Programmers who changed their careers
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
I am an experienced developer and now I have staff I find the most rewarding aspect to be passing on my knowledge. So personally, if I ever change career, it would be into teaching. A friend of mine set up his own training company and has done very well out if it, flying round the world teaching some seriously advanced Unix skills.
-
If I could make (decent) money from public speaking I would. I've never been unemployed long enough or found IT to be a poorly enough paid field to make a switch though.
10110011001111101010101000001000001101001010001010100000100000101000001000111100010110001011001011
MidwestLimey wrote:
If I could make (decent) money from public speaking I would.
Don't call us, we'll call you ;)
print "http://www.codeproject.com".toURL().text Ain't that Groovy?
-
I am an experienced developer and now I have staff I find the most rewarding aspect to be passing on my knowledge. So personally, if I ever change career, it would be into teaching. A friend of mine set up his own training company and has done very well out if it, flying round the world teaching some seriously advanced Unix skills.
Is he a teacher or a trainer? I think they are two entirely different things. I used to do a fair amount of training, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I cannot remember where I saw it, but I once read "The primary function of a Manager is to be a Trainer.". A sentiment that I endorse to a very large degree.
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
-
MidwestLimey wrote:
If I could make (decent) money from public speaking I would.
Don't call us, we'll call you ;)
print "http://www.codeproject.com".toURL().text Ain't that Groovy?
Oh, I've been called ;P Sadly for chump change or free!
10110011001111101010101000001000001101001010001010100000100000101000001000111100010110001011001011
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
my backup profession is Chef. Just for when layoffs happen and I need a job (unemployment insurance maybe something I put money too, but I've never had it come in time to help take care of things). whether goodtimes or bad you don't know what's going to happen. Best to have something to fall back on. Sometimes there are too many people for certain jobs, but one thing will always remain, people need to eat. I still do IT work, and when ever my chef of cook friends need an extra hand, gives me something else to do.
///////////////// Groucho Marx Those are my principals, if you don't like them… I have others.
-
Oh, I've been called ;P Sadly for chump change or free!
10110011001111101010101000001000001101001010001010100000100000101000001000111100010110001011001011
MidwestLimey wrote:
Oh, I've been called
Those voices in your head aren't real, especially that one that say "Hey, you're g-g-g-great!". That's just you remebering Frosties commercials from the 80's.
MidwestLimey wrote:
Sadly for chump change or free!
Oh well, never mind. Worse things happen at sea and that sort of thing. Not many worse things happen at sea, mind - maybe the sinking of the Titanic is about equal.
print "http://www.codeproject.com".toURL().text Ain't that Groovy?
-
MidwestLimey wrote:
Oh, I've been called
Those voices in your head aren't real, especially that one that say "Hey, you're g-g-g-great!". That's just you remebering Frosties commercials from the 80's.
MidwestLimey wrote:
Sadly for chump change or free!
Oh well, never mind. Worse things happen at sea and that sort of thing. Not many worse things happen at sea, mind - maybe the sinking of the Titanic is about equal.
print "http://www.codeproject.com".toURL().text Ain't that Groovy?
martin_hughes wrote:
Oh well, never mind. Worse things happen at sea and that sort of thing. Not many worse things happen at sea, mind - maybe the sinking of the Titanic is about equal.
I was performing a witty repartee on the lesser known Outer Mongolian Gakbulaan Marg bird's eating habits on the Titanic I'll have you know. Those vicious rumours that they scuttled the ship rather then listen to me for another night are utterly unfounded!
10110011001111101010101000001000001101001010001010100000100000101000001000111100010110001011001011
-
I am an experienced developer and now I have staff I find the most rewarding aspect to be passing on my knowledge. So personally, if I ever change career, it would be into teaching. A friend of mine set up his own training company and has done very well out if it, flying round the world teaching some seriously advanced Unix skills.
in the US, going from a developer with say, 15 years experience to an entry-level college CS teacher would entail a pay cut of something like 60%.
-
my backup profession is Chef. Just for when layoffs happen and I need a job (unemployment insurance maybe something I put money too, but I've never had it come in time to help take care of things). whether goodtimes or bad you don't know what's going to happen. Best to have something to fall back on. Sometimes there are too many people for certain jobs, but one thing will always remain, people need to eat. I still do IT work, and when ever my chef of cook friends need an extra hand, gives me something else to do.
///////////////// Groucho Marx Those are my principals, if you don't like them… I have others.
NightJammer wrote:
my backup profession is Chef.
You mean a short order cook? They used to call me Chief Master Chef back in the day.
"The task of saving the earth's environment must and will become the central organizing principle of the post-Cold War world." Senator Al Gore Putting People First 1992 ------ "The sacrifice of personal existence is necessary to secure the preservation of the species." Adolph Hitler Mein Kampf 1923 ------ If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever." O'Brien to Winston George Orwell 1984 1949
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
Mrs. Maxxx left the wonderful world of IT to become a full time Mum. Longer hours, worse pay, little chance of promotion, and no perks. Job satisfaction, though, second to none. Another work colleague became a rather successful airline pilot. This had been an ambition, and IT just gave him the funding to progress. One became a drug baron - but I think is still serving at her Majesty's Pleasure, so not really so successful. Finally, another colleague became an accountant, but I believe they had been involved in a serious car accident involving head injuries - which could explain this.
