Why is starting over at 25 so scary?

Receive 10% off anything on bellroy.com: bit.ly/48J4q54
Join my engineering community waitlist: tamerxi.com/masterclass
This is going to be a bit of a chatty video because I realize I’ve been gone for a few months and a lot has happened. Most of the time, in my videos, I feel like I’m lecturing or teaching, but in this one, I’m just going to be having a much-needed conversation with a friend talking about career and life updates. Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:32 i was laid off recently…
04:11 Job Hunt Grind Restarts
11:53 Project AMG and more
14:11 Full-Time Content Creator?
15:13 Further Education? Getting a Masters?
18:15 Starting a Business
MY SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: / tamerxi (feel free to DM me!)
LinkedIn: / tamershaheen (feel free to connect!)
Twitter: / tamerxi (new account, feel free to tweet @ me!)
Email: [e-mail]
Discord: / discord (let's chat there!)
ABOUT ME:
My name is Tamer Shaheen, and I am a recent mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo, currently working as a Mechanical Design Engineer. I like to make videos about university/college, engineering, and personal development. Thank you so much for watching!

[@thatboysherro565]

Your a good guy don’t let the haters win you pay the bills not the haters but u motivate me stay strong inshallah you get a better job everything happens for a reason

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@TheAbevalle]

If this content is monetized; the haters acually do the pay the bills. But that's a good thing.

[@ivoryas1696]

@thatboysherro565 Based. Agreed. 💪🏾

[@WissamSeif]

Dude...you're 25. With a lot of experience and a bunch of money saved up. You'll be fine. I "started over" at 31, in tons of debt and out of my field for 4 years. I wouldn't give two craps about making content right now. We're engineers for a reason. We want to be challenged everyday. I've been at my startup for 4.5 years, which is pretty lucky. Getting canned would suck, I would just keep grinding for that job that you want and come back when you're ready 👍

[@Leonardo-vc6sl]

Did you start over at 31 in Engineering? Am 26, considering starting over in Engineering (from Econ/data science background so some basic technical skills but little formal training or fundamentals beyond high school). Would be curious to hear about your experience

[@Crown42]

I went back to school for computer science in my 20s and finished with a master's degree. Before that, I was working at a lot of dead-end jobs. I even have a criminal record with violent crimes and still had success at finding work. My advice is to use your free time wisely and be disciplined. ​@@Leonardo-vc6sl

[@Berettadv]

I don’t know if either of you will read this but it doesn’t matter. Both of you actually encouraged me to do mechanical engineering after accomplishing pretty much nothing until I was 27 years old. I went back to school and now I’m just a year away from graduating. I took your advice and worked my tail off just to get an internship lined up this summer. Obviously I’m stoked but it was after hundreds of rejections and black sheep mentality. I am surrounded by people who out preform me in almost every aspect and thought I wasn’t going to make it many times (hell, I often still do). Both of your channels kept me going so I just wanted to say that I really appreciate you both for that. I think I speak for many, but we are counting on you to persevere even when times are rough.

[@WissamSeif]

@@Berettadv Hey man, great to hear. And thanks!

[@WissamSeif]

@@Leonardo-vc6sl Well I'd worked for a couple years, so I wasn't totally fresh but I had a 4 year jobless gap so it was really hard to find work again. Was basically a new engineer for the first couple years. I don't see any issue with going for a degree. Just find a field that has some value and that you think you'll enjoy. Ask around, reach out to your connects to get some more advice. And keep busy while you're in school; do internships join clubs etc.

[@Baraka_SYP]

I’m over 25, third year engineering student. I’m worried about the job hunt after graduation 😬. I’m married and I’m looking for stability. Thank you for sharing your experience. Your videos are very informative.

[@yolo6471]

What kind of engineering ?

[@TamerShaheen]

Wow good luck! I respect that and I know you got this :)

[@Baraka_SYP]

@@yolo6471 Mechatronics engineering

[@Baraka_SYP]

@@TamerShaheen Thank you!

[@Inceptionxg]

What engineer are you?

[@f.abiangarcia]

Hey bro, sorry to hear that you got laid off. Don't listen to any of the haters commenting on your engineering abilities when they don't know you. The tech industry has been getting rough recently and your not the only one who experienced a layoff. Being so transparent about your current position is admirable. You have been an inspiration for me for a long time now, just keep going bro I believe in you!

