Career Advice (1 Viewer)

[BigJohn]

So, this is going to be a long one.

Key Facts:
I am 44 years old.
I do not have a degree.
I have worked the last 17+ years for Montgomery County Water and Sewer in Dayton, Ohio.
I am enrolled in P.E.R.S. (Public Employees Retirement System)

Working in government has a lot of perks. Every holiday off you can imagine. Incredible job security. Fulfilling work.

Working in government also has some drawbacks. Union, so stuck with terrible employees for far too long. Stagnant pay. Severely low wages versus private sector.

I started at the County in the Construction Inspection Division. I worked as a Surveyor prior, so it fit my skillset nicely.

In 2018, I moved into a 'Planner/Scheduler' role. This position was created for me because our Assistant Director saw my ability to interpret data and develop work structures that had not been revised in some time. I enjoyed this position a lot. but, the A.D. started piling way too much work on me because honestly, I was over-producing for how I was being compensated. I was asked to do a few interviews for some higher level management positions both inside and outside the County. Was told on more than one occasion that I was the top choice, but my lack of Supervision experience prevented me from getting the offers. So, my A.D. convinced me to take a lower level Supervisor spot in our department to get this experience under my belt. Short of it, is I hate it. I still get to do a lot of the same data analysis and am in a position where I directly supervise the guys in the field that are collecting the data that I'm using. I love that part of the job. I just hate the HR aspect of the position. Not all my guys are ####heads, but enough of them are. My stress level in the last year and a half has gone through the roof.

So, I've recently realized that Data Analysis is what I love to do. Excel, Power BI, CityWorks CMMS. I have lots of great experience with all these.

This is the first time in my life that I see a potential career move could benefit me both mentally and financially.

But, I'm scared.

Being 17+ years into my County career, I have 14+ left until I could retire at 58 years old. At that point, I could retire and draw $4,689 per month. Assuming a 2% increase every year. At this point, I'm at ~$60,000 per year.

If I decide to leave the County, I couldn't draw my retirement until 67 and I would draw $1,678 per month. So, that a pretty big gap that I would need to fill.

But, I feel like my salary potential is significantly higher in the private sector, so it could be possible.

I guess I'm trying to come up with a number that I would need an offer to be for me to consider it. Not having a degree has made me mentally stuck here, but I'm realizing my work experience could be worth as much, if not more to the right employer.

Of course, I made a spreadsheet and ran a bunch of scenarios, but I just think I need to go with my gut on this one.

Anybody in Data Analysis/Science that can give me insights on the career? Salary potential?

I appreciate any feedback. TIA.

 

[Rustoleum]

Any other benefits come with getting fully vested in that pension plan? For example, I am in the CERS (county employees retirement plan) in KY. I work for a public school system but not as a certified teacher, so I am on the same plan as city workers, etc.

Anyway, at 20 years my health care is paid for even if don’t hit “full” retirement of 27 years service /55 years old.

I think you’ll want to factor that into a decision to go back to private sector. I don’t know where it is, but somewhere in there is a tipping point where riding it out may be the better option.

Then again, I'm very risk averse so I could be looking at things through my own personal lens too much and discounting the benefits of just being happier in your career.

 

[jwb]

You left out a few things that I would somewhat consider in giving advice: spouse/kids? And (assuming you have them) how much of the financial load are you carrying?

So without knowing those, my off-the-cuff answer is "wait... if I leave now I still get $1600/mo at 67? And the freedom to do what I want career-wise at 44? I am GONE."

But - and this is kind of key - I am 100% fearless in this respect. I also do not have children, so I can afford to be fearless. I also put a premium on career satisfaction and happiness today - my worst nightmare is working a job I do not like but staying there due to the golden handcuffs.

Here's a very relevant question you have to answer: how good are you at the Data Analysis/Science really? Looking at job openings that interest you now, can you look at them and say "absolutely - I can bring a LOT to the table". That will matter - they want to see your resume and think "this guy solves our problems". Also, being 44 you do have a bit of a leg up - I have noticed an increasing disdain for younger folks in the professional job market. Maybe it's just anecdotal to me, but I do interact with a lot of executives at successful companies, and in general terms, they aren't exactly thrilled with the work ethic of the under-40 crowd. If you are 44 with real skills, that's an advantage.

One last thing - any chance of moving within your job now? I'm assuming you already explored that because it's kind of an obvious answer, but it's worth asking.

