those working in utilities/SCADA/data centers — how do i become you?

TL;DR: for anyone already in SCADA, smart grid, or critical infrastructure—how did you make your jump? what would you tell someone like me who’s ready to pivot but doesn’t know where to start?

so i’m 28, just passed my PE (power), and i’m trying to figure out where the hell i fit in with all this utilities / SCADA / AI / data center madness. i had a massive ischemic stroke at 22—doctors still don’t know why—but i got through it, finished my EE degree, and now i’m here. feels like i’ve been playing catch-up since then, but also like i’m on the edge of something huge.

right now i’m a utility designer working on resiliency projects—replacing wood poles with steel, new anchors and guys, reconductoring copper to aluminum. i use PoleForeman, GDT, Maximo, NJUNS, and live in Entergy standards. it’s good work but… i keep asking myself: is this really pointing me toward the future grid?

every time i read about SCADA systems, smart grids, and data centers chugging power like they’re training for a world record, i think—YES. THAT’S where i want to be. but then my brain’s like:
• “do you need certs?”
• “a new degree??”
• “wait… are you already on the path and just too in your own head to see it??”

i don’t want to be standing on the platform while the train’s halfway out of the station. i want to get on and help keep this whole thing running while AI is trying to eat the grid alive.

for anyone already in SCADA, smart grid, or critical infrastructure—how did you make your jump? what would you tell someone like me who’s ready to pivot but doesn’t know where to start?