Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#1

Post by ilikekittens » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 4:43 PM UTC

I like making things but am considering giving up on being a developer. What other careers are there that use a similar skill set that you would recommend?

I'm considering architecture, industrial design, interaction design, etc

Reasons for giving up on software development:

1) I'm not very good at it.

2) I would prefer to make something physical and substantial I can show people. Screens don't impress any more.

3) I have RSI which means I can go for weeks without being able to use a computer.

Any suggestions?

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#2

Post by matthewking » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 4:53 PM UTC

I went through a brief period where I was convinced I wanted to be a carpenter, specifically making furniture. I've also worked as a builders mate and roofer in the past both of which I enjoyed and all of which settle my desire to create something. It seemed better to be building something that actually existed in the real world, not just on the internet.

These days though I'm just trying to make enough money in the next few years that I'll never have to sit at a desk again, and given my current skill set and the general nature of the internet I think being a developer is the best way to do it ;)

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#3

Post by vaksel » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:07 PM UTC

nowadays pretty much any white collar job you do, will involve sitting at a computer all day.

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#4

Post by mechanical_fish » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:08 PM UTC

From what I've seen, architects go to school, really arduous school, for years, after which they continue to work constantly, much more than 40 hours per week. I believe they get paid less than developers, have less job security -- and, yes, sit at a computer all day.

But what do I know? All I can suggest is: Don't apply to design or architecture school until you've talked with at least three working architects or designers. Make sure you talk to at least one cynic.

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#5

Post by dschobel » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:10 PM UTC

vaksel wrote: post #3

nowadays pretty much any white collar job you do, will involve sitting at a computer all day.

Including the architecture and design jobs he listed.

I guess if he really hates computers he could be a manager and spend his days in meetings.

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#6

Post by ilikekittens » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:17 PM UTC

dschobel wrote: post #5

vaksel wrote: post #3

nowadays pretty much any white collar job you do, will involve sitting at a computer all day.

Including the architecture and design jobs he listed. I guess if he really hates computers he could be a manager and spend his days in meetings.

It's not a matter of hating computers but of being unable to use them much. I have RSI and can go for periods of weeks/months of being unable to type.

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#7

Post by lssndrdn » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:18 PM UTC

You could try selling software. If you're a developer now, you should be able to understand it and explain it to people. There are other skills involved in sales (it's best to be extroverted and to enjoy talking to people).

But you'd be spending your time traveling and talking to people.

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#8

Post by pgbovine » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:18 PM UTC

I would suggest you start by reading the essay Shop Class as Soulcraft

http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/shop-class-as-sou...

... and then read the entire (not very long) book, if you like the article. it might give you a starting point for thinking about fulfilling careers that don't involve sitting at a computer all day

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#9

Post by falsestprophet » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:20 PM UTC

  Sales Engineer
  Construction site manager
  Military officer
  Field biologist
  Criminal investigator [1]
  Doctor, Nurse, PA
  Teacher

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_agent

Re: Ask HN: Alternative careers for a developer

#10

Post by bengebre » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 5:20 PM UTC

mechanical_fish wrote: post #4

From what I've seen, architects go to school, really arduous school, for years, after which they continue to work constantly, much more than 40 hours per week. I believe they get paid less than developers, have less job security -- and, yes, sit at a computer all day. But what do I know? All I can suggest is: Don't apply to design or architecture school until you've talked with at least three working architects or de…

Architecture has always stood out to me as a potentially good career for the technical/creative type. I have a few friends who are architects and while they usually enjoy the work, they do NOT get paid well considering the amount of schooling they had to go through. Developers do way better.

See this CNN article for reference:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/15/pf/training_pay/