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Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

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Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

#1
I have been a software developer for the past 11 years and have mostly enjoyed it. Lately I have been so burnt out and most days dread waking up. My question is what are some other jobs that pay well (I am the provider of the family)? I have some saving and could take time off to see if that helps things out but currently I feel like a new career might be the real solution.

Re: Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

#7
You might be able to take lower paying jobs if they have pensions or overtime.

Police officers make decent money (depending on location) and have great pensions since they're public sector union employees. I know a guy that took all the overtime he could get his last year. He made $160k and was then entitled to $80k pension (half your highest paid year. Downsides are that it's mostly sedentary and carries physical risks.

Teachers make decent money in a handful of states. You can make $90k in as a secondary ed biology teacher. Downsides can be policies you don't agree with (like no grades lower than 50%) and potential physical risks depending on the student body.

Many trades make good money. I have a friend who is a construction manager for a gas utility making $85k. His workers can make that and more with overtime (union gig too). Before that he worked at UPS and it wasn't unheard of for drivers to make $100k.

Re: Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

#8
post #6

DevOps, cloud architecture/engineering. Another option could be teaching IT (private) - organize lectures about your expertise, etc

DevOps doesn't really interest me. It seems to be messier than software development with all of the craziness like K8s and stuff like that nowadays.

Re: Ask HN: What are well-paying alternative jobs to being a software developer?

#9
post #5
post #2

Actuary pays well

Any insights into barriers to entry? Seems like the work might get boring, right?

Typically requires a bachelors degree, ideally with a background in math. In order to progress in the career, one has to take and pass actuarial exams.
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