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To the Op. I’m ex mil as well so here’s my backbrief (AAR). I read mixed things in your post(s). I’m not trying to dissuade but my thoughts looking at reality is at 42, or even 32, I couldn’t imagine the difficulty in adapting to college studies for the hard engineering programs like ME. I assume you know this stuff ain’t spoon fed and much is sink or swim. The difficulty would have to be Olympic for the hard degree. I’m not trying to doubt your talents but maybe the other programs like industrial engineering or engineering tech (never heard of it but looking it up a BS in it is much easier)? ME is tough enough for most highest achieving SAT math HS graduates who’ve just taken calculus their senior year, whose minds are sponges and don’t know better about the challenges (nor likely have any real life responsibilities), to make a smooth transition. Unless you’re truly academic book smart in the maths, mechanical engineering will be a a high-level daily fight just to comprehend theory, formulas, and keep up.
There are many Mech Engr concentrations (mech systems, aero ..) - your college of choice/region will likely dictate and that concentration could dictate chances of getting jobs within the industry you desire. Takes a good 4-5 yrs full time schooling w super-focused everyday discipline and if you're not 100% on top every single day it'd be tough to make it plus pass the professional licensing. I was an excellent math student, clocked out a BS in ME in four years, passed the FIT, but it was still exceedingly difficult for me. Three years out from my degree without practicing and I couldn’t remember much more than counting fingers and toes. It’d have taken me a long time to get to the point thereafter where I could go on to a masters program or get work and up to snuff for a PE license. A look at my mech vibrations, finite element analysis, heat transfer and thermo books is dizzying. The scholastics are truly perishable. I’m just repeating you really need to be ready for the academics, there are no half or 75% commitments, and unless you use it - it’s gone!!
This said, an ME degree alone on your resume can open up many opportunities otherwise closed. A large steel co. I worked at would only interview and hire hard engineer degreed folk for ANY management/salaried positions. That included something as basic as working in the slab mill yard managing the shifts taking on incoming steel, inventory, pantograph cutting, and moving em to the hot roll mill! An aerospace, electrical or mechanical engineering degree was a requirement to work in this steel co. There were some non engineers who rose through the ranks, though they were surviving legacy employees from the 70’s/80's. So an ME degree might wholly open up other things to do if you don't wish to just work at what might be one current picture at a manufacturing facility making widgets. The exposure in college to outside companies and programs will help broaden your thoughts as to what’s the best fit for you.
Oh yes, and on others’ comments - overtime seems to be the best way to boost salary. I remember working 80+ hr weeks, six weeks straight with one weekend off, months over months, to make great money. And that was in management. And no, I certainly didn’t have a family much less a girlfriend at the time.
About low stress: The private workplace’ equal focus on quality and profitability was an adjustment and different in the ways of a career in military life. I was somewhat in culture shock, both in later school and working at a mill. And it didn’t matter if you were working at the factory/mill for three years or 13 years, if youre a manager and had a stint of bad production/numbers/losses you’re gone and looking for work elsewhere. I left the steel industry. I couldn’t see how people made it 30 years there in management with their heart health intact. So my limited experience with my ME degree taking me to steel making was actually quite hi stress.
Im certain your career change will be a blessing and work for you. Definitely pursue any education quickly in your chosen field and get fast experience. Your age will help with the maturity and seriousness, and you have to always answer with your enthusiasm for being available and open to grow and lead.
Next to last comment - hell, a first question I’d ask you if we had beer - being ex mil with a full career but this interest, why not go to Columbia and visit FN-Herstal and ask for a tour, ask to chat with some HR or other folk, search their website for openings employment, and see if you can get something steady as employment at such a large company. Get a steady paycheck first with some benefits and with time grow off-line in the machinist trade or in their training programs for other jobs within their system.
Last comment - look how well it turned out for Mad Dad here in the other post in this forum finding work with jet engines at age 55 coming off a Machinist Program at a school in Carlsbad, himself!!! You’d better get a hold of him ASAP!
