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Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

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Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#21

Post by deathclassic »

boosting6889 wrote: post #7

I would actually like to be a doctor but it’s not really feasible starting down that route in my 30s

Same. Specifically I would want to be a pharmacologist. There are two major barriers that prevented me from considering this route:

I'm a fairly terrible student and 8 years of school wasn't gonna happen. I can't stand blood/body parts. Even if I got through school I don't think I could stomach a clinical position.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#22

Post by siva7 »

boosting6889 wrote: post #7

I would actually like to be a doctor but it’s not really feasible starting down that route in my 30s

It is feasible, but it's not something i would recommend doing because it won't solve the underlying issues that causes your unhappiness. Also most people severely underestimate the stress in this job. I've met quite a few doctors who would be equally happy having a cushy job in tech instead of night shifts.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#23

Post by globular-toast »

endymi0n wrote: post #2

If you want a cautionary tale, here it is: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3134322 The coffeeshop fallacy (2011) It‘s easy to get blinded by how incredibly privileged the tech bubble is and have had a better experience so far just trying to find a great non-toxic spot in there. YMMV, good luck!

This is why it's so important to mix with people from outside of your bubble. HN has some of the worst examples of people who don't know what they have. The discussions around salary are particularly amusing. I'm lucky because my partner is a nurse so I never forget how easy my job is. I also grew up in a poor family and I haven't forgotten what that was like. Honestly, if people would go and spend a long time in a country like India where people actually have it tough I'm sure they'd be a LOT happier.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#24

Post by walledstance »

Teaching. I moved from a big tech company to teaching. Teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever done, and requires entire new skills. Teacher pay, depending on where you are, can be real low compared to FAANG money, but damn do I sleep well at night knowing that I help people. There is nothing like watching someone struggle and then suddenly understanding the subject.

But seriously, it is a hard job. You learn quickly that just because you understand something doesn’t mean you can explain it to someone.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#25

Post by rr888 »

droctothorpe wrote: post #15

I tech fast for 25 hours a week. No computer, no cell phone, no television, etc. It's amazing how much this sustains my motivation and enthusiasm. You can "switch" right now, at least 1/7th of the time. Not exactly what you're asking for but immediately actionable.

Is that like one day on a weekend? I actually thought that was normal (maybe the phone)

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#27

Post by catchnear4321 »

thejackgoode wrote: post #6

I am finishing my masters in clinical psychology this year. Not 100% sure where to I'll bring it from there, but it definitely broadened my thinking and helped to be more open-minded. I guess a takeaway is, consider a non-STEM education if you have an inclination for it.

How is clinical psychology non-STEM?

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#28

Post by farleykr »

iagooar wrote: post #10
MrBuddyCasino wrote: post #5

Get a hobby (woodworking), something physical where you work with your hands (woodworking) and is easy enough to start but has near infinite depth (woodworking). Could be anything.

Cooking has these qualities, too.

Absolutely. Or baking. I learned how to make sourdough last year and am now at the point where I make all the bread our family needs. Sourdough is especially deep because the steps are so simple on paper yet so full of nuance to explore. Easy to learn hard to master sort of situation.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#29

Post by adamsbriscoe »

boosting6889 wrote: post #7

I would actually like to be a doctor but it’s not really feasible starting down that route in my 30s

It is feasible actually. Graduated med school with two people in their late 30s, early 40s. You didn't ask for it but be forewarned: it'll take 10 years before you have a realistic taste of what the job actually is like. I don't usually speak in absolutes, but I will confidently claim that no amount of shadowing, training, volunteering in clinics/hospitals, or family will provide you with a shortcut to that experience. Could talk for days about this, but I have a cloud to go yell at.

Re: Ask HN: Has anyone started over outside of tech?

#30

Post by halfmatthalfcat »

walledstance wrote: post #24

Teaching. I moved from a big tech company to teaching. Teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever done, and requires entire new skills. Teacher pay, depending on where you are, can be real low compared to FAANG money, but damn do I sleep well at night knowing that I help people. There is nothing like watching someone struggle and then suddenly understanding the subject. But seriously, it is a hard job. You learn quickly t…

I really want to move into teaching. I learned to love programming in HS AP CS and am really considering making the move. I would love to hear more about your experience switching.
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