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Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
21–30 of 570 posts
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#22I'd like to do something that does not involve looking at screens all the time. As it is, I'm stuck with my one skill that's highly valued until I can finish paying off my loans.
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#23Mechanical Engineering -- I work through a different mechanics textbook once a year, or so, for fun. I think I enjoy the theory of how the physical world works more than the practice, which keeps me where I am. :)
Really nice to know that someone shares the same sentiment as me!
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#24If I could earn what I do building things with my hands, I would do
It in a heartbeat
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#25as a hobbyist, I don't think I would ever do anything else.
as an employee/employer, become a technician. everybody needs repair work, and very few can call the result maintainable and sustainable. focusing on residential areas helps, too.
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#26Picked up metalworking while in high school, always figured it could make a decent backup plan.
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#27I haven't thought about it yet. If I ever do something else, it would probably be another application of programming, like math or data science.
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#28If I could make a much money as I do now, I still don't think I'd choose something else. If I did it would probably be, in order:
- Robotics (more on the hardware side)
- Woodworking
- Custom motorcycle/classic car building and restoration
The common theme for me is the creative problem solving, building things in general, and attention to detail/craftsmanship specifically that maintain my attention. As it is those are all hobbies of mine, so I still get to dabble while making a good living doing another thing I really love.
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#29A few years ago, I briefly considered going back to school, getting a degree in Exercise & Sports Science, and getting into athletic training. But in the end, I could never quite convince myself to do it, and the moment passed. I also flirted with the idea of becoming a private detective a couple of times in my life. I actually still find that idea somewhat interesting, but I doubt I'd ever make the money doing that, that I make in software. And here in NC the training requirements to become licensed are somewhat onerous, so I doubt I'll ever pursue it.
Re: Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?
#30Thought about it, and then tried it. I followed my dream and started a creative project that had been dogging me for a long time. EVERYBODY wanted me to do it. Family, friends, people on the street with whom I discussed it. I expected it to be a big moneymaker. And it didn't work out. Not only that, but it became very clear that it was a really poor fit for me on a fundamental level.
I'm glad for the experience, though.
Going back to programming, here's what I figured out:
- I was working on stuff I didn't enjoy, with people I didn't particularly care about.
- I was taking on new work projects without any particular selection criteria.
- I wasn't thinking about the kinds of work that got me excited about programming and chasing it down.
So I recently nailed the first two back into place. I'm working closer to my values system rather than paychecks. In exchange, I'm just saving more money so I have more freedom.
Anyway, burnout is real. I thought I was done for sure and that my interest in programming and computers was a thing of the past. But that was just the burnout talking.
It helped to keep a journal during this time. Not a chronicle, but a thought-dump process in which I asked if my life was actually improving daily. That made it pretty quick to pinpoint my frustrations, as you can only write about the same pains a few times before you start to really zoom in on the causes and potential solutions.
Good luck to you, however it turns out.