Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#1

Post by mholubowski » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 8:54 PM UTC

Hey everyone. Here's the long story short, perhaps some of you can relate:

I'm a 31 year old, recently single, long time programmer. For the sake of this post, humor me and assume that I am at least above average when it comes to engineering. I've been passionate about it since high school, have had a wide variety of projects, never give up, have a track record of success, etc.

Over the last few years I've built up my current humble project into a steady little business which nets me some steady income with little of my time required any more. Let's say roughly $5,000/mo clean - enough to live in many parts of the US (currently I'm in Southern California).

After months of reflection, therapy, etc etc, I've come to believe that a physical and social job would do me a world of good. I.E. not one where I'm completely alone at my computer for hours, days, months on end.

I've thought about becoming a firefighter (overcorrection?), a pool guy (seriously), an online teacher (teaching programming from my own perspective) etc etc.

As you can see, I'm fairly confused. So, I'm casting this note over a shoulder into the HN wishing well and wishing that one of you fine friends happens to stumble upon this.

Any ideas?

<3 - Mike

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#2

Post by h2odragon » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 9:03 PM UTC

go volunteer for habitat for humanity or similar, perhaps.

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#3

Post by mholubowski » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 9:13 PM UTC

h2odragon wrote: post #2

go volunteer for habitat for humanity or similar, perhaps.

but I want to make a bunch of money like the San Francisco AI people.

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#4

Post by tjr » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 9:25 PM UTC

Maybe start some sort of trade / manual labor business, and do it with the grace and elegance of a software engineer.

E.g., offer as much in the way of online signup / online service requests as possible. Don't make horrid, bizarre websites. Don't make people call you on the phone -- or worse, wait for you to call them -- in order to get a decent estimate of cost and/or when you're going to show up. Include things like DoorDash, to show me on a map where you are when you're headed to my house, so that if I have to meet you, I don't have to putter around for an hour wondering when you're going to show up.

And then, of course, do the actual work well and with excellence.

Could be any number of specific lines of work -- lawn care, plumbing, heating/cooling, water services. If you want to leave California, snow removal.

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#5

Post by mholubowski » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 9:41 PM UTC

tjr wrote: post #4

Maybe start some sort of trade / manual labor business, and do it with the grace and elegance of a software engineer. E.g., offer as much in the way of online signup / online service requests as possible. Don't make horrid, bizarre websites. Don't make people call you on the phone -- or worse, wait for you to call them -- in order to get a decent estimate of cost and/or when you're going to show up. Include things li…

Thank you tjr, I really appreciate this comment. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#6

Post by mtmail » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 9:42 PM UTC

mholubowski wrote: post #3

h2odragon wrote: post #2

go volunteer for habitat for humanity or similar, perhaps.

but I want to make a bunch of money like the San Francisco AI people.

That rules out fire fighter, pool guy and teacher.

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#7

Post by SkyMarshal » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 9:53 PM UTC

I once spent a couple months building houses with a construction crew, and that was both physical and educational. I still enjoy walking into houses and buildings, looking around, and knowing how they're put together. It's like I can see through walls now, to the frame and studs. Getting out in the sun and doing physical labor was also refreshing and renewing, if also tiring. And no one will tell you it sounds like you've got a case of the Mondays.

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#8

Post by mholubowski » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 10:10 PM UTC

SkyMarshal wrote: post #7

I once spent a couple months building houses with a construction crew, and that was both physical and educational. I still enjoy walking into houses and buildings, looking around, and knowing how they're put together. It's like I can see through walls now, to the frame and studs. Getting out in the sun and doing physical labor was also refreshing and renewing, if also tiring. And no one will tell you it sounds like y…

SkyMarshal, how does a 31 year old programmer get into something like this? With little to no experience of construction?

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#9

Post by mholubowski » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 10:10 PM UTC

mtmail wrote: post #6

mholubowski wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

but I want to make a bunch of money like the San Francisco AI people.

That rules out fire fighter, pool guy and teacher.

haha well said!

Re: Ask HN: Would love a physical job, any ideas?

#10

Post by poly_morphis » Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 10:39 PM UTC

I'm a bit younger than you, but I have had a similar realization. I love programming, but sitting around all day at a desk does not seem fun for the next several decades, and really doesn't do my social/mental health much good, despite the amount of money.

So, I'm working to become a pilot instead. It's expensive, time consuming, competitive, and probably won't see six figures for half a decade or more. But, it's a heck of a lot more meaningful than sitting at my desk all day.

Just thought I'd share my situation and solution since it's relatively similar. All the best.