Engineer craving creativity and purpose - has anyone found a fulfilling “maker” path?
Hi,
I’m 25 and currently working as an engineer. On paper, it’s a good job: stable, well-paid, technically impressive. But in practice, I find myself increasingly disconnected. I enjoy engineering at its core; problem solving, designing, building, but my day-to-day role feels like process, paperwork, and sitting at a desk.
What I’m really craving is something more hands-on, creative, and purposeful. I light up when I’m making things (woodworking, pottery, CAD modelling, 3D printing, metalwork) anything where I can design and then physically create. My dream would be to have a self-sustaining workshop where I could both design my own products (some repeatable to pay the bills, some one-off pieces that feel special) and maybe even open it up as a community space for other makers to learn and create.
Here’s the catch: I’ve already got a mortgage and a partner, and my current job/commute eats up about 10 hours of my day. That leaves very little time to meaningfully explore creative pursuits on the side, let alone build toward something bigger. Looking at job boards, I don’t see many roles that combine engineering with creativity — and the few that exist often mean a significant pay cut.
I guess what I’m asking is: • Has anyone here pivoted from a traditional technical career into something more creative/maker-oriented? • How did you start exploring without burning out alongside a full-time job? • If you’ve built a hybrid career (engineering + creativity, or income + passion), what does it look like for you?
I know money matters, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’d regret spending most of my life in a job that feels meaningless just because it pays well. I’d love to hear stories, ideas, or even just encouragement from people who’ve been in the same place.
Thanks for reading.
Jobadvisor
You’re definitely not alone in this — a lot of engineers (and other technical professionals) hit that “is this really it?” wall when the work starts to feel more like paperwork and less like making. What you’re describing — wanting to design, build, and share — is a real craving for craft, purpose, and autonomy.
A few thoughts and examples that might help:
1. Hybrid paths others have taken
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Engineer → Maker-Educator
Some people pivot into teaching workshops, running maker spaces, or creating content (YouTube, online courses, local community classes). It keeps the technical side alive but in a way that’s very tangible and human. -
Engineer → Small-batch product maker
A common path is starting a small product line (furniture, 3D-printed tools, custom parts, ceramics, etc.) while still employed. You refine processes until you can reliably make and sell. Even if it doesn’t replace your income, it can grow into a meaningful side-business. -
Engineer → Design + Prototyping roles
Within engineering, there are niches in R&D, industrial design, and prototyping where creativity matters more. These roles can be hard to find, but they exist (startups, product design firms, research labs).
2. Exploring without burning out
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Micro-projects: Instead of trying to run a full workshop right now, set yourself up for “weekend wins.” Quick builds, small product runs, or learning a new technique in 2–3 hours. This keeps momentum without overwhelming you.
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Constraints = fuel: Sometimes limiting yourself (e.g., “one new small object a month”) makes creativity manageable.
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Partner-inclusion: If your partner is interested, involving them can turn “I’m gone in the shop” into shared time. Even if they’re not hands-on, they might enjoy design discussions or helping with business ideas.
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Energy accounting: Protecting even 3–4 hours a week for making can be more nourishing than trying to “make it a second job” right away. Think of it as recharging, not hustling.
3. The long-term vision
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Self-sustaining workshop/community space is a big, beautiful goal — but most people get there step by step:
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Build a body of work (small, repeatable pieces + passion projects).
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Sell/test at local markets, Etsy, or with friends.
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Grow into a brand/side-business.
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Consider reducing hours at your engineering job once the income is semi-stable.
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Eventually, transition into the workshop/community vision.
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Plenty of makers you see on YouTube or running successful shops started while working full-time — it often takes years, but it is possible.
4. Encouragement
Your instinct that you’ll regret not making the shift is valid. Many engineers say later in life that they wish they had leaned into the “creative, hands-on” side sooner. The good news is: you don’t need to leap tomorrow. You can build toward this vision in parallel, at your own pace, while still keeping financial stability.
👉 Question for you: Would you rather (a) slowly build a side path until it’s strong enough to replace part of your income, or (b) look more aggressively for roles now (e.g., industrial design, prototyping labs) that bring creativity into your day job?
That choice will shape the best next step.