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Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

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Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#11

Post by iposbeforehoes »

The most obvious advice is to choose from the infinite careers that leverage a technical background: project manager, business analyst, business development, sales, and anything else further in the leadership side of a technology company.

That is actually a natural progression for a lot of people in our field. I, personally, don't want to be a developer when I am 35, and I am already being tasked with more and more of the duties of the roles I mentioned above, and I like it. Have you been tasked with of the duties of other roles that are less development-oriented? Did you like it?

If your sole reason for wanting to switch really is your health issues, find out what professions leverage your previous technical knowledge, and further refine that list depending on which roles will work with your health issues. On a side note, it seems that most professional careers these days require that you sit a computer for long periods of times: lawyers, engineers of all fields, accountants, and finance professionals, etc. So keep that in mind.

Ultimately, you get one body, so make your health your first priority. And you only get one life so make sure you're doing what you want to do. Good luck.

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#12

Post by phaker »

cjbprime wrote: post #6

I've been thinking about whether photography could ever be my day job; it appeals to the same obsessive/perfectionist traits that coding uses in me. I think you'd have to be wealthy already to pull it off, though..

The problem with any "art-related" work is that it's not something practical / useful / necessary for anyone. People need programs, but no one needs photos, most often they want one, but could do perfectly without it. (There are some photos that people will really need done, but that's the worst kind of work, and not really profitable, so I assume you that's not what you want to do.)

If you are someone who makes stuff people want, but don't really need you'll be hit much worse by budget cuts, recessions etc. because your work is one they can do without easily.

I draw (and do some design stuff). I get some money out of this once in a while, but it's not much. I know that I could get more out of it if I tried harder. But that wouldn't mean doing more of what I like doing, I'd have to take work that I enjoy much less than programming. And I'd probably have trouble making ends meet, even if I was successful It'd wouldn't be a very dependable source of income.

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#13

Post by ams6110 »

cageface wrote: post #2

No idea, but it seems like most jobs these days require sitting in front of a computer all day. Five years ago I might have suggested going the Office Space route and taking up construction work but obviously that's not such a hot idea right now.

Construction is a very local thing. Where I am for example, there are more roadwork projects and construction projects (apartments/residential and commercial) going on right now than I can ever remember seeing.

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#14

Post by cjbprime »

phaker wrote: post #12
cjbprime wrote: post #6

I've been thinking about whether photography could ever be my day job; it appeals to the same obsessive/perfectionist traits that coding uses in me. I think you'd have to be wealthy already to pull it off, though..

The problem with any "art-related" work is that it's not something practical / useful / necessary for anyone. People need programs, but no one needs photos, most often they want one, but could do perfectly without it. (There are some photos that people will really need done, but that's the worst kind of work, and not really profitable, so I assume you that's not what you want to do.) If you are someone who makes stuf…

I think international photojournalism is practical/useful, and sometimes even world-changing if you can get the right shot. Quite the opposite of a computer day job, and probably not the sort of thing you want to try and juggle with having a family..

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#15

Post by blackboxxx »

It's worrisome you would ask a bunch of strangers what profession you should take up. We don't know you from Moses. We don't know if you like crossword puzzles, make your own maple syrup, or have a lisp. You need to write out a list of what you love to do then explore the possibilities.

For what it's worth, here is what I suggest: switch to a stand up desk for any computing tasks. I cobbled together an ugly ad hoc one and I could never go back.

Also, while you deliberate over what your new profession will be, get a job in retail or sales. The pay will suck but you'll be on your feet and interacting with human beings.

I wish you success!

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#16

Post by psykotic »

kunley wrote: post #9

I worked at a building site for a year in a remote place. That was non-profit actually (I also didn't have to spend money for being there) - building a meditation center with friends, but it was great time of my life. I got healthy and had a change to just think of some ideas without rush. I returned to the business with savings somewhat reduced , but with new energy to do stuff. I think with some courage any physica…

> It builds your constitution slowly but in a way that cannot be achieved in a gym, because it happens in a natural way, not artificially.

That has an appealing ring to it but could you be more specific? What's a concrete physical task that could not be accomplished by a well-rounded exerciser? I'm not talking about Mr Biceps Curl and his good friend Mr Triceps Kickback but someone who does a mix of pulling sleds, carrying sandbags, flipping tires, squatting and deadlifting, snatching and clean & jerking barbells, doing muscle-ups, iron crosses, front and back levers on the bars and rings, and whatever else you might include in a varied exercise regimen.

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#17

Post by natural219 »

blackboxxx wrote: post #15

It's worrisome you would ask a bunch of strangers what profession you should take up. We don't know you from Moses. We don't know if you like crossword puzzles, make your own maple syrup, or have a lisp. You need to write out a list of what you love to do then explore the possibilities. For what it's worth, here is what I suggest: switch to a stand up desk for any computing tasks. I cobbled together an ugly ad hoc on…

You know that he reads Hacker News. This piece of information alone tells me a whole lot about a person.

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#18

Post by wallflower »

Re: Health Issues

Assuming they are RSI related:

I highly recommend "Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries" by Sharon Butler

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572240393

RSI cannot be cured but it can be managed. For those of you who are fortunate to be able to take keyboard input for granted, please be wary of any soreness or minor pain. Over time, pain and soreness can become chronic. The bright side is dealing with RSI forces you to realize that you cannot take your career for granted; it gives you perspective.

Good luck! Be wary of magic solutions, something may not work for you.

Changing careers is not as black and white as most careers require significant computer work. You cannot escape computers in this modern age. Get the best help that you can, surgery is not a magic cure

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#19

Post by phaker »

cjbprime wrote: post #14
phaker wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem with any "art-related" work is that it's not something practical / useful / necessary for anyone. People need programs, but no one needs photos, most often they want one, but could do perfectly without it. (There are some photos that people will really need done, but that's the worst kind of work, and not really profitable, so I assume you that's not what you want to do.) If you are someone who makes stuf…

I think international photojournalism is practical/useful, and sometimes even world-changing if you can get the right shot. Quite the opposite of a computer day job, and probably not the sort of thing you want to try and juggle with having a family..

> international photojournalism is practical/useful

True, I was looking for a right word, but couldn't find it.

What I meant was that people and businesses need programmers. For most flavors of 'programmer' the demand is quite stable, and it isn't going away because "the economy is bad!". If you are e.g. a freelance webdeveloper (at least a reasonably good one) you can be sure that in the next year demand for your work will be comparable to this year's.

On the other hand, AFAICT demand for photographs is much more volatile (at least for most kinds of photographs), and I think it's because people find it much easier to do without them than without webpages when they need to cut something. I know it works this way for artwork. I might be wrong, just sayin'.

Re: Ask HN: Career Change to something without computers

#20

Post by dave1619 »

Might look into real estate and buying trustee sales at the courthouse steps and reselling for a profit. It usually takes a team of people. You could probably find some initial investors. It needs some computer work, but you'll be mostly running around seeing houses and overseeing rehabs. Money is decent.
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