re: Need some advice on a career change

I like where your head is at. Don't just sit around and work a job that you don't like just because it pays well.

I can sort of help you out if you are considering PETE. Yoh have to be willing to be somewhat limited on where you can live. 90% of all roads lead to Houston. The other roads lead to Dallas, Denver, midland, Pittsburg, Calgary, Bakersfield. There are chances to travel the world, but you have to be open to Houston.

If you decide to go back, plan ahead. Not really school work wise; I mean work as hard as you possibly can on finding summer intern work with an operator the summer after your first year. Start interviewing the fall semester. This is make-or-break for petroleum engineering.

I think it's great to consider a career change. You are young and have money, and can afford it. Take your time, apply to schools, and see if they can help with funding. If not, I would go the in state route or else you will pay 20 grand plus a year for tuition.

Pete jobs probably won't land you 275k in 10 years (might be wrong) but you could be at 150 after 5 fairly easily.