Ask HN: Advice for a career that maximises earnings?

1 points by tinktank 8y ago ↗ HN

I've been in academia for the last 15 years and a change in life circumstances (wife has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease that will disable her slowly and completely over a 20 year period) means that I have to move towards making more money as she won't be able to work soon.

At this point, I DGAF about work satisfaction or being happy at work, I want to maximize my earnings so my family is able to survive. I have been doing research in OS level, kernel level and networking (down to hardware) fields, so I'm pretty employable as a systems guy. I've mostly done management in the last 3 years but have no issue getting back to being an IC. I am happy to go down the management route if it means more $$$.

What would be your advice given I want to stay in tech?

3 comments

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ntang 8y ago ↗

Honestly, if your #1 goal is sustainable, reliable income, I would become a contractor. Like, go back to school, take some courses, get an apprenticeship and go become an electrician/plumber. Those are some of the most in-demand professions in the country, in almost every region, with very good and reliable income.

Or get into kitchen/bathroom remodeling!

sharemywin 8y ago ↗

Project management seems to be the easiest type of consulting management position. Which gets you industry experience quickly.

lazerpants 8y ago ↗

Perhaps Executive MBA -> CTO, if you have the ability to pull it off.