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you

[@langelihlexaba3141]

Bro I'm an electrical engineer, your videos inspire me. I get worried when u don't post a video for a long time. Don't listen to haters, focus on "us" who love u and root for you.

[@Lazy_Swordsman]

I started over at 33 switching into a totally different career (into engineering) where I'm working in engineering and studying my degree at the same time. You're clearly a driven and capable person, you're going to be grand man. Keep up the awesome content!

[@Thinker14264]

You probably shouldn't show these individuals LinkedIn profiles and saying that people look mean probably doesn't help your case. This is such common courtesy you seem to lack.

[@fynxderfuchs6994]

bro keep pushing I love to see you advancing in your life .

[@frankiemowete7087]

Keep grinding bro!! You’re helping the engineering community with your experiences!!!

[@JoshYng]

We support you bro, it will work out eventually!

[@myvideo7748]

I'm surprised to hear that you're also considering a move into software. I pursued mechanical engineering myself. But after working for a few years, I had to make the switch to software. Engaging with mechanical engineering projects was a true joy, and watching your video reignited my passion and helped me remember my core strengths. It seems fate is nudging us both towards a similar path. I wish you all the best on this journey.

[@TamerShaheen]

I'm not looking to leave mechanical engineering entirely. I just want to become more well-rounded by having both a deep understanding of hardware and software knowledge.

[@SR-lh4rm]

Been there man. Keep your head up. Things will get better.

[@brian-sf2re]

Been struggling to find an internship as a senior in undergrad. Really cool to see I'm not the only one struggling, and what you're doing to get back into work!

[@y66nick]

Ignore them man. Got a lot of respect for you Tamer what you’ve achieved in your career so far is really great and really cool, from one engineer to another I salute you 🫡

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you brother, much love

[@SinaKhat]

Hey! Don't underestimate yourself you're doing better than you think. Your progress and efforts are impressive, far surpassing many others. Keep up the fantastic work; you're an inspiration and truly making strides!

[@nikitanankar3614]

Tamer, I have been following you since the last 1.5 years. I am a manufacturing engineering undergrad and find a lot of value in your content. I highly appreciate your understanding of the subject and the way you present it. Been drawing tons of inspiration from that!! I wish you get the best job. Also, really excited for a leetcode like platform for mechanical engineering. Always felt the need for it. Really looking forward to it. Thanks!

[@AmmoBops]

I’m a 3rd year computer engineering student and have been watching you every now and then since my first year.. I will say that you and a few other content creators are the reason I’ve kept hope in this engineering grind. To hear you struggle with the job hunt with all your experience and what not really does make me have doubt, but I hope in the future I can manage to land a secure job and I wish you can achieve one to bro!! I’m close to the finish line.. just gotta push through 🤞🏽

[@eritreanblackpanther7946]

Thank you for these videos, they're very insightful! Keep your head up bro

[@jewbagel5969]

You are the goat man. I’ve been following you for a while and you really have made me a better student

[@SaifAreqi]

Tamer watching your videos are really helping me preper myself for the next 5 years, I am 20 year and I feel like I have an experience of a 25 years old because of your videos. Whish you all the best brother, keep it going.

[@abbasdharamsi]

Hey Tamer, don't let the hate get to you. You're doing a great job so keep up the good work. I sometimes get hate on my mechanical engineering videos as well, but I try to not let it demotivate me and keep on creating engineering content just like you.

[@2extrahearts77]

Bro if you become a professor that would be HYPE

[@TamerShaheen]

HAHA I'd love to! But idk if a 4 year PhD is worth it lol

[@bushrahossain2209]

@@TamerShaheen and become a Dr like all asian parents dreams for their kids

[@lsjmartin6220]

Sorry to hear that man, I’m sure ur next one will be ur best one💪🏽🙏🏾 keep ur head up

[@cathyjordan7692]

Great to see you again! I was waiting… sharing this with my son studying mech eng at Michigan Tech.

