Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#1

Post by pcurve » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:00 PM UTC

I worked nonstop for the past 20 years in tech / design space, and wanted a break. I also wanted to spend some time with family.

I'll take at least 6 months off.

But then I'd need to look for a job, but I really don't like the idea of going back to doing the same thing... i.e. web/app design/dev work for larger corporations.

So I'm open to doing something completely different, even if it pays 1/3rd.

Has anyone here made successful transition to field outside technology?

Any advice in general would be appreciated.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#2

Post by spicyusername » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:09 PM UTC

Public Schools are looking for STEM teachers.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#3

Post by gsatic » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:10 PM UTC

Content moderator for large corp. They look for ppl with more life experience apparently.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#4

Post by plim8481 » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:12 PM UTC

spicyusername wrote: post #2

Public Schools are looking for STEM teachers.

How would you break in to this without going through school again to get certified?

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#5

Post by LarryMade2 » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:14 PM UTC

plim8481 wrote: post #4

spicyusername wrote: post #2

Public Schools are looking for STEM teachers.

How would you break in to this without going through school again to get certified?

If you have the knowledge they might hire you as a teachers assistant helping the teacher with curricula and teaching the subject.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#6

Post by dsr_ » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:16 PM UTC

plim8481 wrote: post #4

spicyusername wrote: post #2

Public Schools are looking for STEM teachers.

How would you break in to this without going through school again to get certified?

In almost every school district, there is an emergency rule that says that a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field is enough.

That said, unless you have a passion for teaching and an enormous tolerance for people making mistakes, I would avoid this.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#7

Post by PLenz » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:16 PM UTC

If you have a ability to not work for a few months I would look at the Volunteer in Parks program with National Park Service.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#8

Post by Jtsummers » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:17 PM UTC

plim8481 wrote: post #4

spicyusername wrote: post #2

Public Schools are looking for STEM teachers.

How would you break in to this without going through school again to get certified?

Many school systems (in the US) will hire on a provisional basis, especially for STEM teachers because they are often so desperate for them. You usually get 1-3 years to complete some certifications and then move into the regular CLP style continuous learning after that.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#9

Post by ispo » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:17 PM UTC

Start a PhD.

Re: Ask HN: In mid 40s. What non-tech job can I do?

#10

Post by hackyhacky » Sun, Nov 13, 2022, 6:18 PM UTC

I took some time off to teach. Years later, I'm still doing it.

I teach computer science and programming. This is a good field to go into, because (a) it applies my knowledge acquired from my earlier life as a developer, and (b) is always in demand. If you want to teach this, you will have no trouble getting a job at a high school, community college, or university.

I would also argue it's not, strictly speaking, a technology job. Teaching is a people-oriented job, regardless of the subject.