Reading is rarely a waste of time. Who knows, maybe you won't be an engineer forever? Maybe you'll become management, or leadership? Reading will help. Maybe you'll read something that will inspire you to switch careers? More reading will help you get there. And then of course there's reading to start and carry conversations. You'll be surprised what asking, "Have a book you recommend?" can do.

Finally, if you have children, reading is a great habit to instill in them. Trial and error is a good way to learn, but it's time consuming and sometimes painful. Reading is one of few shortcuts in life that's not a fool's errand.