I need to exercise and have a good career in order to be happy. I think obtaining a balance is very difficult for a lot of engineers to do. I find that my outside activities, like biking and volleyball are just as important as my career. Try to strike a balance. I have a B.S. in Engineering.
Most people actually take about five years to get their degree.
In my major, it was about two or three units shy of being considered a five-year degree. I think there are more and more requirements for engineering degrees as the years go by. Although I took college preparatory courses throughout high school, I didn't go straight into college. I took some time to have some fun and figure out what I wanted to do. I took a couple of years off and went to Vail, Colorado and skied and did other things.