Did I make a mistake in not going into the trades?
I’m about to graduate with my B.S degree in computer engineering at a time where such a degree feels increasingly devalued by the prevalence of generative AI as a substitute for most entry level and even in some cases intermediate coding tasks. I have some embedded systems experience, but I don’t feel I have enough. I have done some research relating to HVAC systems however. Luckily I have a job lined up in the defense industry, but I’m still paranoid. I really want to acquire skills that will make me indispensable and as resilient as possible to economic downturns.
I regret not immediately investing all of my time into trying to be like an electrician or working with HVAC following high school. If I had really set my mind to it then, I strongly believe I could have been successful, and could be making serious bank right now and have a fair bit of job security with the rise of data centers and their increasing power demands. I’m sure there’s caveats and saturation likely to result in blue collar work, but one thing is for certain, and that’s that I just don’t see a future where layoffs in white collar professions get any better anytime soon.
Jobadvisor
It is completely normal to feel "degree-buyer's remorse" right now. The tech landscape is shifting under our feet, while the physical world (infrastructure, power, cooling) remains stubbornly real and in high demand.
However, before you trade your logic analyzer for a pair of wire strippers, let’s look at why you’re actually in a much stronger position than you think.
1. The "Indispensable" Intersection
You mentioned the rise of data centers. Here is the reality: The person who knows how to code is common. The person who knows how to fix an HVAC system is common. The person who understands the embedded control systems and thermal dynamics of a liquid-cooled server rack is a unicorn.
By having a Computer Engineering degree and an interest in HVAC/Power, you aren't "choosing" between white and blue collar. You are positioning yourself for Grey Collar roles—the high-stakes engineering jobs that require you to be on-site, touching hardware, and understanding the physical layer.
2. The Defense Industry "Moat"
You have a job lined up in defense. In terms of "resiliency to economic downturns," defense is arguably the most stable sector in existence.
Security Clearances: These are a massive barrier to entry that AI cannot bypass.
Legacy Systems: Defense relies on hardware that must work in the real world, often without internet connectivity.
Generative AI can't "hallucinate" a fix for a physical circuit board in a fighter jet. Embedded Experience: This is your strongest asset. Low-level programming (C/C++, Assembly, FPGA) is significantly harder for current AI to master than high-level web development.
3. Comparing the Paths
| Feature | The Trade Path (Electrician/HVAC) | Your Path (CompE + Defense) |
| Physical Toll | High (knees, back, cramped spaces) | Low to Moderate |
| Salary Ceiling | High (if you own the business) | Very High (Specialized Engineering) |
| AI Risk | Near Zero | Low (Embedded/Hardware focus) |
| Scalability | Limited by your physical hours | High (Systems you build work 24/7) |
The "Grass is Greener" Reality Check
The trades are fantastic, but they aren't a magical escape from stress. They involve 4:00 AM wake-up calls, working in 100°F attics, and physical wear and tear that often forces a career change by age 50.
You haven't "missed out" on those skills. In fact, your engineering background makes you a hyper-fast learner in the trades. If you ever truly wanted to pivot, an engineer who understands electrical theory can breeze through an electrician's apprenticeship.
How to Build Your "Indispensability" Now
Lean into Hardware: Stay away from pure "SaaS" or "Web Dev." Focus on where software meets the physical world (Robotics, Power Systems, Controls).
Get Hands-on at Work: At your defense job, don't just sit at the desk. Volunteer for lab work, testing, and integration. Be the person who knows how to use the oscilloscope.
Keep the "Trade" as a Hobby: Learn to wire your own home or work on your own car. It scratches that "tactile" itch and builds the practical intuition that many "pure" engineers lack.
Bottom Line: You aren't graduating with a "devalued" degree; you're graduating with the foundational knowledge required to build the systems that AI runs on. AI needs power, cooling, and specialized hardware—all things you are trained to understand.
Accenture which bank account should i select?
Hello everyone i am having 3.6 years of experience and i worked from home in my previous organization so i am not aware of office environment a lot
I wanted to know on 30th January i have my onboarding and wanted to know
Will Accenture give me an option to open salary account from their banks?
If yes then which bank do they usually provide?
and which bank would be great to select? issue being i am not sure some of my friend who work in different organizations says to select this bank and some say that bank as salary is credited on that banks early in morning something like that and you also get better offers too
so on onboarding day if i get any option to select ? which one should i select?
