Hi there. From 3 years old, I always had a thing for building things and technology. I liked computers and building structures or ‘machines’ when playing with my toys. I still have the same passion now I’m 17-18. After some serious thought, my first school of choice in University is Electrical & Computer Engineering, and second Mechanical Engineering. I really love both subjects, I just have a talent in electronics, tech and computers so that’s why I’m going for EE first choice.

Now to the real topic. I really like playing video games, but it’s not constructive, is it? So I decided to occupy myself with making stuff like inventions, or fixing things, I hope you understand what I mean. I was astonished by circuit building so I invested on a mainstream soldering iron and solder wire. In general, part of my money are used on tools like screwdrivers, wire strippers etc. (when I visit a hardware store, I feel like I’m in Paradise!)

I really like doing this because it is my passion to tinker with things mentioned. I like learning from the Internet, watching tutorials on how to create this or fix this or how this works. So what I would like is some feedback. First of all, is it good to do this in my age? Also, I always want to learn stuff, I just don’t know how to organize the succession at which I should learn (for example, in electronics, should I start from core theory of electronic physics, how components work, or what?)
And last but not least: Could you suggest some resources about building simple machines at home?

If in anything you suggest there is math or physics it’s still welcome, so far it’s possible for a high school student to understand.

Thank you!

Right now, I am a junior in high school. I love physics,and math. The thing is I cant decide whether I should become/major in computer software engineering, computer hardware engineering, or electrical engineering. I really want to be more of an electrical engineer or maybe computer hardware engineer because I love messing around with electronic things and computer such as opening them up and looking around and learning all sorts of stuff about circuits and then putting them back together again. But then,I hear that computer software engineering pays quite well but I dont like coding and staring at computer screen and typing and all. I love “physical stuff.” My parents want me to be a computer software engineer but I am quite vacillating. My first choice is electrical engineering though. I want to know whether electrical engineering would pay a lot. I dont have to stay in silicon valley.I can travel anywhere in the USA or even other developed nations as long as I make good money and like what I am doing and having a good life. So please help me!!