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Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

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Re: Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

#81

If you have a college degree and are willing to go through what essentially is an apprenticeship for 2 years, Residential Real Estate appraisal is not a bad gig. I’m just now getting my license after apprenticing since 2019, and there is a lot of work to be had in large metro areas (I’m in the Phoenix area). Having a degree gets you the highest level of licensure, but even with just specific appraisal classes alone a…

That sounds incredible, honestly I am quite jealous as it sounds like a grind to get to where you are. I will have to look into this more. I have always enjoyed real estate related stuff so maybe this could be a good calling.

Appreciate the sentiment, and I’m glad to have been afforded the opportunity to have a faster track into this than most. Another reason why there is such a lack of working appraisers now is the same reason why it was easier for me to find a supervisor to train me: You either have family in the industry, or a close friend that gets you a foot in the door.

I will be a 3rd generation appraiser, following in the footsteps of my father (who has been in the industry at different levels for 30+ years), and his father (who got into the profession my answering a newspaper ad for FHA appraisers). For the longest time I balked at going into “the family business”, and it took me beating my head against a wall at places that didn’t give a shit about me or my skills to find the one place both of those things were taken seriously.

A side note for those reading this that have ADHD, I cannot stress how much of an overlap there is with appraisers and having some sort of attention disorder. This is not a bad thing, but a pattern I’ve noticed in talking to appraisers from around the US, but many of us seem to have self selected into a profession that works really well with the way that some forms of ADHD work. The specific report forms we fill provide structure and readability of the written reports we prepare, but the randomness and dopamine hit of a new subject and comparable sales to analyze every report keep it fresh.

Any questions anyone has, more than happy to answer!

Re: Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

#82

I transitioned from software development into a fairly technical documentation position. Get paid more than I ever did as a software developer, and my previous employer was no slouch for pay. If you love writing and communication, it could be a good choice for you! But if you hate writing essays and playing with beta-quality software, stay far, far away.

Wow, also very interested in this. I'd love spend more time writing.
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