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• Dividing projects into phases, such as concept study, preliminary design, and final design, enables more accurate estimation of the level of effort needed to complete each phase of a project, so that there are less surprises for both the designer and client. 
• Practicing within an engineer's areas of expertise also enables reduction in uncertainty about needed level of effort, and results in more efficient iteration to develop good design solutions.  And of course we're legally and ethically obligated to practice only within our areas of expertise.
• It's important to have clients who understand engineering, and such clients will usually be reasonable as far as approving extra work orders.

• Dividing projects into phases, such as concept study, preliminary design, and final design, enables more accurate estimation of the level of effort needed to complete each phase of a project, so that there are less surprises for both the designer and client. 
• Practicing within an engineer's areas of expertise also enables reduction in uncertainty about needed level of effort, and results in more efficient iteration to develop good design solutions.  And of course we're legally and ethically obligated to practice only within our areas of expertise.
• It's important to have clients who understand engineering, and such clients will usually be reasonable as far as approving extra work orders.

• Dividing projects into phases, such as concept study, preliminary design, and final design, enables more accurate estimation of the level of effort needed to complete each phase of a project, so that there are less surprises for both the designer and client. 
• Practicing within an engineer's areas of expertise also enables reduction in uncertainty about needed level of effort, and results in more efficient iteration to develop good design solutions.  And of course we're legally and ethically obligated to practice only within our areas of expertise.
• It's important to have clients who understand engineering, and such clients will usually be reasonable as far as approving extra work orders.

Chad,

Great topic!  This is something that's a big part of Civil Engineering that no one really likes to talk about.  From putting together proposals and bids that aren't accepted, to efforts that require tedious trial and error, to plan changes (for any myriad of reasons), disputes with sub-consultants or contractors or even clients, to projects like Design Build that involve the work of numerous individuals putting in countless hours of work that at don't pan out.  Not succeeding is a big part of the job that every engineer will face on a weekly basis over their career.

I think the most important thing is to not focus on "failure".  To college and high school students I focus on the fact that these should all be learning experiences.  It may not make it less frustrating, but going forward hopefully you learn something.  That some how next time you can avoid these pitfalls, be more efficient at your process, or save time and energy in the future on similar endeavors.

Another thing I try to stress to those in college and high school is that at least you're still getting paid.  These problems arise there as well, just usually a much smaller scales.  Of course this isn't always true.  Not winning a proposal was time you may still be compensated for writing but it cost your company money without any return.  Some disputes can end up costing money as well, at loss for you or other parties involved.  But, in general, this "learning experience" shouldn't cost you your job provided you actually learn from it and as much as possible avoid it in the future.

Sometime though, you hit a rough patch where it all seems to hit at once.  I've had this a few times in my career where things just don't seem to go well no matter what for days, weeks, or even months.  When it hits like this, it really takes a toll on you.  I know my wife noticed the change in my mood when it's happened.  Not taking it home with you can be hard, but it's really important. Sometimes problems at home may be part of the issue as well.  As much as possible focus on getting things right at home and if you can take some time for yourself.  A long weekend can go a long ways to "recharge" yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Whether it's the insight of a mentor, spouse, parent, or close friend get their insight.  Maybe you need to change your approach or maybe you need to rethink things altogether.  I don't recommend changing jobs just because your having a rough time, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.  One way or another it will pass.  Just keep working hard and doing your best, that's all you can.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on"   - Franklin D Roosevelt

• Dividing projects into phases, such as concept study, preliminary design, and final design, enables more accurate estimation of the level of effort needed to complete each phase of a project, so that there are less surprises for both the designer and client. 
• Practicing within an engineer's areas of expertise also enables reduction in uncertainty about needed level of effort, and results in more efficient iteration to develop good design solutions.  And of course we're legally and ethically obligated to practice only within our areas of expertise.
• It's important to have clients who understand engineering, and such clients will usually be reasonable as far as approving extra work orders.

