Ask HN: Work instead of tech?
I've been doing tech for years (20+). I've been through the startup ringer. I've founded my own company (and exited, nothing real). I've dealt with all of it. It just feels like everything is moving bits now - and the bits sometimes have new fun names, the systems change, the language changes, but it's moving bits. I've had a meaningful, impactful career - I've mentored, given back, done charity work too. I have gratitude, thankfulness, health, and religion. But I'm done. Whether it's working on cool tech, or doing meaningful work like supporting freedom on country X.. I'm done.
I'm trying to figure out what else I can do with my life. What else is there that is middle-of-the-road salary-wise, like tech. I'm not looking for massive FAANG like salary replacement, stock, etc. But I am trying to figure out what else I can do that is in any way similar to the middle.
I think a lot of us think about this - I know that I have many conversations about it that others bring up. So I thought.. crowdsource? What does HN think?
79 comments
[ 3.9 ms ] story [ 182 ms ] threadI would go that way if there was a trade with less physical constraints that electricians for instance (I never looked in details, there are probably many such jobs)
Motorcycles acts as therapy for a lot of people, myself included. Without them, my life would be a lot less enjoyable.
And even work remotely if you end up liking it
What you are describing doesn't necessarily sound like an issue with the tech sector, but rather that you are a bit burnt out.
My suggestion: try to take some time off, either by not working or just working on some very unambitious projects that give you time to relax. Do this for at least 2-3 months. Sleep, eat, treat yourself well.
Then slowly start tinkering with whatever tickles your interest (only once you feel like it). This can be a a tech side project, playing the guitar or bartending.
This recipe has helped me re-discover my energy in the past.
It might lead you to something in tech or outside tech.
Just my 2 cents.
I burned out twice. Both times I took a break with the intention of starting a new career.
The first time I considered getting into music professionally only to find that my colleagues were not only substantially more educated and technically capable but also that they had to focus a lot of energy on teaching and traveling. I had enough savings that when I returned to contract work I could do it very much part-time and pursue music heavily with little profit motive.
The second time I burned out I tried to get into the mental health space only to find that the training was too intense and that the pay was not going to be great unless I went back to grad school, again, which I was not interested in. Again, I returned to working part-time.
Eventually I found a role where I could work 30 hours per week with full benefits and people who I like. Plenty of vacation time for touring and attending music intensives.
At least for me, the key to preventing burnout is not working full-time which gives me time to start and end my day putting energy into satisfying my interests and passions with no profit motive.
Might also make you explore diving more which is a ...whole other world.
Good luck and take care.
There's also just "standard" welding as well, but its the same story - working more than 40 hours, constantly being burned by molten metal, weak pay/benefits, and both short and long term health risks that are simply not worth the compensation.
[0] - https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499092.htm
(Doing a bit of an assumption here that after 20 years of tech work you're not broke.)
Best of luck!
Otherwise I can tell you what I would like, but it might not sound interesting to you at all.
Academia is far from a low-pressure career.
What really helped in my transition was the fact that I was able to carry over part of what I'd left behind. In my case, it was that I'd worked for non-profits, so I was a more attractive hire than people who were technically much stronger. After a quick year on shit money putting together a little experience, I actually had a nice pay bump when the dust settled.
The best stuff would be where you could still use some of your skills, but in a way that doesn't feel like you've got a tech job. Being able to bosh out a bit of code where needed makes you a wizard in a lot of areas.
Just spitballin', but someone with the ability to hack together scripts and quickly get their head around software can do wonders with architecture, "classical" engineering, VFX/3D, finance/accountancy. It wouldn't be for me, but if you've got decent cash together, most of the rich people I know get into some sort of investing or other.
I guess in the other direction. If I ever felt I needed to give my brain a serious break, I'd get back into kitchens. They're great places to work: fast, fun and completely different. I'd honestly struggle to keep up, but it'd keep me busy whilst I regroup.
Plumbers make a killing. You're also out and seeing different places, different locations, and clients generally treat you with respect. It's also physical work but not demanding, so should help with your health so long as the microbes don't get to you.
But, while I soldier on and do good work to earn that paycheck during the day, I've also started deepening my outside-of-work activities. That gives my brain new and more interesting things to think about and alleviates the "but what is it FOR" feeling.
What are you non-tech passionate about?
Would contributing tech solutions to that subject and people working in that passion area help?
That is one of the questions you should be exploring.
Another one. Old school selling in real life - like at a market stall or stall at a convention. Selling niche items. Maybe even something you make or 3d print yourself.