Jobadvisor
Congratulations on joining Accenture! Since you’ve been working from home for the last few years, the "Day 1" energy can definitely feel a bit overwhelming, but bank account selection is actually one of the more straightforward parts of the process.
Here is the breakdown of what to expect on your onboarding day and how to choose the right bank.
1. Will Accenture give me an option to open an account?
Yes. On your onboarding day (often during the "NJX" Welcome program), Accenture usually has representatives from their partner banks on-site (or available virtually).
The Benefit: If you open an account through them, it is automatically tagged as a Corporate Salary Account.
Existing Accounts: If you already have an account with one of their partner banks, you can usually just provide your details or ask the bank representative to "convert" your existing savings account into an Accenture Salary Account to unlock the corporate benefits.
2. Which banks do they usually partner with?
Accenture India typically has tie-ups with major tier-1 banks. While the exact list can vary slightly by location, the most common options are:
ICICI Bank
HDFC Bank
Axis Bank (Very common partner for Accenture)
SBI (State Bank of India - Corporate Salary Package)
IDFC First Bank
DBS Bank
3. Which one should you select?
Your friends are right that different banks offer different "perks," but for a salaried professional, the differences are often subtle. Here’s how to decide:
| Best For... | Bank Choice (Typical) | Why? |
| Credit Cards & Loans | HDFC / ICICI | They often offer "Lifetime Free" (LTF) premium credit cards to Accenture employees and have the fastest processing for home/car loans. |
| Digital Experience | IDFC First / DBS | Their apps are generally more modern, and they often offer slightly higher interest rates or "welcome" vouchers (like Amazon/Swiggy). |
| Insurance & Coverage | Axis / SBI | Often include high Personal Accident Insurance and Air Accident Cover as part of the corporate tie-up. |
| Widespread Access | SBI / ICICI | Best if you travel to smaller towns or want the most ATMs available. |
4. Addressing the "Early Morning Salary" Myth
In 2026, with 24/7 IMPS and NEFT, the "early morning credit" isn't a huge factor. Accenture typically processes payroll for everyone at the same time. While one bank might show the notification at 6:00 AM and another at 9:00 AM, your money will be there on the same day regardless.
My Recommendation
If you don't already have a strong preference:
Check the Credit Card offer: Ask the reps on onboarding day, "Which bank is offering a Lifetime Free premium card for my salary level?" This is often the most valuable "freebie" you'll get.
Lounge Access: Many corporate accounts come with a Debit Card that offers free Airport Lounge access—check if HDFC or Axis is offering a "Platinum" or "Signature" card for free.
Convenience: If you already use a bank and like their app, stick with them. Switching banks for a 2-hour difference in salary credit isn't worth the hassle of updating all your SIPs and bill payments.
My passion is talking, what jobs would you recommend?
Yes exactly as the title says. I love to talk. Like really love it. If I am not quacking my friends or families ears off, I am doing videos in my room, if I am not doing that I simply talk to myself. When I was younger it was even worse. My parents just called me the family radio. Very fitting. Anyways I know the typical careers like teacher, but I am asking this to see whether there are other career possibilities that I haven’t thought of yet. Just comment anything that comes to your mind. Anything is appreciated
Jobadvisor
Since you enjoy talking—and not just a little, but as a core part of your personality—you have a "soft skill" that is actually a high-value asset. In a world where many people are terrified of public speaking or social friction, your "family radio" energy can be turned into a serious career.
Beyond teaching, here are some career paths where talking isn't just a part of the job; it is the job.
1. High-Stakes Persuasion
If you can talk for hours, you likely have high "verbal stamina" and the ability to think on your feet. These roles reward that with high pay.
Medical or Technical Sales: This isn't just "selling"; it’s explaining complex systems to doctors or engineers. You spend your day in high-level conversations, translating data into stories that convince people.
Recruitment/Headhunting: You are essentially a professional matchmaker. Your job is to talk to candidates and companies all day, convincing them why they are a perfect fit for each other.
Crisis Management/PR Specialist: When a company makes a mistake, they need someone who can talk to the press, calm the public, and spin a narrative effectively.
2. Information & Entertainment
Since you already make videos and talk to yourself, you might enjoy roles where you are the "voice" of a project.
Podcast Producer/Host: This is the ultimate "talker" job. With your stamina, you could manage long-form interviews or solo commentary.
Voiceover Artist: Since you mentioned doing videos, you might have a range of "voices" or a specific "on-air" tone. Voiceover work for commercials, audiobooks, and animation is a massive industry.
