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

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

#61

Post by ayewo »

hackyhacky wrote: post #31
ispo wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The OP will easily get a tenured job in any tech related branch after a PhD, while just going directly for teaching (as others advised) would result in long term socioeconomic downgrade.

I have a feeling that you haven't worked in academia. There are no tenured jobs that are easy to get, for the simple reason that firing tenured faculty is intentionally difficult. Tenure-track positions at any reputable university, and even disreputable ones, are highly competitive are require a history of research, in addition to the PhD. Mostly fresh PhDs need to do at least one post-docs in order to be considered…

madengr [1] replied to you but I can’t reply to them because their comment is dead.

I just commented to say that it appears madengr has been shadow banned.

I have no idea why they are shadow banned but the comment they left here was reasonable.

https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=madengr

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

#62

Post by umeshunni »

leethomas wrote: post #60
ljf wrote: post #36

There are so many non-technical jobs in tech companies, which are so much better in the hands of someone that understands technology. Consider the skills and knowledge you have, and see where else you can apply them. Often these roles are far less stressful

> Often these roles are far less stressful What did you have in mind specifically? I can’t think of anything myself that doesn’t seem just as or more stressful and with less flexibility.

Technical Writing is an example.

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

#64

Post by javajosh »

trashface wrote: post #15
spicyusername wrote: post #2

Public Schools are looking for STEM teachers.

Possibly not great for men: "One of my sons works in early education. He can talk quite movingly about the stigma that you'll face as a man. People will question your motives. At worst, some people will suggest, either jokingly or not, that you might be motivated by pedophilia. "What is it about young kids that appeals to you?" is the kind of question you hear. There are some quite nasty stereotypes around men in tho…

Yes, the zeitgeist in the USA has shifted strongly against men across almost every dimension (and the left works hard to remain willfully ignorant about this). I think that, if I were working at a school, I'd record at least audio every day, and keep all recordings for 30-days in the event of an accusation.

That said, it feels like the fever is breaking, and unfounded allegations (and generalizations) have become so common that they are still relatively easily ignored. It sucks that anyone must endure this, of course, but c'est la vie. As dark ages go, this one is relatively mild and short lived. Only a few thousand lives unfairly ruined over ~10 years. Not that bad in the scheme of things.

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

#66

Post by michepriest »

I started in finance and got into tech. Was a product manager. After my last lay off I decided not to go back to being employed.

I’m creating info products (ebooks, online courses, digital products) and doing micro-coaching (unstuckin15.com). I love that I own my own time and can create whatever I’m inspired by.

I highly recommend mixing with freelance work in the beginning until your projects cover your income. If you explore this, join Daniel Vassallo’s community. It’s full of solopreneurs.

With your background there’s probably tons of products you can create.

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

#67

Post by goostavos »

ww520 wrote: post #41

Farming? Modern farming is more like project management, hiring management company, hiring operation company, corps planning, taking to banks, managing finance, managing subcontractors, sales, etc.

I imagine the upstart costs are astronomical (especially when weighed against the low returns) here for anything other than personal garden level? Or is that perception wrong? Is it possible to start a new farming operation and be minimally viable / profitable?

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

#70

Post by pcurve »

tda wrote: post #46
blowski wrote: post #30

Personally, I found the problem isn't engineering. I do that for free in my spare time. It's dealing with corporate bullshit that grinds me down. As such, helping worthy causes with their technology problems can be hugely rewarding.

What helped for me was switching from a 5000 employee company to a 50 employee one. I really loved my previous job, but just witnessing the politics made me want to quit, and I'm glad I did.

Anything you miss about the 5000 employee company?
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