___________________________________________ .\\axxx (That's an 'M')
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
These are the ones I can recall over 40+ years 1973 - female - studied law part time and became a prosecutor, 1978 - male - bought a florist shop (now has several) , 1982 - female - finished her PPE studies, became a spook witn ASIS (Aussie MI6/CIA look-a-like), 1986 - female - studied history part time and became a prof, 1992 - male - bought into a sail making business, 1999 - female - freelance radio & television doco maker, 2003 - male - went to Greece to run family fishing business Dates are approximate (+/- 4 years). The gender differences might say something significant, or be merely interesting
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. Sri Chimnoy Ghose.
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming.
I was offered a management post once (in one of my previous companies). The offer was in written, the pay package would double if I accept the offer. And my job would have been to manage the development team efficiently (will involve NO writing of code, I can sit on my arse all day, must fill in time sheets, mentor people, do reviews of others code, etc.,). I quit them in two weeks. I'm not changing career, it isn't about money for me. Even if someday I feel the need for more money, I may move to a country where I'll get paid more for the same job.
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
-
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming.
I was offered a management post once (in one of my previous companies). The offer was in written, the pay package would double if I accept the offer. And my job would have been to manage the development team efficiently (will involve NO writing of code, I can sit on my arse all day, must fill in time sheets, mentor people, do reviews of others code, etc.,). I quit them in two weeks. I'm not changing career, it isn't about money for me. Even if someday I feel the need for more money, I may move to a country where I'll get paid more for the same job.
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
Namaste (or Vannacum) Sri Rajesh, Blessed is the one who know what he truly values ! best, Bill
"Many : not conversant with mathematical studies, imagine that because it [the Analytical Engine] is to give results in numerical notation, its processes must consequently be arithmetical, numerical, rather than algebraical and analytical. This is an error. The engine can arrange and combine numerical quantities as if they were letters or any other general symbols; and it fact it might bring out its results in algebraical notation, were provisions made accordingly." Ada, Countess Lovelace, 1844
modified on Friday, July 10, 2009 5:24 AM
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
Well, I'm trying to become a lawyer. I'm pretty sure I can succeed at nitpicking and arguing, without all the distraction of actual coding.
-
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming.
I was offered a management post once (in one of my previous companies). The offer was in written, the pay package would double if I accept the offer. And my job would have been to manage the development team efficiently (will involve NO writing of code, I can sit on my arse all day, must fill in time sheets, mentor people, do reviews of others code, etc.,). I quit them in two weeks. I'm not changing career, it isn't about money for me. Even if someday I feel the need for more money, I may move to a country where I'll get paid more for the same job.
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
Rajesh R Subramanian wrote:
Even if someday I feel the need for more money, I may move to a country where I'll get paid more for the same job.
Though you've to shave yourself, then. :laugh:
If the Lord God Almighty had consulted me before embarking upon the Creation, I would have recommended something simpler. -- Alfonso the Wise, 13th Century King of Castile.
This is going on my arrogant assumptions. You may have a superb reason why I'm completely wrong. -- Iain Clarke
[My articles] -
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming.
I was offered a management post once (in one of my previous companies). The offer was in written, the pay package would double if I accept the offer. And my job would have been to manage the development team efficiently (will involve NO writing of code, I can sit on my arse all day, must fill in time sheets, mentor people, do reviews of others code, etc.,). I quit them in two weeks. I'm not changing career, it isn't about money for me. Even if someday I feel the need for more money, I may move to a country where I'll get paid more for the same job.
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
Rajesh R Subramanian wrote:
(will involve NO writing of code, I can sit on my arse all day, must fill in time sheets,
I'd rather gauge my eyes out with a pointy stick.
Software Kinetics (requires SL3 beta) - Moving software
-
Mrs. Maxxx left the wonderful world of IT to become a full time Mum. Longer hours, worse pay, little chance of promotion, and no perks. Job satisfaction, though, second to none. Another work colleague became a rather successful airline pilot. This had been an ambition, and IT just gave him the funding to progress. One became a drug baron - but I think is still serving at her Majesty's Pleasure, so not really so successful. Finally, another colleague became an accountant, but I believe they had been involved in a serious car accident involving head injuries - which could explain this.
___________________________________________ .\\axxx (That's an 'M')
_Maxxx_ wrote:
and no perks
But you told me that you were very perky!
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
-
I know many good programmers who came from non CS background or hobbyists from a totally unrelated field who excel at programming but never took a full time programming job. While discussing with my friend today, I found out that few of my programmer friends moved to an entirely different career and became highly successful. I am not taking about managerial positions or running a business. Here are a few interesting cases, which delighted me:- 1. One of programmer friend launched a liquor store and is very successful. 2. Two other guys started an Alpaca[^] ranch and are earning far more than they could have by just programming. So what have alternative things you have seen programmer acquaintainces do and have become successful. The common ones I would think is owning a unrelated business to becoming a music star.
I wanted to train as a philosopher, but then I wondered what’s the point.
Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.
-
I am an experienced developer and now I have staff I find the most rewarding aspect to be passing on my knowledge. So personally, if I ever change career, it would be into teaching. A friend of mine set up his own training company and has done very well out if it, flying round the world teaching some seriously advanced Unix skills.
That just reminded me of something. "What upsets me about the job? Wasted talent. People could come to me, and they could go, 'Excuse me, David, but you've been in the business twelve years. Can you just spare us a moment to tell us how to run a team, how to keep them task-orientated as well as happy?' But they don't. That's the tragedy." :)