[@soubermed2175]

You inspired me, although we are not in the same field. You've been doing well my friend, keep it up

[@boombeet678]

Damn, I really can't believe startups can just drop you like that, I've never thought of this kind of thing happening and was looking forward to working for one myself but this kind of is a situation we should be wary of. You did the right thing talking about this, especially since it happened twice in such a short timespan, crazy how that's so common but you are a strong and capable dude in all honesty. I believe that you can make it through this, especially if you made it this far. All the best wishes for you, thank you for giving us a heads up as always.

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you for the kind words :)

[@franciscoolvera6871]

Good luck on your business. 👍🏾

[@donny8451]

Very good to see a different point of view. Good comments

[@rozinant1237]

Hang in there Tamer. The first part of your career can be a real grind. I too was laid off many times in my early years, but you are right, it is just business. As you advance and become more senior, you will be in demand, and when you get to the last phase of your career, people will be clamoring for your advice. It sucks, but that's the way the world works.

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you for sharing that and making believe that it gets better

[@josephsebujangwe7903]

Keep it up brother, keep doing your stuff you motivate me through your videos. Thanks

[@riacardi7011]

seeing you on the job hunt again makes me motivated as i am struggling to find a entry level role when i graduate this May.

[@Cian-_-]

Big ups man, I'm 20 and got a couple years left for my double degree in engineering and computer science. Your vids have been a great reference to understand what it's actually like going into industry; I'm really interested in joining some startups in future, but I hadn't considered how volatile it would be until this video, so thanks for the heads up!

[@danielayoola]

Hey Bro, I've been following your videos for a while, and I'm inspired by you every time I watch your videos. Keep your head up Man. You are a highly resourceful man and I believe you'll be back on your feet pretty soon. It gets better from here on. Cheers Brother. Semper Fortis!

[@aditya-ex8hh]

I love your videos bro keep going 👌🏼

[@rk99688]

You truly are inspirational!!

[@the.potential.dropout]

Bro we love you don't stop making content. I'm a mech eng student in my 3rd year and I got an interview tmrw and without your videos I wouldn't have made it this far

[@abanmohomed4563]

Head up bro, You're an inspiration ma sha Allah

[@eusabiaga12]

Keep pushing good things will come your way sooner than later ! You have to keep going. Do t let the haters kill your vibe !

[@cozy9103]

Took a long at your LinkedIn, I’m by no means a hiring manager but here are a few reasons why you probably didn’t get the job offer 1. Internships, you did quite a few internships but none were with any major players just start up. 2. Bloated experiences, you are 25 with 16 job experiences lasting from 2 months no longer than 2 years. Looks like job hopping/ resume padding 3. Maybe the content creation?

[@josephkozlowski684]

I think content creation could be a factor and also i haven’t looked at the linkedin but if there are so many jobs you may be right and recruiters might see that as a red flag. I’ve talked with my uncle that has commented about looking for candidates that have prolonged job experiences.

[@davidenjambre3367]

Hey Tamer, sorry that you had to get laid off. My bet is you will bounce back in no time. I am a mechanical engineer student and at the point where I need to find internships. Although there are openings I am a bit nervous because of I have zero work experience, but watching your videos helps me learn news things. Thanks for sharing a tough situation your in and the steps your taking to meet your goals.

[@alexisallain7834]

Dude I absolutely love your content ! Keep up the good work !

[@hassanhashmi549]

Keep your head up, king 👑

[@stillthinkinggg]

I don't comment much (well more so now) but I've been watching your content for awhile. I'm not an engineering major but I am going into software engineering after graduation and despite the differences in our technical backgrounds I still appreciated your content because of this sort of anti-gatekeeping vibe you bring in a place that feels kinda gatekeepy in some respects. I also like how this channel keeps things realistic. None of that endless glorifying of engineering either because it's not all sunshine and rainbows. You show us the ups and downs and that's far more commendable to me than simply showing just the good. The channel helped me curb my expectations too and I'm a much better person for it. Cheers mate you'll get back on it soon enough!

[@TamerShaheen]

I actually really love this comment, so maybe you should comment more often haha. But, my goal was always to be transparent and not gate-keep because engineering and tech in general is such a gate-keeping industry with the mentality of "every one for themselves" which I didn't like.

