Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#1

Post by novask » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:10 PM UTC

I've had 7 development jobs and I haven't enjoyed any of them. I'm not that great at it and I can't handle the stress any more.

I need an exit plan but I have no idea where to go. I want a job that's about half as technically demanding as fullstack-wear-every-hat jobs at $70k-80k.

Could I get some ideas?

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#2

Post by gardenfelder » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:15 PM UTC

Consider specializing on some technology (e.g. Javascript) and focus on that.

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#3

Post by muzani » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:24 PM UTC

What about the typical career moves - design, product, sales, or management?

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#4

Post by wryoak » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:25 PM UTC

Why did you get into development anyway? You'll probably find some clues there as to where to go.

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#5

Post by auslegung » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:26 PM UTC

Technical project manager, product manager, product owner. Engineering manager. Scrum Master. As long as you enjoy leadership any of these options should do quite well. Being technically-savvy is usually an asset in these positions, and you should be able to make good money.

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#6

Post by nanonic » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:29 PM UTC

Are you someone that gets energy from working with people or working solo on tasks? I used to have a similar challenge, I stopped enjoying my technically demanding job until I realized that there was just as much value to be had from my time share my experience and skills with other geeks in my field. It made what I do enjoyable again and also got me to accept my value as a story-teller and education when I had convinced myself that I probably would only ever have my technical abilities to lend to my job.

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#7

Post by giantg2 » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:30 PM UTC

I'm in the same position. Management wants a full stack / multiple stack midlevel dev for like $85k per year. I think the expectations are ridiculous, especially since they wont train.

I loved the first 3 years of my career, but then the company showed its politics and started to screw me over... and over...

I'm upvoting and hoping to see some good responses.

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#8

Post by giantg2 » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:32 PM UTC

auslegung wrote: post #5

Technical project manager, product manager, product owner. Engineering manager. Scrum Master. As long as you enjoy leadership any of these options should do quite well. Being technically-savvy is usually an asset in these positions, and you should be able to make good money.

What if you can't tolerate the BS that comes with those positions?

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#9

Post by dglass » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:33 PM UTC

How about a technical support role? You still get to solve technical problems and you're helping/interacting with customers directly without being responsible for shipping new features or fixing production downtime incidents.

Re: Ask HN: I can't do development any more, what should I transition to?

#10

Post by novask » Thu, Sep 03, 2020, 11:37 PM UTC

nanonic wrote: post #6

Are you someone that gets energy from working with people or working solo on tasks? I used to have a similar challenge, I stopped enjoying my technically demanding job until I realized that there was just as much value to be had from my time share my experience and skills with other geeks in my field. It made what I do enjoyable again and also got me to accept my value as a story-teller and education when I had convi…

Working solo. If I could maintain some servers or gear in a remote location or something, that would be perfect.