Ach,
Most guys have no idea how beneficial this will all be to your future as an Engineer.
You can laugh all the way to the bank. Think of the job security, you are in one of the most sought after disciplines on the market, across the globe. Even during this recession, Engineers have been the last to go.
I bet your Ph.D. is fully paid for as well. 5 years from now you will be set my friend.
Good luck,