[@Inceptionxg]

Do you know anyone so good at computer coding plus AI??

[@romeodiaz8436]

Your videos helped me out so much in advancing as a ME student and how to write proper emails, resumes, portfolios, and connections. Don't let the hate get to you, just know your experiences are helping alot of us out!

[@hannuccia]

I really respect your vulnerability. Makes me feel like I'm not alone

[@eatyocereal229]

Hey Tamar, I have been watching your content for the past year and i truly appreciate it. I think the business idea is absolutely something you should pursue, as it encompasses the teaching that you like so much and provides everyone access to knowledge just like this channel does. I am just barely going into my first year of university later this year, and i am already feeling more prepared becuase of your content. I personally would be very interested in the business, as i think it would help me get to the engineering positions i want. You would be doing not only yourself but also me and a ton of other people a favor by starting this business. I understand that stability is something you value very much right now, but from my understanding, you will be the most stable a few years after you start your own business. Good luck in whatever path you may pursue. I will keep checking up on you on this channel, so you better post! Have a good one.

[@pannsukhine839]

Hi Tamer! I am also a mechanical engineering student studying in Thailand. I do like your videos and they motivate me. You are doing great in your career and business. I am waiting for your business about mechanical engineering. I believe it will be the greatest.

[@trevorbutzow267]

I have loved every one of your videos that I’ve watched, I’m studying engineering and I find your content super helpful and interesting!

[@ParisShenae]

Thank you for always sharing your utmost transparency ❤ you’re so strong and one of the guiding leader’s encouraging and inspiring engineers all over the world 🌎 I normally don’t comment but just want to let you know I watch and like your videos. Please continue and feel free to take time whenever you need 🎉❤ we’re all rocking with you 💪🏾

[@chronicles6065]

You are amazing little bro! You have no control over that company running low on funds and getting rid of the project just stay focused, keep searching, and you are bound to find a more permanent gig. I have been seeing people all over getting laid off so you are not alone!

[@Opin10n]

Dude said “little bro” 😂😂😂

[@sawrangpatesounds]

hey, im 20 I’ve been watching your videos since I was in high school (I don’t usually leave any comments) but hope you get over this hurdle man. I’m doing engineering at UofT and really got back into your content to look for summer internships. All the best brother, appreciate your videos!

[@Michael-jd2ki]

I’m still in highschool but don’t let yourself get too down. Hold you self accountable for stuff for sure and aim high but don’t forget you have far/much greater accomplishments than most people at your stage and tons of experience/creativity. I don’t have the most insight but I’m hoping and know things will eventually get right for you, you work really hard. Stay focused I believe all things will work out for you!

[@rischio7678]

Stay strong my brother

[@jesalpatel6561]

Brother we highly appreciate you sharing your experience and learning with such honesty....Wish you the best. And there is lot to learn from your content. I am a Mechanical Engineering design Technoligist based in GTA.

[@kareemakram3676]

Dude ur very special in every way keep it up

[@lisalotravels]

bro dw. i got you! thank you for making content! I just got rejected as well for apple final round 😭 it definitely hurts. keep going, we’re only 25!

[@lmaosadas9505]

Keep it up man, first year year mechanical engineer student. Look to your videos for a while now actually.

[@TamerShaheen]

Ayy good luck with your first year :)

[@lasangrecibaeno]

Tamer, you are still young and growing mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. As a fellow person in engineering, although my specialty is electrical engineering, you are so awe-inspiring and I wish I could meet up with you for coffee in the future. Perhaps consider moving to another state like Florida so we can hang out.

[@christinecamley]

You will be okay. People start over at different ages in life. The younger, the easier, so it’s good knowing you are only 25. Many people haven’t even figured out their lives at 25! I could argue that you are so ahead of some people. It’s not a competition. I wish you the very best. It’s a time of adjustment.

[@bf2108]

Hi Tamer! I'm from Brazil... Your channel inspired me to continue my graduation, thank you for that, your videos opened my mind to some areas. Now I'm a CAE engineer and I'm almost at the end of my master's degree!

[@calicoesblue4703]

You're Good bro, don't let the haters stop you. You are in a great field. You will succeed bro. Get your Degree bro & you will be Good.