 

[Gally]

I would also warn that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. You can still run into the same dislikes you have now (or worse) going somewhere else. I am not saying this is a deal breaker because there are always what if's but not at least factoring in that you may not find your dream job right from the get go where it will take jumping around a couple times before (if) it happens should be considered into the equation.

 

[BigJohn]

Any other benefits come with getting fully vested in that pension plan? For example, I am in the CERS (county employees retirement plan) in KY. I work for a public school system but not as a certified teacher, so I am on the same plan as city workers, etc.

Anyway, at 20 years my health care is paid for even if don’t hit “full” retirement of 27 years service /55 years old.

I think you’ll want to factor that into a decision to go back to private sector. I don’t know where it is, but somewhere in there is a tipping point where riding it out may be the better option.

Then again, I'm very risk averse so I could be looking at things through my own personal lens too much and discounting the benefits of just being happier in your career.

I just stay on the same health care as if I'm working until I turn 67, then I'm on my own.

 

[Zow]

I only have limited input, which is to say that I have seen the PERS retirement asset valued and it is is substantial. So, if you're going to walk away from that benefit, it really has to be worth your while.

 

[BigJohn]

You left out a few things that I would somewhat consider in giving advice: spouse/kids? And (assuming you have them) how much of the financial load are you carrying?

So without knowing those, my off-the-cuff answer is "wait... if I leave now I still get $1600/mo at 67? And the freedom to do what I want career-wise at 44? I am GONE."

But - and this is kind of key - I am 100% fearless in this respect. I also do not have children, so I can afford to be fearless. I also put a premium on career satisfaction and happiness today - my worst nightmare is working a job I do not like but staying there due to the golden handcuffs.

Here's a very relevant question you have to answer: how good are you at the Data Analysis/Science really? Looking at job openings that interest you now, can you look at them and say "absolutely - I can bring a LOT to the table". That will matter - they want to see your resume and think "this guy solves our problems". Also, being 44 you do have a bit of a leg up - I have noticed an increasing disdain for younger folks in the professional job market. Maybe it's just anecdotal to me, but I do interact with a lot of executives at successful companies, and in general terms, they aren't exactly thrilled with the work ethic of the under-40 crowd. If you are 44 with real skills, that's an advantage.

One last thing - any chance of moving within your job now? I'm assuming you already explored that because it's kind of an obvious answer, but it's worth asking.

Wife and 3 kids. Kids are 16, 14 and 12. Wife works and is in the 50k range. So, at this point, I'm slightly less than 60%.

I'm definitely not fearless with my career. Frankly, I've spent most of my years scared to death to move jobs. That's why I've been with the County for 17+ years to begin with. My kids are getting to the age where they should be out of the house soon, and I feel like, at that point I would have zero reservations about doing whatever I want. That's part of why I'm getting the itch at this point.

As far as my skills, I have a tremendous ability to 'figure something out'. It's vague, I know, but it's exactly what has gotten me to this point that I'm at now. I've been in the engineering/construction field my whole life and I've always been able to grasp concepts, excel and even surpass others with much more experience. I have absolutely zero doubts that I am capable of doing this job. I may not be a specialist in all the tools necessary, but that can be taught. And, I can absolutely learn. In the time I've spent so far looking at jobs, I do think my skills best fit in a utility-related field. There are plenty of opportunities for Data/Asset Analyst positions in that field. There is already a 'Asset Analyst' position in the County and I'm going to be speaking with our Director about the possibility of adding an additional position in the future. That would solve most of my issues. But, I'd be right back in the static financial advancement system I'm in now. I'm just at the point where I don't want to miss an opportunity to move back into the private sector and possibly see my salary grow exponentially.

 

[BigJohn]

I would also warn that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. You can still run into the same dislikes you have now (or worse) going somewhere else. I am not saying this is a deal breaker because there are always what if's but not at least factoring in that you may not find your dream job right from the get go where it will take jumping around a couple times before (if) it happens should be considered into the equation.

I mostly want out of Supervision. It's not my day-to-day that makes me unhappy, it's having to babysit grown *** men.

 

[BigJohn]

I only have limited input, which is to say that I have seen the PERS retirement asset valued and it is is substantial. So, if you're going to walk away from that benefit, it really has to be worth your while.

Hence, my dilemma.

