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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?

#111

Post by bshipp »

throwaway6734 wrote: post #103
bshipp wrote: post #97

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think there are many teachers who would love to have an experienced individual come in and guest-speak about one topic or another, if that's something of interest to people.

Definitely. It's much easier to engage with a class when you're not the main source of authority. It's like being the cool aunt/uncle. Teaching is not easy and a lot of tech work is much less stressful than it

I have a number of family members who teach (or have taught) all ages and I feel it's one of the most important, difficult, and undervalued occupations out there.

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

#112

Post by freetime2 »

mcnugget wrote: post #19

You could join the resource industry, there's a labor shortage and there's all sort of vocational training. Some jobs require minimal training others more but you can be up and running in as little as 3 months for something relatively skilled. It's a refreshing feeling to have a job where the deliverables are very specific and day to day like you need to move this crap from here to there and that's it, no thinking ab…

Interesting suggestion. Could somebody in their 40s who’s only ever had a desk job get into this?

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

#113

Post by martopix »

nirse wrote: post #55
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…

Good to hear! I'm just about to start the process of getting my teaching qualification, but it feels really daunting to make the switch and leave my fairly comfortable job behind, where I'm well appreciated (but personally I don't feel like I'm really contributing to the world). What subject are you teaching? Mine will be physics, if all goes well.

I'm in exactly the same situation. Possibly.

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

#114

Post by michaelt »

tetromino_ wrote: post #77
GoToRO wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would guess the one big difference is respect. For some reason, there is no respect for tech workers.

But tech workers get far more respect than people in OP's current role of a receptionist, barista, waiter, and/or housekeeping.

By most measures, yes. Tech workers get more money, better hours, easier working conditions, and will impress your partner's parents more.

But I'd wager the barista gets thanked more often, and their customers like them more.

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

#115

Post by WHYLEE1991 »

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…

you really nailed it on the head, In way less of a way I made somewhat of a similar switch (not at all similar in the level of helping the world) from working at a huge national health/property insurance company (the literal devil) and now work for a welfare related government agency and I think not working for the devil REALLY helps as you say with sleeping at night, hopefully I can somehow make up karmically lol.

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

#116

Post by MrBuddyCasino »

artagnon wrote: post #66

I used to work as a compiler engineer in the US for several years, before deciding to try starting over at the age of 30, in pure mathematics. I moved from the US to Paris in pursuit of an affordable mathematics education, and spent two years in a Masters program. I did have a considerable amount of savings, but it was very risky nevertheless: if it didn't work out, I'd be out-of-touch with compilers, and it would be…

I'm not sure I follow.

Me, an interviewer: "so you know compilers, great start on monday"

Also me: "so you know compilers and have studied math on top, sorry son thats a no from me"

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

#117

Post by x98asfd »

4gotunameagain wrote: post #109
siva7 wrote: post #41

It is important to understand that everyone has sometimes escape phantasies (teachers, therapists, baristas, founders, medical doctors, professors, developers, etc., they all do) because something is making them truly unhappy in their day-to-day job and they assume other people happier. Finding about the root cause what makes you unhappy will usually lead to more satisfying results than just running after to become a…

For some people, sitting on a chair all day staring at a screen can be a true source of misery. When I am closer to nature, doing things with my body, I invariably feel better.

As someone who have done this for more than 10 years professionally and being doing computer stuff since mid 90's, it was fun at first, but staring the computer screen is not good for one's health. Issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or eye problems often comes up. Jobs involves staring at screen ought to limited to a few hour max per day.

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

#118

Post by ezedv »

Yes, I started my career outside of the tech industry as an English teacher for IT employees. However, I became increasingly curious about Blockchain and its applications, which eventually led me to transition into this field. I'm now happy to say that my curiosity has paid off, and I'm working in a job that I truly enjoy.

While it was a challenging shift, it was also incredibly rewarding. In fact, I'm now happily employed at Rather Labs, a company that has been instrumental in my career development.

You can check them out if you or anyone else is interested: https://www.ratherlabs.com

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

#119

Post by throwaway6734 »

germinalphrase wrote: post #105
throwaway6734 wrote: post #65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Take a day off of work and substitute teacher. Depending on the district you end up in, it's not for the feint of heart.

I was a teacher for ten years before taking a position at a small tech consultancy. I also encourage you to jump into the substitute pool; however, please understand that as a regular classroom teacher you will have many more tools to manage a high functioning classroom (not least, a regular classroom teacher has established relationships with their students). Substitute teaching is teaching, but there's a reason exp…

Definitely but it's good for anyone thinking about a career change to get a taste for the rougher aspects of teaching to ensure that they don't have unrealistic expectations about the career

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

#120

Post by GoToRO »

siva7 wrote: post #75
GoToRO wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My problem is the lack of respect. What can I do about it?

What do you exactly mean with lack of respect? All the professions i've listed above face issues regarding lack of respect all the time (angry shop customers, angry patients, angry board members, etc.). If you feel undervalued in your current team, i would advise to interview with another company/team. If you feel undervalued in your social life, switching roles/jobs usually won't make the problems go away.

It feels like the first one. Problem is there are not many opportunities here, mainly failed, almost failed projects from the west, that need to be relocated, otherwise they don't have the money to survive. Thanks.
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