When I got bored with software engineering, I decided to invest in developing leadership skills and to try to build teams. Many people (myself included) are motivated by the impact their career can have. The impact of a great leader is exponentially larger than that of a direct contributor (based on the number people they can typically influence, and the amount of resources at their disposal to pursue “bigger” ideas)…
Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
141–150 of 164 posts
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#142When I got bored with software engineering, I decided to invest in developing leadership skills and to try to build teams. Many people (myself included) are motivated by the impact their career can have. The impact of a great leader is exponentially larger than that of a direct contributor (based on the number people they can typically influence, and the amount of resources at their disposal to pursue “bigger” ideas)…
Did you invest in getting a MBA degree ?
Maybe that will change in the future.
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#143I took the chance to be CTO at a startup. However, one of the CEOs was quite a critical person who yelled at female workers, thus I decided to quit. Fortunately, I always kept a strong relationship to my former employer who wanted me to be their co-CEO.
Nowadays I do not really find time to write software. However, I still give directions and choose technology to use.
I’m still thinking, that currently I’m not where I want to be. So I find this discussion quite interesting.
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#1442. I left because I got old. Twelve hours of concentration just isn't worth it any more.
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#1451. Started a recruiting agency https://www.ericgong.com 2. Everyone hates the recruiting industry so it's ripe for disruption with an actual technical recruiter.
Your logo is almost identical to the International School of Geneva's. It doesn't really matter I guess, just something I noticed. https://www.ecolint.ch/sites/default/files/logo_eig_bleu.png
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#146Earlier quoted context omitted.
Do you tow a car or drive the rv around town?
Drive the (26’ motorhome) RV. Somewhat limiting in cities, but the rest of the time it’s so much easier not towing. And there are tricks for dealing with cities, like parking on the edge and biking in. Or finding RV friendly lots using google maps satellite images. Lately cities have far less to offer (no museums, galleries, restaurants, etc.) so it’s hike and bike and enjoy the beautiful country.
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#147Earlier quoted context omitted.
What kind of tinkering would you do? Have you thought of switching to a low paying but more fulfilling job?
Right now, woodworking and gardening. Later, who knows. Probably I'll circle back around to programming, but building things for myself instead of for other people. I'm not really sure what I'd find more fulfilling in the day-to-day of salaried employment. In an abstract sense, sure, I could build websites to help orphaned puppies find forever homes instead of to help people find mattresses or whatever. However, if o…
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#1481. Selling real estate, raising kids, planning for various future investments and opportunities. 2. I was in software for 20+ years. It was all I had ever wanted to do from the time I was 13. In hindsight, I’d say you have a phase of the moon in which to make your money and get out. It’s a brutal industry and you will likely face burn out at some point and you need to be prepared for that moment. I was in many differ…
However, I haven't really started real estate business properly, and still have day job. Do you have any advice for software devs to transition to real estate?
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#149Earlier quoted context omitted.
Why do you consider tech brutal?
Do we work in the same field? It’s mentally exhausting. You get into it thinking you’re gonna build cool shit, instead you jump through hoops for business school grads as they come up with shitty ideas and try to apply their shitty high pressure motivation tactics on you.
Re: Ask HN: Former software engineers, what are you doing now?
#1501. Selling real estate, raising kids, planning for various future investments and opportunities. 2. I was in software for 20+ years. It was all I had ever wanted to do from the time I was 13. In hindsight, I’d say you have a phase of the moon in which to make your money and get out. It’s a brutal industry and you will likely face burn out at some point and you need to be prepared for that moment. I was in many differ…
Any advice for getting into real estate? Seems oversaturated to me