 

[Mitchie]

Tough for any of us to say which option is better. There's the financial aspect and theirs the job satisfaction aspect. You have to weigh the importance of each and then decide if job satisfaction will really go up to make the switch worth it. And depends on your risk tolerance. Can you go back to a more data analysis role at your current employer? One other thing is to consider is jobs in the private sector are usually less secure so you may not have an option to work to 67. But 20+ years is a long time so if unhappy sounds like some type of change would be needed.

 

[shuke]

How bad is the stress? You need to take that into account with respect to your overall health. That pension won't be worth a damn if you don't make it there.

Have you done a salary analysis for jobs you are looking at? What would the increase be in private sector? Do you have other retirement accounts beyond your pension?

Instead of private sector, do you have the option to work for other government agencies and keep your pension?

 

[Zow]

I only have limited input, which is to say that I have seen the PERS retirement asset valued and it is is substantial. So, if you're going to walk away from that benefit, it really has to be worth your while.

Hence, my dilemma.

Right. I apologize if my post was redundant or unhelpful, but I guess my point is that if I were you I'd want both a substantial raise and a job that I knew provided me significantly more job satisfaction than my current job.

For example, I currently work a job with much longer hours than I'd like (typing this from the office and this is my 14th hour here today) and deal with an area of my line of work that I don't enjoy (where I deal with unreasonableness pretty much constantly) because I make exponentially more than I would in my ideal job with significantly more job satisfaction (fwiw I could obtain that job tomorrow if I wanted) but I choose to put up with my current position because it's worth it to my family to have the financial advantage that I can provide.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

So is your primary goal to get out of supervision, or to increase your compensation? (Or both?) You’ve mentioned both more than once.

If your goal is to get out of supervision, that should be feasible within your current shop. They would be crazy not to make it happen.

If your goal is increased comp…..well, that’s a different story. What’s the net present value of the difference in your retirement income? How much additional money would you need to be paid annually (pre-tax) to make up the difference? Or to get ahead meaningfully? How does that amount compare to the types of jobs you would be qualified for in the private sector?

 

[MTskibum]

You would need to at least double your salary to make up for the retirement perk that you have now.

I think it will be difficult to find a data analyst job that pays that much.

I am in oil and gas which tends to pay higher than other industries and in a job market that probably pays more than Ohio and even then our data analysts only make 80-100k until they are in management.

 

[zoobird]

I am in oil and gas which tends to pay higher than other industries and in a job market that probably pays more than Ohio and even then our data analysts only make 80-100k until they are in management.

Sports betting industry, entry level data analysts are in the $80K-$85K range, senior analysts maybe $100K-$115K, lead analysts (manager level, but individual contributor) could be $120K+ Those are for companies that are hiring top level talent...I assume that salaries are lower elsewhere.

I think a big part of the question here is whether you're going to be able to sell employees on giving you credit for some of your past experience or whether you'll need to start at the bottom because of the perception that you're switching career paths.

 

[Orange&Blue]

Have you talked to them about this and see if there are other jobs of less stress that you might be interested in?

 

[Sand]

I would also warn that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. You can still run into the same dislikes you have now (or worse) going somewhere else. I am not saying this is a deal breaker because there are always what if's but not at least factoring in that you may not find your dream job right from the get go where it will take jumping around a couple times before (if) it happens should be considered into the equation.

I mostly want out of Supervision. It's not my day-to-day that makes me unhappy, it's having to babysit grown *** men.

Ditch the supervisory part of the role. Or retire in place when it comes to supervision and just do the cool stuff.

 

[Mookie]

Nothing wrong with doing some networking to see what is out there and who is hiring while you still have a job. Explore possibilities, see how much you could make, and consider what a private sector job would look like. Once you have a good idea of what it out there, you can weigh it against your current job and whether it is worth walking away from that pension benefit.

If word gets back to your employers at the County, fine, it might give you some leverage in discussions about whether to stay. It might even be worth your while to let your boss know you are unhappy and looking at other options.

 

[xulf]

Schools are pumping out data science / business analytics / type degrees in droves. This is both at the undergrad and grad level.

Obviously your life is not my life, but I would be scared as hell venturing into that world without a degree. Even if you shore up a job, there are no guarantees that you keep that for as long as you want. If they have layoffs, you under perform, or you hate it, you are now in an even tougher position.