[@ucheanyanwu5972]

I think it's been a while since I viewed your channel last, and wow... You've grown 🙂

[@JasonGoodison]

You're a great youtuber and engineer Tamer. Keep in there man. I've definitely stopped myself from posting because of hate comments too

[@TamerShaheen]

they get the best of us sometimes

[@Har00786]

Keep it up bro ur gunna be successful one day 😊

[@yousif4785]

Don’t let the hate get to you man. If it makes you feel any better you’ve really done a lot to help me out. When I went into engg, I was so nervous, really didn’t think I could do it. I just didn’t think I was smart enough. I used to watch your vids and it gave me a lot of comfort. I’m graduating this year, and I am currently going through the job application process. Ignore those guys, cause you’ve definitely been a huge help.

[@upgood]

Tamer brother. You make hands down the best mech content online. You are the reason why I created my youtube channel about mech as well. Getting into these FAANG companies is largely luck, you know this. You've proven yourself to be worthy time and time over again with your internships. What you are doing with your own business is much more impressive to me than getting an offer at Apple. Keep your head up king, you have personally changed my life.

[@jdcharlie]

Dear Tamer, people will always talk. Let them. Take time off if you need it and come back when and if you can. Stay strong. Sending love from Nigeria.

[@karimmanzur9886]

Hey Tamer love the content bro. Sorry to hear you’re back on the job hunt. Wanted to say that I hear a lot of bad stories about software bootcamps. Be careful. A few students from my engineering program ended up getting entry level software engineer roles. You can definitely do it on your own.

[@TamerShaheen]

Interesting to know, thank you for sharing that! I've heard some negative things about certain software bootcamps as well.

[@anhthanglehoang574]

I got you, bro. I'm 25 years old and just started my journey in electrical engineering this year in Romania. I graduated in chemistry in 2021 and worked as an R&D assistant engineer in a tire company in Vietnam when I realized I needed to learn more about automation and machines that I liked.

[@michelleluu4053]

Keep making videos ! Im an electrical engineering major and Ive cried because Ive failed and almost dropped out multiple times. Your videos always crack me up and motivates me to keep going. Sometimes it gets lonely when all your friends are having fun and all youre doing is studying and cant afford to stop studying. Dont let the hate get to u.

[@TamerShaheen]

I appreciate that!

[@iamabdirazak]

woow ur video quality has skyrocketed. 👏👏

[@TamerShaheen]

HAHA thank you

[@areds7264]

Love your content. A video on all mechanical engineering concepts that you have encountered in all of your interviews so far would help a lot of people. All the best on your business idea project. I hope it comes out soon.

[@saifullahhabeebullah1353]

Hi Tamer, you will definately have it together Insha Allah, keep giving it your all man!

[@amrhassan5460]

You're an inspiration to absolutely all of us. I personally was able to find a full time engineering role before even graduating thanks to your videos. Don't listen to the haters, keep working and prove them wrong!!

[@TamerShaheen]

I'm so happy to hear that, this is amazing! Where are you working now?

[@amrhassan5460]

@@TamerShaheen I'm working at a company called Esteyco in Madrid, Spain. Completing my degree online while working after applying your advice on making a portfolio, having personal projects, looking for internships, learn the required skills on your own. Making a portfolio as an electrical engineer is a bit of a challenge but we did it😂 started watching your videos in 2022 and it absolutely paid off. 3 internships and a full time job since then, very grateful 🙏

[@sshankar8639]

you are the best dude... trust me coz i learned a lot from your videos......

[@TamerShaheen]

makes me happy to hear :)

[@zionlouis9930]

Hey don’t let the hater ruin u. You help me a lot as a fellow meche to get my first internship and job. It’s a tough market right now but I know you will bounce back!

[@yaadang]

I gotta respect the hustle man, i graded in Materials Engineering and also got laid off 6 months ago after 2 years as a software consultant (Had passable skills from projects in IT) and it sucked for the pased 6 months i doubled down on IT and got more certs and projects etc. while looking for jobs to no luck. This month i switched back into engineering pure and manged to land a PM role. Excited to see how that works out but still feel i have a foot in IT. Hope this lil rant helps you feel you aren't alone as ive felt the passed 6 months too, alot you said and did was and is exactly me right now

[@user-uf5ui7dw3u]

Idea for the business is Golden Tamer! Using the lessons on the job hunt to make a platform is noble and worthwhile excited to see the progress!

