21–30 of 94 posts
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think you'll find this same problem with all of the high paid (physical) jobs, unless you invent the next macarena or something.
Quite possibly true. Unless it builds on things I already know.
Could try an extended leave of absence to do a short-term, physically intensive project (like habitat for humanity or some type of volunteer/relief effort) -- that way you see if you actually like it. It's possible that semi-regular breaks are rejuvenating to the point that you don't need to embark on an entirely different career. That or UFC.
That made me smile because an extended leave is exactly what I tried in May/June, going on a bike trip across Europe. Unfortunately it didn't rekindle my love for my job.
Lawrence: Fuckin' A, man!
I think there's plenty of opportunity. I've run into engineers (some software, some not) who work on wind turbines, technology in developing countries, or oceanography... I'm sure plenty of folks will mention the military, as well. I think there's absolutely opportunities out there, though most of the ones I can think of will involve lots of travel.. hopefully that's not a problem for you.
Here's what I've found. Starting on a new career path is a crappy proposition. Most of the trades that have been suggested do either require extensive training and preparation, or some degree of paying your dues (as with any industry). However, what really killed it for me is that basically I would be doing contract work (we all know how that goes - ebbs and flows) for about 150% less than I do now.
Here's my current solution to this issue. Change of working environment and the addition of a second job. Boy am I busy NOW!
To change environments I decided to go solo contractor, get my 3g tethering setup on my iphone, get my laptop, and now I go as far out into the wilderness as possible while still getting 3g signal, and I work from the shade of a tree in nature. I try to do that for at least 50%-60% of my work. It has helped tremendously!
I've also spent a great deal of my extra sports time brushing up on skills that I had thought would never be an actual part of my life - shooting. This is something that doesn't require formalized instruction or training - although there is plenty of that available. The additional benefit is that I can now instruct others how to properly, safely, and boldly handle a firearm - and to use it effectively. This not only solidifies the knowledge I already have (teaching others is by FAR the best way to get something deeeeply rooted into you), but gives me an opportunity to be outside doing something physical, make money, and give back in an area where there is a DESPERATE need for quality instruction without ego (there is sooooo much ego in the shooting work it's sickening).
This particular path has actually relieved a tremendous amount of stress in my life and opened up opportunities and connections with people and communities that I never expected. It's quickly becoming a secondary career path. My new mission is to find a way to bring both worlds together - find a need in the market that fits a shooting developer ;) and fill it.
I'm currently a certified instructor of the C.A.R. System by SabreTactical http://www.sabretactical.com and the civilian variant IPD Systems.
PM me - you're in my head. lol get outta my head get outta my head!!!
Underwater welding ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbaric_welding ) and dive engineering are extremely lucrative, physically demanding and exciting jobs. A friend makes 6 figures and gets to travel to exotic places to boot.
That sounds very cool, but probably requires multiple years of training (with little income).
Somewhat wishing I had made a more vocational career choice such as plumber or electrician. I have an interest in both and have done a significant amount on my own, but they both require training and apprenticeship to be officially certified in my state.
Unfortunately it's a little late in life to make a career change like that work economically, so I'm thinking about getting a Treadmill desk and requesting more time working from home.
Has anyone tried a treadmill desk? Something like the TrekDesk: http://www.trekdesk.com/ How did it work? Was it awkward or difficult to do actual work?
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Quite possibly true. Unless it builds on things I already know.
What are your areas of physical expertise or experience?
But I actually think that there might be a middle ground that involves sports and engineering. Perhaps a product or service and a reason to jump on the startup train.
Oilfield roughneck. Work the rigs for a few years, then go back home and write software for the oil & gas industry.
roughneck (drilling): "A low-ranking member of the drilling crew. The roughneck usually performs semiskilled and unskilled manual labor that requires continual hard work in difficult conditions for many hours. After roughnecks understand how the rig operates and demonstrates their work ethic, they may be promoted to other positions in the crew."
"This might actually refer to roughneck duties, or to one of the other crew positions, such as lead tong operator, motorman, derrickman, assistant driller or even driller."
http://www.glossary.oilfield.slb.com/Display.cfm?Term=roughn...
Do you have experience with this? Likes/dislikes of the job?