I have a MS in Predictive Analytics and have worked for custom market research firms for ~20 years. Pay varies, and every data person I helped hire (or interview for that matter) had some sort of related degree.

But, your circumstances are for you to decide. And doing something you don't like is not a great way to live. You may want to look into advancing your education as a possibility.

 

[Osaurus]

So, I've recently realized that Data Analysis is what I love to do. Excel, Power BI, CityWorks CMMS. I have lots of great experience with all these.

There are lots of consulting firms looking for folks with this experience. I have been a water resource GIS guy on the private side (my first love, but now I do transportation). and this experience is highly sought after. There are also better opportunities in public with this skill set.

 

[GreenNGold]

Just one thing to note... the value of the $3k per month in pension you would be giving up is worth approximately $1 million, you would have to be making some aggressive 401(k) donations or somethings similar if you wanted to make up for that in the private sector.

I'd hate to tell you to stay in a job you hate, but that pension has significant value that won't be easy to replace in another job, but you seem to be aware of that and maybe it is worth giving up, but only you can decide that. Are there any other opportunities within the county you could consider switching to that might make you happier?

 

[BigJohn]

Update....

So, something that I left out of my original post is the fact that there is a 'Asset Management Data Analyst' position that exists at the County. This position is on the same pay scale as my current supervisor position. And, just so happens that this position just opened up.....problem solved...no?

I had been tipped off when the person in the position put their notice in, so I've had a few weeks to mull the decision if I wanted to apply for it, or not. Deciding between my current position and the Data Analyst position is pretty easy. I have been mentally prepared to make that decision if I'm offered the job. Then......boom. Our Water Quality Administrator shocks the whole place and puts in his notice. The Assistant Director I mentioned in my original post pulled me in immediately and practically begged me to apply for this position. Currently, I am on the Sewer side. This position, would be on the Water Distribution side. So, it would be completely out of my range of knowledge. But he recognizes my ability to learn new things. While I am confident in my ability to learn what I need to do the job, the stress on my mental health would skyrocket. So, it still seems like a no-brainer. BUT, here's the kicker. It would be a 24% pay increase. I have a junior in high school that is looking at major league colleges and my other 2 get great grades and will likely also end up at good schools. So, that bump in pay would go a LONG way in helping with that.

I have thought this over 24/7 for about a week now and I think I've mentally prepared myself to choose the Data Analyst position if both are offered.

Not necessarily looking for advice. I'm comfortable with my decision.
Just hope I'm doing the right thing.

 

[JAA]

Take the increase in pay.

I was just told this saying and I cant get it out of my mind. The originator of the saying was some PE who works for the state of NY.

"Don't forget, someone much dumber than you has already done this work before"

I can't get the saying out of my mind as it resonates with a lot of items on my plate.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Update....

So, something that I left out of my original post is the fact that there is a 'Asset Management Data Analyst' position that exists at the County. This position is on the same pay scale as my current supervisor position. And, just so happens that this position just opened up.....problem solved...no?

I had been tipped off when the person in the position put their notice in, so I've had a few weeks to mull the decision if I wanted to apply for it, or not. Deciding between my current position and the Data Analyst position is pretty easy. I have been mentally prepared to make that decision if I'm offered the job. Then......boom. Our Water Quality Administrator shocks the whole place and puts in his notice. The Assistant Director I mentioned in my original post pulled me in immediately and practically begged me to apply for this position. Currently, I am on the Sewer side. This position, would be on the Water Distribution side. So, it would be completely out of my range of knowledge. But he recognizes my ability to learn new things. While I am confident in my ability to learn what I need to do the job, the stress on my mental health would skyrocket. So, it still seems like a no-brainer. BUT, here's the kicker. It would be a 24% pay increase. I have a junior in high school that is looking at major league colleges and my other 2 get great grades and will likely also end up at good schools. So, that bump in pay would go a LONG way in helping with that.

I have thought this over 24/7 for about a week now and I think I've mentally prepared myself to choose the Data Analyst position if both are offered.

Not necessarily looking for advice. I'm comfortable with my decision.
Just hope I'm doing the right thing.

This is great news either way. Re-reading the thread I was kind of bummed out because there’s no way on gods green earth that I could in good conscience suggest leaving that pension but this looks like it’s gonna work out in your favor, so good luck!

 

[ChiefD]

Update....

