Careers: "But what have you done for me lately?" - The Boss

The older engineer, outflanked by technology or undercut by mismanagement, faces special employment problems. "Technological obsolescence" used to be reserved for the chrome creations of Detroit and a host of household wonders that managed to expire surprisingly soon after their warrantees ran out. Now it seems that engineers themselves may be joining their handiwork on the road to short-term oblivion. And taking a few evening classes or reading current technical literature isn't going to keep the wolf from the door. About the best insurance is literally demanding challenging assignments rather than accepting routine tasks. Another alternative is changing careers. After all, a good engineering education can lead to a lot more than slide rules and solder.