Yep. My engineering career was cut short because of bad career decisions and a long-term illness. You probably have more stories to tell than I.

Maybe there is a book on this topic.

I have divided engineers into five categories:

1 out of 5 engineers really know their stuff. They are truly compentent

3 out of 5 engineers do a reasonable job, but can only do that reasonable job because the truly competent engineers have set up systems for them not to screw up too much.

1 out of 5 engineers are truly incompetent. But they manage to find enough bluff and bluster to keep their job--or find a new job after they get fired.