So, something that I left out of my original post is the fact that there is a 'Asset Management Data Analyst' position that exists at the County. This position is on the same pay scale as my current supervisor position. And, just so happens that this position just opened up.....problem solved...no?

I had been tipped off when the person in the position put their notice in, so I've had a few weeks to mull the decision if I wanted to apply for it, or not. Deciding between my current position and the Data Analyst position is pretty easy. I have been mentally prepared to make that decision if I'm offered the job. Then......boom. Our Water Quality Administrator shocks the whole place and puts in his notice. The Assistant Director I mentioned in my original post pulled me in immediately and practically begged me to apply for this position. Currently, I am on the Sewer side. This position, would be on the Water Distribution side. So, it would be completely out of my range of knowledge. But he recognizes my ability to learn new things. While I am confident in my ability to learn what I need to do the job, the stress on my mental health would skyrocket. So, it still seems like a no-brainer. BUT, here's the kicker. It would be a 24% pay increase. I have a junior in high school that is looking at major league colleges and my other 2 get great grades and will likely also end up at good schools. So, that bump in pay would go a LONG way in helping with that.

I have thought this over 24/7 for about a week now and I think I've mentally prepared myself to choose the Data Analyst position if both are offered.

Not necessarily looking for advice. I'm comfortable with my decision.
Just hope I'm doing the right thing.

Have you actually applied for the Data Analyst position?

 

[BigJohn]

Update....

So, something that I left out of my original post is the fact that there is a 'Asset Management Data Analyst' position that exists at the County. This position is on the same pay scale as my current supervisor position. And, just so happens that this position just opened up.....problem solved...no?

I had been tipped off when the person in the position put their notice in, so I've had a few weeks to mull the decision if I wanted to apply for it, or not. Deciding between my current position and the Data Analyst position is pretty easy. I have been mentally prepared to make that decision if I'm offered the job. Then......boom. Our Water Quality Administrator shocks the whole place and puts in his notice. The Assistant Director I mentioned in my original post pulled me in immediately and practically begged me to apply for this position. Currently, I am on the Sewer side. This position, would be on the Water Distribution side. So, it would be completely out of my range of knowledge. But he recognizes my ability to learn new things. While I am confident in my ability to learn what I need to do the job, the stress on my mental health would skyrocket. So, it still seems like a no-brainer. BUT, here's the kicker. It would be a 24% pay increase. I have a junior in high school that is looking at major league colleges and my other 2 get great grades and will likely also end up at good schools. So, that bump in pay would go a LONG way in helping with that.

I have thought this over 24/7 for about a week now and I think I've mentally prepared myself to choose the Data Analyst position if both are offered.

Not necessarily looking for advice. I'm comfortable with my decision.
Just hope I'm doing the right thing.

Have you actually applied for the Data Analyst position?

Yes. I'm applying for both positions. Just in case.

I'm 100% confident I'll get the Administrator position.
I'm about 85% confident in the Analyst position. Both the Administrator and A.D. in that Department have shown their desire for me to apply.

 

[BigJohn]

Take the increase in pay.

I was just told this saying and I cant get it out of my mind. The originator of the saying was some PE who works for the state of NY.

"Don't forget, someone much dumber than you has already done this work before"

I can't get the saying out of my mind as it resonates with a lot of items on my plate.

Lol. While I agree, I don't doubt my ability to perform the duties, it'll just stress me straight to the grave...

 

[ChiefD]

Update....

So, something that I left out of my original post is the fact that there is a 'Asset Management Data Analyst' position that exists at the County. This position is on the same pay scale as my current supervisor position. And, just so happens that this position just opened up.....problem solved...no?

I had been tipped off when the person in the position put their notice in, so I've had a few weeks to mull the decision if I wanted to apply for it, or not. Deciding between my current position and the Data Analyst position is pretty easy. I have been mentally prepared to make that decision if I'm offered the job. Then......boom. Our Water Quality Administrator shocks the whole place and puts in his notice. The Assistant Director I mentioned in my original post pulled me in immediately and practically begged me to apply for this position. Currently, I am on the Sewer side. This position, would be on the Water Distribution side. So, it would be completely out of my range of knowledge. But he recognizes my ability to learn new things. While I am confident in my ability to learn what I need to do the job, the stress on my mental health would skyrocket. So, it still seems like a no-brainer. BUT, here's the kicker. It would be a 24% pay increase. I have a junior in high school that is looking at major league colleges and my other 2 get great grades and will likely also end up at good schools. So, that bump in pay would go a LONG way in helping with that.