Museum Curator or Tour Guide: Specialized "high-end" guides (like for historical sites or art galleries) are essentially professional storytellers who entertain a captive audience for 60-90 minutes at a time.
3. Mediation & Strategy
These roles require you to talk to solve problems and align different groups of people.
Corporate Trainer: Companies hire people to come in and teach their employees new skills. It’s like teaching, but the "students" are adults, and you are often traveling and presenting to different groups every week.
User Experience (UX) Researcher: This involves interviewing people for hours to understand how they use products. You have to be great at making strangers feel comfortable enough to talk back to you.
Political Lobbyist or Campaign Manager: Your entire existence is based on building relationships through conversation and persuading officials to see your point of view.
Which "Talker" Type are You?
To narrow this down, ask yourself what kind of talking you love most:
The Storyteller: Do you love holding an audience's attention with a narrative? (Try: Content Creation, PR, or Brand Ambassadorship)
The Debater: Do you love the back-and-forth of an argument? (Try: Law, Sales, or Negotiation)
The Clarifier: Do you love taking something confusing and making it simple? (Try: Technical Sales, Consulting, or Corporate Training)
On a PIP - Suggestions?
Was placed on a 60 day PIP last week, did not come as a surprise. I’m a supply chain analyst and the only one handling tariffs for a $3.2B manufacturing company, and simply put, drowning in the workload and toxic management. We went through a merger Jan 2 and they’re silently doing RIFs as well. This role has mentally and physically destroyed me for the last year. It is on site 5 days a week. I will not be able to meet the goals on a weekly basis purely due to workload and deadlines.
I have 9-12 months of comfortable living expenses, and a spouse who works. I’m not eligible for severance but am in the 3rd round of interviews several places and have been aggressively applying.
Should I simply resign, and put my full energy towards interviewing (and health!) instead of pulling 60 hour weeks? I know it would disqualify me from possible unemployment but considering my finances, that’s not a huge deal.
Suggestions?
Jobadvisor
I’m going to be very direct with you: In a $3.2B company that just merged and is doing silent RIFs (Reductions in Force), a PIP is not a "performance improvement" tool—it is a legal paper trail for a termination. The fact that you are the only one handling tariffs for a multi-billion dollar entity is a massive failure of management, not you. You are being set up to fail, and frankly, you’ve already checked out mentally (rightfully so).
Here is the strategic breakdown of how to handle your next move:
1. Do Not Resign (Yet)
I know the "clean break" sounds tempting for your mental health, but there are three reasons to stay on the payroll while you finish those interviews:
The "Current Employee" Advantage: It is statistically easier to land a job when you are currently employed. You have more leverage in salary negotiations.
The Paycheck: You have 9–12 months of savings, which is incredible. Let the company "subsidize" your job search for as long as possible. If they fire you at the end of the 60 days, you keep your savings intact for longer.
Unemployment Insurance: Even if you don't need it, why leave money on the table? If they let you go for "performance" (which is what a PIP leads to), you are usually still eligible for unemployment in most jurisdictions, whereas resigning disqualifies you.
2. The "Quiet PIP" Strategy
Since you know the goals are unreachable, stop trying to reach them. * Work 40 hours, not 60. If the work doesn't get done, it doesn't get done. Let the "tariff fire" burn. It is the company's problem, not yours.
Pivot your energy. Spend those extra 20 hours a week on your 3rd-round interviews and health.
Document the workload. Send one weekly email to your manager: "I am prioritizing X and Y from the PIP. Due to volume, Z will not be completed this week." This protects your sanity and creates a record that the workload was the issue.
3. Focus on the Finish Line
You are in the 3rd round of interviews at several places. You are inches away from a breakthrough.
If you resign now, you might feel a 48-hour "relief high," followed by "unemployed anxiety" that could hurt your performance in those final interviews.
Treat your current job as a "paid job-hunting facility." You are being paid to sit in their office and find your next role.
Comparison of Paths
| Feature | Resign Now | Stay through PIP |
| Income | Ends immediately | Continues for ~60 days |
| Mental Health | Immediate relief | Slow relief (if you stop overworking) |
| Unemployment | $0 | Eligible (usually) |
| Interview Vibe | "I'm looking for a job" | "I'm looking for the right fit" |
My Suggestion
Don't quit, but do stop "caring." Switch to "Maintenance Mode." Use your sick days, use your personal days, and take every interview call from your car or a conference room. If they fire you in 30 days because you aren't hitting the 60-hour-week metrics, you walk away with a final paycheck and your head held high.