I was chatting with my chum Adam Taylor just a couple of minutes ago as I pen these words. Adam and I have been working on a trio, triad, or troika, if you will, of blogs aimed at newcomers to the engineering profession in which we discuss how to get a job in engineering and — once you have one — how to keep it (please take a look at Part 1 and tell me what you think).

During our rambling conversation, the topic of Christmas presents for our spouses came up. I may have casually mentioned that I’m currently in the process of building a faithful recreation of an 1820 Welsh Dresser for my wife (Gina the Gorgeous). (“Ha! Top that!” I thought.)

I also noted that this bodacious beauty is going to boast a number of secret compartments containing interesting things, including my last will and testament. This led Adam to comment that there may well be a substantial number of old, rich engineers roaming around the world, many lacking any family members to whom they can leave their stash of cash.

Adam mentioned one engineering acquaintance in particular who has millions of UK pounds at his disposal but no remaining family. (With regard to being married, Adam says his friend is fond of commenting that he “never made the same mistake once.”) Adam went on to note that his friend’s only recourse is to spend his money frivolously and furiously or leave it to charity.

The scary thing is that, if you don’t specify what you want to happen to your estate and there’s no one to claim it, then the government will snaffle the lot and — knowing governments as we do — fritter it away on things you would doubtless disapprove.

Adam says that it would be nice if these older engineers could leave their assets to benefit younger members of the profession who need the support. I totally agree and, opportunely, I have a sagacious suggestion. Like all engineers, I’m a problem solver at heart and — in this case — the solution seems self-evident. I’m a younger engineer (at least, compared to an older one) and I am sorely lacking lucre, so I’m prepared to selflessly offer myself as a recipient. Should any surprise bequests come my way, I promise to give them a good home and to do my best to spread the joy.

In conclusion, to any qualifying (old, rich, etc.) engineers out there, I’ve done my part by writing this blog, so the metaphysical “boing” sound you hear is the metaphorical ball landing on your side of the court. Over to you…