I have thought this over 24/7 for about a week now and I think I've mentally prepared myself to choose the Data Analyst position if both are offered.

Not necessarily looking for advice. I'm comfortable with my decision.
Just hope I'm doing the right thing.

Have you actually applied for the Data Analyst position?

Yes. I'm applying for both positions. Just in case.

I'm 100% confident I'll get the Administrator position.
I'm about 85% confident in the Analyst position. Both the Administrator and A.D. in that Department have shown their desire for me to apply.

Here's how I see it:

1. You are obviously highly thought of within your peers there. So consider it an enormous complement that both groups want you to apply.

2. The money is obviously a HUGE life-changer.

3. But, you are trading money for extra stress.

Only you can decide if the extra stress is worth the extra money. It seems like both positions are exciting new challenges to do some new things. So you are in a win-win situation on that front.

With the admin position, if the assistant director is begging you to apply for that job, I would be really inclined to lean that way. It puts you in a real good spot career wise, and you may find that the stress is different or really not more than your current position.

You may find the extra money relieves some outside stress that you may be carrying unknowingly. If I'm you, I'd bet on you. You are a wanted man at your job and dammit that's gotta feel good. They wouldn't want you if they didn't think you could handle it.

 

[BigJohn]

Update....

So, something that I left out of my original post is the fact that there is a 'Asset Management Data Analyst' position that exists at the County. This position is on the same pay scale as my current supervisor position. And, just so happens that this position just opened up.....problem solved...no?

I had been tipped off when the person in the position put their notice in, so I've had a few weeks to mull the decision if I wanted to apply for it, or not. Deciding between my current position and the Data Analyst position is pretty easy. I have been mentally prepared to make that decision if I'm offered the job. Then......boom. Our Water Quality Administrator shocks the whole place and puts in his notice. The Assistant Director I mentioned in my original post pulled me in immediately and practically begged me to apply for this position. Currently, I am on the Sewer side. This position, would be on the Water Distribution side. So, it would be completely out of my range of knowledge. But he recognizes my ability to learn new things. While I am confident in my ability to learn what I need to do the job, the stress on my mental health would skyrocket. So, it still seems like a no-brainer. BUT, here's the kicker. It would be a 24% pay increase. I have a junior in high school that is looking at major league colleges and my other 2 get great grades and will likely also end up at good schools. So, that bump in pay would go a LONG way in helping with that.

I have thought this over 24/7 for about a week now and I think I've mentally prepared myself to choose the Data Analyst position if both are offered.

Not necessarily looking for advice. I'm comfortable with my decision.
Just hope I'm doing the right thing.

Have you actually applied for the Data Analyst position?

Yes. I'm applying for both positions. Just in case.

I'm 100% confident I'll get the Administrator position.
I'm about 85% confident in the Analyst position. Both the Administrator and A.D. in that Department have shown their desire for me to apply.

Here's how I see it:

1. You are obviously highly thought of within your peers there. So consider it an enormous complement that both groups want you to apply.

2. The money is obviously a HUGE life-changer.

3. But, you are trading money for extra stress.

Only you can decide if the extra stress is worth the extra money. It seems like both positions are exciting new challenges to do some new things. So you are in a win-win situation on that front.

With the admin position, if the assistant director is begging you to apply for that job, I would be really inclined to lean that way. It puts you in a real good spot career wise, and you may find that the stress is different or really not more than your current position.

You may find the extra money relieves some outside stress that you may be carrying unknowingly. If I'm you, I'd bet on you. You are a wanted man at your job and dammit that's gotta feel good. They wouldn't want you if they didn't think you could handle it.

All very good points. Appreciate it.

 

[JAA]

Take the increase in pay.

I was just told this saying and I cant get it out of my mind. The originator of the saying was some PE who works for the state of NY.

"Don't forget, someone much dumber than you has already done this work before"

I can't get the saying out of my mind as it resonates with a lot of items on my plate.

Lol. While I agree, I don't doubt my ability to perform the duties, it'll just stress me straight to the grave...

I'm getting the feeling that any job will stress you out.

I get stressed too. I believe that stress is what motivates me to be better. I believe its a differentiator for me in my roles. I want to, have to, succeed.

My advice is to embrace the pressure. It is what makes you who you are.