Engineer Making 6-Figure Salary Quits to Work One-Off Jobs at Panda Express, McDonald’s and Frontier Airlines (Exclusive)

Engineer leaves 6-figure salary job for unconventional career path​

Drew Lee, a former engineer who walked away from a high-paying job to pursue a more fulfilling career, has shared his exclusive story. Lee, a Pennsylvania State University industrial engineering graduate, initially embarked on a traditional career path in his field with a promising six-figure salary. However, after a few years in the industry, Lee began to feel the weight of long hours, increasing stress, and added responsibility with each career advancement.

In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Lee disclosed that despite his financial stability with a net worth of $300,000 at 29, he found himself desiring a change. Feeling burnt out and disconnected from his work, Lee made the bold decision in 2020 to step back from his corporate role, craving a break from the relentless cycle. His financial stability provided him with the freedom to explore new avenues.

Following his departure from the engineering sector, Lee took up various roles, starting from positions at Panda Express to working at an Amazon warehouse. His primary goal during this period was to achieve mental clarity and rejuvenate his passion for life. Pursuing this newfound freedom, Lee engaged in part-time work to sustain himself while channeling his energy into creating financial content, an area he had always been passionate about but hadn’t fully pursued.

With the unwavering support of his wife, Lee delved into content creation focusing on financial education, an aspiration he had harboured for a long time. As his online presence grew, so did his resolve to fully commit to his newfound path. He departed from his engineering job once more to concentrate on expanding his online presence and generating revenue through social media platforms.

While navigating his unconventional career journey, Lee also undertook sporadic jobs, including a stint at Frontier Airlines. Embracing each role as an opportunity to optimise operations and streamline processes, Lee’s engineering background compelled him to seek efficiency relentlessly. He found joy in exploring new challenges and enhancing his skills across diverse industries.

Throughout these experiences, Lee remained committed to sharing his financial insights and journey with his audience, advocating for financial discipline and living below one’s means. With a current net worth exceeding $700,000, Lee emphasises the importance of managing expenses, avoiding debt, and making conscious financial decisions to attain long-term stability.

Lee recently secured a position at McDonald’s, allowing him to strike a balance between financial stability and creative pursuits. While uncertain about the sustainability of his current setup, Lee remains resolute in his belief that investing in oneself and pursuing true passions is a risk worth taking in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Lee’s story serves as a testament to the power of prioritising mental well-being, embracing unconventional career paths, and staying true to one’s passion despite societal norms. His journey highlights the importance of financial literacy, discipline, and perseverance in navigating life’s uncertainties and embracing new opportunities.