[@TamerShaheen]

Ya haha...I'm struggling, so others don't have to

[@redtaylorsversion8492]

he's finally back!

[@JoseOlivarez-wh9dl]

head up bro keep at it

[@unseenftbl3681]

Hey bro, I have been watching you years and you have inspired me to do engineering. I wish you well and don’t let the haters get to you. Happy Ramadan.❤

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you so much and Ramadan Kareem :)

[@stivicanka2703]

Hey, Tamer! Really related to this video. It is tough for our generation out there. Keep up your amazing work!

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you!

[@professional.hacker.]

Your doing so great keep up!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EI.01]

Friend don't let that happen to you, don't let your Haters win you in your own game Do it your way, your videos helped me a lot i wasn't that good in physics but watching your videos about day in the life of an Engineer, it really helped me a lot it Changed my fears of studying physics and i became much Interested in studying it. Thank you keep it up ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TamerShaheen]

Happy to hear that :)

[@victorolasunkanmi8431]

First I think you are one of the most transparent content creators, and I have learnt from you 👌🏼. Also for the platform that you are working on I don’t mind working on it also for free

[@rockskate15]

Great video!! Keep it up!!

[@tamimuddin8077]

I wish you good luck brother.

[@hugolopez939]

Man so sorry to hear Tamer, as someone graduating this year i am very worried lol

[@TamerShaheen]

I think it's just start-ups that are very unstable

[@gigolokano1917]

The job hunt never ends. Always keep your eyes open for vacancies in other companies, even if you're currently employed.

[@kojochang9155]

You're one of the most inspiring engineers I've seen.

[@TamerShaheen]

That's so kind of you, thank you so much

[@izzymrt.6900]

Nah dude I look up to you from where you came from. You are trying to get that dream job unlike other people here. I liked that you shared you got rejected because it makes me feel like it’s not only me who gets rejected but other people do as-well. Keep your head up bro and make them good videos. I look forward to your career update because I have a similar situation to you so I would like to see where I can go as well. 👊 Btw I’m open to a more hands on approach career wise, looking into the defense sector. Would you or anyone have advise how to land a test/field engineer role with defense companies? Thank you!

[@abdulmukitmiah]

Tamer man just wanted to let you know I got accepted in software engineering recently. Thanks to you I am excited to start engineering next session at university. Wish me good luck and I wish you also a lot of luck and the best of it to you 😀

[@shaheertanveer7994]

You're one of the reasons why I started enjoying my projects in core chemical engineering. Hearing you getting laid off again is heartbreaking.

[@TamerShaheen]

I'm just happy I brought you value

[@nickeynicky1532]

Hi Tamer. I remember being in a crisis trying to decide my major two years ago, and your channel was honestly a life saver. I really admire your work ethic. Sometimes, I really just want to give up but seeing how hard you work is so inspiring and makes me want to keep going too. Haters be hating because they ain't happy with themselves. You got this

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you so much :)

[@joshuamccrae4681]

Been watching you since before my freshman year. I'm now a junior studying mechanical engineering and am in the thick of internship applications. I couldn't have gotten to where I am today without your videos! Keep your head up and thank you for all your help so far :)

[@learningkola1871]

New grad, intl student, job market has been unforgiving. You got this too! I'm also looking into Comp Eng or SWE master's coming from a aero/mechE background. There were a lot of automotive EV companies hiring a while back for hardware/software integration roles

[@alwandemlotshwa2323]

I think it’s time to do your masters Tamer. I think it’ll open up more opportunities.

[@Amin2k]

Life can be very very stressful sometimes, but learning how to deal with stress is the best thing i have ever done.

[@thesaucegroup1877]

Sometimes hate comments are right...

[@Valhalla1756]

Hey, just remember that you’re still so young! I know it’s difficult to put how young you are in perspective of other people, but trust me, you have time! You’re doing pretty well for yourself so far. I’m going to be 35 this year and I had to stop going to school for M.E. But I know I’ll go back eventually. Time isn’t a factor for you right now.