. But for most semi companies it seems to mean Fatally Apathetic Engineer.

I think I'd love to be an FAE. I think it would be a great way to get my teeth onto a myriad of interesting projects and problems. Sadly, I doubt I can get into such a position.

is

I've always made an effort to not be egocentric. Maybe its a defense mechanism because the preponderance of people with whom I speak, on Usenet or in 3D, see the world in a different way. Yet I find it especially perplexing that you and a few others see things differently. It seems to me that we are (almost) arguing destiny vs. free will.

For me to think that apparently highly intelligent individuals such as yourself do not consider themselves in control of their life and their destiny just blows me away!

In the past few thousand years, mankind has gone from hunter/gatherer, through an agrarian culture, to trading, the use of currency, the industrial revolution, world wars, the space age. I imagine that what we are going through now is the same sort of thing. (My opinion: the "space age" and the "information age" are one in the same.)

Ahhhh... the definition of success. That is where it all begins! I know a number of people who have wonderful families, nice cars and jobs that suck. It all depends on what your goals are, where you set your priorities, and most importantly...... the desire to succeed.

That's how I see it, anyway. However, we do have two competing theories. How do you think Occam would slice the cake?

Mike

Apologies if this appears twice - posting problems.

I'm in need of a little moral input :)

This thread is as good as any to ask in and I don't exactly want to parade this issue by starting a new thread.

You may recall a post I made a few days ago in this thread:

Quote As an aside; whilst this thread has been in progress and I have been arguing that quality systems are very overrated I have discovered that a (electronic) product I own whose sole function is that of life saving in dire situations and is designed and manufactured by a company who proudly proclaim ISO9002 and a TQM Programme, and said product has been in production for at least five years, has a major design flaw which could easily render it useless on that single occasion it may be required to perform it's task. Looks like a quality system didn't work in this case. I'll provide full details at a later date. End quote

I have had discussions with the company concerned at very senior management level and their attitude is that whilst they are aware of the problem they do not consider it likely to occur [often?] in reality. Also they consider their set of do's and don'ts instructions covers it anyway. Whilst I agree they do mention the point it is only in passing and I don't believe anyone (including me and I'm a technical type) would recognise how sensitive the device is to this issue. Sorry to be obscure - if anyone want details please e-mail me.

I want the company to make clear in their documentation how big an issue this is and also to take out some advertisements in relevant magazines etc alerting existing users to this issue. They have agreed to the former (but watered down) but will not do the latter.

Question: Should I go the media with this issue given all the implications of that action? My feeling is to do so but I would appreciate input from others.

Mike Harding

PS. My e-mail address has a spam block

It's one of those Great Truths that Niels Bohr used to talk about. A Great Truth is a proposition whose converse is also a Great Truth.

People are all the same. People are all different.

You are in control of your life. You are not in control of your life.

Etc.

Regards. mel.

Well, opportunity has to knock before you can answer the door. The strong desire to get a particular job does not necessarily give you an edge over the other people that want that same job. It does give you the motivation to apply for the job though, or to get the training necessary for it. But if your heart's strongest desire is to write the software that controls the space shuttle, chances are you won't succeed at it.

My big gripe though is with attitudes that lack of success is a result of personal failings.

Someone can be in control of his life, but not in control of all the countless people that can affect that life. Being flexible towards the randomness and being able to change goals will help more than relying on force of will to change reality.

You can make a jug of lemonade in your kitchen and wait for someone to knock, or you can set up a lemonade stand in your front garden. Which one is more likely to attract customers?