Chad,

Great topic!  This is something that's a big part of Civil Engineering that no one really likes to talk about.  From putting together proposals and bids that aren't accepted, to efforts that require tedious trial and error, to plan changes (for any myriad of reasons), disputes with sub-consultants or contractors or even clients, to projects like Design Build that involve the work of numerous individuals putting in countless hours of work that at don't pan out.  Not succeeding is a big part of the job that every engineer will face on a weekly basis over their career.

I think the most important thing is to not focus on "failure".  To college and high school students I focus on the fact that these should all be learning experiences.  It may not make it less frustrating, but going forward hopefully you learn something.  That some how next time you can avoid these pitfalls, be more efficient at your process, or save time and energy in the future on similar endeavors.

Another thing I try to stress to those in college and high school is that at least you're still getting paid.  These problems arise there as well, just usually a much smaller scales.  Of course this isn't always true.  Not winning a proposal was time you may still be compensated for writing but it cost your company money without any return.  Some disputes can end up costing money as well, at loss for you or other parties involved.  But, in general, this "learning experience" shouldn't cost you your job provided you actually learn from it and as much as possible avoid it in the future.

Sometime though, you hit a rough patch where it all seems to hit at once.  I've had this a few times in my career where things just don't seem to go well no matter what for days, weeks, or even months.  When it hits like this, it really takes a toll on you.  I know my wife noticed the change in my mood when it's happened.  Not taking it home with you can be hard, but it's really important. Sometimes problems at home may be part of the issue as well.  As much as possible focus on getting things right at home and if you can take some time for yourself.  A long weekend can go a long ways to "recharge" yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Whether it's the insight of a mentor, spouse, parent, or close friend get their insight.  Maybe you need to change your approach or maybe you need to rethink things altogether.  I don't recommend changing jobs just because your having a rough time, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.  One way or another it will pass.  Just keep working hard and doing your best, that's all you can.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on"   - Franklin D Roosevelt

• Dividing projects into phases, such as concept study, preliminary design, and final design, enables more accurate estimation of the level of effort needed to complete each phase of a project, so that there are less surprises for both the designer and client. 
• Practicing within an engineer's areas of expertise also enables reduction in uncertainty about needed level of effort, and results in more efficient iteration to develop good design solutions.  And of course we're legally and ethically obligated to practice only within our areas of expertise.
• It's important to have clients who understand engineering, and such clients will usually be reasonable as far as approving extra work orders.

Chad,

Great topic!  This is something that's a big part of Civil Engineering that no one really likes to talk about.  From putting together proposals and bids that aren't accepted, to efforts that require tedious trial and error, to plan changes (for any myriad of reasons), disputes with sub-consultants or contractors or even clients, to projects like Design Build that involve the work of numerous individuals putting in countless hours of work that at don't pan out.  Not succeeding is a big part of the job that every engineer will face on a weekly basis over their career.

I think the most important thing is to not focus on "failure".  To college and high school students I focus on the fact that these should all be learning experiences.  It may not make it less frustrating, but going forward hopefully you learn something.  That some how next time you can avoid these pitfalls, be more efficient at your process, or save time and energy in the future on similar endeavors.

Another thing I try to stress to those in college and high school is that at least you're still getting paid.  These problems arise there as well, just usually a much smaller scales.  Of course this isn't always true.  Not winning a proposal was time you may still be compensated for writing but it cost your company money without any return.  Some disputes can end up costing money as well, at loss for you or other parties involved.  But, in general, this "learning experience" shouldn't cost you your job provided you actually learn from it and as much as possible avoid it in the future.

