I am an engineer too graduated in 2000 from NUS electrical engineering 2nd upper honours majoring in microelectronics.
Currently age is 35, started off worked as production engineer in chartered semiconductor, initial pay is high at 2750 per month. The cyclical nature of electronics manufacturing led to 2 retrenchment for past 11 years. Currently working in a new plant, same technical job scope earning $3900 per month.
Feeling the same way like you, similar to my engineering peers from same cohort. Only consolation is that we didnt go hungry, still qualify for BTO flats, and have understanding gf/wife.