5 years into the career trap

I am beginning to view agricultural engineering as a career trap; five years for the good ones, 6 on the average, while up to 10 years for the most devoted ones. :). Most students who took/are taking this degree are usually those who want to help this so-called agricultural country, improve the lives of our ever-poorest farmers, and are usually been exposed to the countryside environment at least once in their life. They are the ones who believe that farmers are still the backbone of the country, though not anymore it seems. They are the most adventurous and creative ones.

I remember when I was still a student I imagine myself driving an air conditioned and fully digital tractor with GPS tracking system. Sometimes even tilling a field with a remote controlled tractor or operating a fully automated piggery or livestock farm. Well, all these now belong to the IT guys, but I will have that in another story.

Where are we now? Stucked in the rut! Unemployed, discouraged workers giving up hope looking for job, new graduates in call centers, taking up other courses, machine operators working abroad, and many other sad stories. The most prestigious, I think, are those who have gone into teaching and research jobs. There are very few who are into engineering, though non-agricultural, but are paid way below their conterparts from other engineering fields.

Serving the country? Not realistic! One can not serve other people on an empty stomach. In my case, maybe I will practice agricultural engineering as a hobby later on, not as an income generating career.

I have worked with engineers from other fields, and, in my judgment, our advantage in terms of the use of engineering principles and knowledge is very much apparent. My problem is that I am trapped. Right now, my goal is to get off this career trap; maybe change my title, just the title.