Sometime though, you hit a rough patch where it all seems to hit at once.  I've had this a few times in my career where things just don't seem to go well no matter what for days, weeks, or even months.  When it hits like this, it really takes a toll on you.  I know my wife noticed the change in my mood when it's happened.  Not taking it home with you can be hard, but it's really important. Sometimes problems at home may be part of the issue as well.  As much as possible focus on getting things right at home and if you can take some time for yourself.  A long weekend can go a long ways to "recharge" yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Whether it's the insight of a mentor, spouse, parent, or close friend get their insight.  Maybe you need to change your approach or maybe you need to rethink things altogether.  I don't recommend changing jobs just because your having a rough time, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.  One way or another it will pass.  Just keep working hard and doing your best, that's all you can.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on"   - Franklin D Roosevelt

• Dividing projects into phases, such as concept study, preliminary design, and final design, enables more accurate estimation of the level of effort needed to complete each phase of a project, so that there are less surprises for both the designer and client. 
• Practicing within an engineer's areas of expertise also enables reduction in uncertainty about needed level of effort, and results in more efficient iteration to develop good design solutions.  And of course we're legally and ethically obligated to practice only within our areas of expertise.
• It's important to have clients who understand engineering, and such clients will usually be reasonable as far as approving extra work orders.

@James Smith @Richard Lenz @Irfan Alvi these are all great answers and examples! Along the same topic, mistakes are also part of the design process that are bound to happen due to human nature. Thanks to our internal QAQC process and always having someone more senior checking my work, any mistakes I have made are picked up before submissions are due.

ASCE Plot Points, a podcast that tells the robust story of civil engineering one civil engineer at a time, is in Season 2 and is looking for answers on the following question: "What is the biggest mistake you've ever made on the job?" 

If interested, email your answer as a voice memo to <maskemail>ASCENEWS@...</maskemail> for a chance to be featured in the next episode. I submitted an answer to one of the featured questions last season, so feel free to respond here or message me with any questions.

Also, thank you @Chad Morrison for starting this important discussion! 

Chad,

Great topic!  This is something that's a big part of Civil Engineering that no one really likes to talk about.  From putting together proposals and bids that aren't accepted, to efforts that require tedious trial and error, to plan changes (for any myriad of reasons), disputes with sub-consultants or contractors or even clients, to projects like Design Build that involve the work of numerous individuals putting in countless hours of work that at don't pan out.  Not succeeding is a big part of the job that every engineer will face on a weekly basis over their career.

I think the most important thing is to not focus on "failure".  To college and high school students I focus on the fact that these should all be learning experiences.  It may not make it less frustrating, but going forward hopefully you learn something.  That some how next time you can avoid these pitfalls, be more efficient at your process, or save time and energy in the future on similar endeavors.

Another thing I try to stress to those in college and high school is that at least you're still getting paid.  These problems arise there as well, just usually a much smaller scales.  Of course this isn't always true.  Not winning a proposal was time you may still be compensated for writing but it cost your company money without any return.  Some disputes can end up costing money as well, at loss for you or other parties involved.  But, in general, this "learning experience" shouldn't cost you your job provided you actually learn from it and as much as possible avoid it in the future.

Sometime though, you hit a rough patch where it all seems to hit at once.  I've had this a few times in my career where things just don't seem to go well no matter what for days, weeks, or even months.  When it hits like this, it really takes a toll on you.  I know my wife noticed the change in my mood when it's happened.  Not taking it home with you can be hard, but it's really important. Sometimes problems at home may be part of the issue as well.  As much as possible focus on getting things right at home and if you can take some time for yourself.  A long weekend can go a long ways to "recharge" yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Whether it's the insight of a mentor, spouse, parent, or close friend get their insight.  Maybe you need to change your approach or maybe you need to rethink things altogether.  I don't recommend changing jobs just because your having a rough time, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.  One way or another it will pass.  Just keep working hard and doing your best, that's all you can.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on"   - Franklin D Roosevelt

• Dividing projects into phases, such as concept study, preliminary design, and final design, enables more accurate estimation of the level of effort needed to complete each phase of a project, so that there are less surprises for both the designer and client. 
• Practicing within an engineer's areas of expertise also enables reduction in uncertainty about needed level of effort, and results in more efficient iteration to develop good design solutions.  And of course we're legally and ethically obligated to practice only within our areas of expertise.
• It's important to have clients who understand engineering, and such clients will usually be reasonable as far as approving extra work orders.