- #1
SteamBC
- 7
- 0
I'm in a weird place in life, and I thought I'd throw my dilemma out on the table to see if anyone has any advice.
I have been considering re-educating myself and getting into some branch of mechanical design, because I have a very high aptitude for and love for all things mechanical. I'm even a descendent of probably the most famous amusement ride designer in the history of the industry. I really believe this stuff is in the blood, because even as a little child I would create amusement rides made out of wood, carboard and popsickle sticks, complete with motors and pulleys. I'm talking 6 years old here.
But I have a severe problem for pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. The problem is that I've always hated math!
I know this must sound absolutely ridiculous. I have an absolute love for machines and mechanisms, and yet I know that math is core to getting into most aspects of engineering. Of course, this is self-evident. So apparently I have a love for the practical but a problem with the theoretical.
Is there any aspect of mechanics that a person in limbo like me can be exposed to working with and even designing mechanical products or mechanisms which might be a little lighter on the math? Of course it goes without saying that some math is unavoidable.
I realize I may well be asking a very silly question, and maybe my intimidation regarding math simply indicates that I don't have what it takes, but it never hurts to ask (except for the possible flames as I am being corrected in my thinking/perceptions).
FWIW, I am an amateur inventor and I enjoy creating mechanisms for this invention and that, but the lack of math skills is keeping me from moving further. I honestly don't know if it's a lack of aptitude, a lack of confidence, or simple laziness (afraid to bite the bullet and just bull my way through the math). I am willing to face reality even if it means that I must learn that I am simply being lazy or carrying the wrong attitude.
Fire away if interested, and thanks, even if I'm in for a scolding.
Edit: Just to clarify, I think I would have no problem with the math if I saw the practical application. I just fear becoming totally overwhelmed with the theoretical without being able to see the practical application. I do believe this is a character flaw of mine.
I have been considering re-educating myself and getting into some branch of mechanical design, because I have a very high aptitude for and love for all things mechanical. I'm even a descendent of probably the most famous amusement ride designer in the history of the industry. I really believe this stuff is in the blood, because even as a little child I would create amusement rides made out of wood, carboard and popsickle sticks, complete with motors and pulleys. I'm talking 6 years old here.
But I have a severe problem for pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. The problem is that I've always hated math!
I know this must sound absolutely ridiculous. I have an absolute love for machines and mechanisms, and yet I know that math is core to getting into most aspects of engineering. Of course, this is self-evident. So apparently I have a love for the practical but a problem with the theoretical.
Is there any aspect of mechanics that a person in limbo like me can be exposed to working with and even designing mechanical products or mechanisms which might be a little lighter on the math? Of course it goes without saying that some math is unavoidable.
I realize I may well be asking a very silly question, and maybe my intimidation regarding math simply indicates that I don't have what it takes, but it never hurts to ask (except for the possible flames as I am being corrected in my thinking/perceptions).
FWIW, I am an amateur inventor and I enjoy creating mechanisms for this invention and that, but the lack of math skills is keeping me from moving further. I honestly don't know if it's a lack of aptitude, a lack of confidence, or simple laziness (afraid to bite the bullet and just bull my way through the math). I am willing to face reality even if it means that I must learn that I am simply being lazy or carrying the wrong attitude.
Fire away if interested, and thanks, even if I'm in for a scolding.
Edit: Just to clarify, I think I would have no problem with the math if I saw the practical application. I just fear becoming totally overwhelmed with the theoretical without being able to see the practical application. I do believe this is a character flaw of mine.
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