I would agree with that yes buddy. My point was that some people need stimulation and a place to use their brain. Im no genius but I'm not stupid and the thought of my brain festering away and stagnating because I didn't use it to its full potential bothers me. I appreciate some people want an easy life and are happy to do such work but the OP said he was mechanically minded and is passionate and as you know that's two good traits for mechanical engineering. Its going to be hard whatever path he chooses but hard work and passion, more often that not pay off.
Just expanding on this a little, I need/enjoy brain stimulation. This was one of the primary reasons for my career change at 33.
I love the fault finding, fixing the problem and going home at the end of the day knowing and being able to show what I’ve achieved/built/fixed.
I didn’t get that satisfaction with sales/account management.
With that in mind, I’m always learning new skills. It allows me to vary the work I do and prevent repetitive boredom.
I’m fortunate that a family member is a 68 year old, life served, general builder. His experience and knowledge, which he’s passing to me has allowed me to do any job a “handy man” could.
My career is plumbing/gas but I can do roofing (tiles/felt/zinc/lead), patios/slabs, fences, carpentry, framing, hard wood floors, plastering, decorating, bathroom/kitchen installs.
I don’t pretend to customers that they are my primary trade but I’ve had customers beg me (even when I explain it will cost more for me to do the work than someone who’s primary trade it is) to do these other types of work because they trust/see the quality of my work.
I’m also not hesitant to say when I’m out of my depth and often work with/use my general builders wealth of knowledge.
I guess what I’m getting at, is I could be classed as a handy man, albeit, an over qualified one!