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Calvin Asks: Do you ever feel like you're out of your depth?

I currently work for a medium sized M&E contractor involved in large commercial and residential projects.


Having worked there for several years and despite considering myself to be a competent and knowledgeable engineer, I can’t help shake the feeling that I am out of my depth.


Whilst I understand a great deal across many different areas, there is still so much technically I am unsure of. Jack of all trades, master of none springs to mind.


My main concern is that this gap in knowledge will inevitably cause a serious issue somewhere down the line and put someone’s life, or a building at risk (for instance incorrectly sizing life-safety systems).


I suspect it is just a case of grinding it out and eventually things will start clicking into place. I am always expanding my knowledge both  in and out of work so feel I will get there soon enough.


Does anyone else get this feeling?


Despite the stresses I enjoy building services engineering so don’t want to call it a day just yet.


Stressed out in Salford

 
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  • And I can relate to both of these - actually many years ago when I worked at a University, the observation was that only two types of people ask a lecturer the  really tricky questions - either first year students at the front who don't mind looking foolish, or Visiting Emeritus Professors at the back, who have reached a peak and again, have nothing to lose by admitting a gap in the knowledge.
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  • And I can relate to both of these - actually many years ago when I worked at a University, the observation was that only two types of people ask a lecturer the  really tricky questions - either first year students at the front who don't mind looking foolish, or Visiting Emeritus Professors at the back, who have reached a peak and again, have nothing to lose by admitting a gap in the knowledge.
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