5 YOE, PE - in my current role, my job consists of dealing with aspects of geotechnical, hydraulic, and structural engineering. I manage projects, perform construction inspections, and review reports pertaining to our facilities (think water infrastructure).

I’m in a situation where I feel like I’m gradually learning things here and there, but I’m not actually gaining expertise in a certain field. I did hydraulic engineering for a couple years but did not reach a point of working completely independently. I feel that I’m missing something. Like I don’t have a particular expertise, where I couldn’t get hired to specifically design something. I like my job, but is it worth quitting to get some experience to actually become a subject matter expert in a specific field?

I worry if I hold off too much, it’ll be too late for me as I get older and I’m expected to already be an expert.