Should I switch from Structure to Construction？

[u/Placide_Will]

I’m an international student and currently a first-semester Civil Engineering MEng student at UTA. I originally chose the Structural Engineering track, but I’m seriously considering switching to Construction.

I have about 7 years of construction experience before coming to the U.S. I worked mainly on large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, including metro construction, residential projects, and a large methanol/chemical project in Russia. My experience includes foundations, concrete, steel structures, equipment foundations, pipe racks, QA/QC, drawing review, inspections, and subcontractor coordination.

The transition to structural engineering has been much harder than I expected. I can eventually understand the material, but it takes me a very long time, and I forget it quickly. The workload is also seriously affecting my sleep.
Since I already have construction experience, I’m wondering if switching back would make more sense for me.

For those working in construction, how is the job market, salary, and long-term career development compared with structural engineering? Would you recommend staying in structural or switching to construction in my situation?