re: Engineers/Construction Workers?

As an estimator, I have to deal with engineers all the time (electrical). I'm sorry if I hurt somebody's feelings by saying all of this, but I find that most engineers I deal with are lazy. They are some of the smartest people, but the payoff to that is that they are also some of the laziest.

When releasing specifications for all the trades to follow as a guideline, they will choose some random spec section and copy/paste from a prior job. Okay, I can go with that. But here's the kicker...instead of going through each section and personalizing it to the job at hand, they just skim through and make a few minor changes. And then, you're very lucky if the information in the specifications matches with the notes on the drawings. It's gotten to the point to where all estimators have come to just expect that, as though it should be typical and normal. And my favorite part is when there's a note that says something to the effect of "even if the information is inaccurate, the contractor is responsible to fix the mistakes".

And then there's the whole "I'm afraid to talk to you" schtick that most have. Any question directed to an engineer draws most into a position of preemptive defense mode - as though a simple question is something you're trying to get them fired with. That part is equally as frustrating. Just answer the damn question and let's fix this thing together. We don't need to set up a 20 email string of CYA and pointing the finger.

In my experience of doing this for about ten years, 10% of the engineers I have dealt with have been good people, are good at what they do, and do good work. The other 90% are horse's arse who need to be in a lab somewhere with a white coat on, working alone.

You can teach what it takes to get started as an engineer at school. However, you cannot teach work ethic. That part must come from the home.