The Weight Behind “I’m an Engineer”

I was on the site during an inspection when one of the workers on the site called me an engineer. I smiled even though I laughed inside. If only they knew how much I wanted to reject it.

I am an architect, but “engineer” is another name for us here. And when I am being called that, people always think that I have everything figured out. Fat income, a sharp brain, and even a stable future. Some of the people I have seen around love that title, most especially Nigerian parents.

I think because the title sounds respectable when someone is being addressed with the title, most especially in a public place or family gathering.
But nobody talks enough about the pressure hiding behind it.

There were times when I always wanted to reject the title on the site, and when I am being called that most especially by the people I know. Even though I have a little understanding of what it takes to be an engineer, I don't want my worth to be tied to that title.

I have some friends who are proper engineers, and one thing I have learned and I admire about them is how composed and patient they can be with anything. When things go wrong, they never give up because they always take their time to find a solution no matter how long it takes.

Funny enough, I have also been applying some of these good attributes to my daily life. Being an engineer is just more than a profession. It also teaches how to keep finding a solution to a problem without losing oneself even when there is a lot of pressure.

Thank you for reading.

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