Programmers who changed their careers
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.”
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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.
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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." :)
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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 have a friend who's become a plumber. He tried a business and it didn't work out and he had been out of the game too long so went for plumbing.
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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
If such a thing happens, let me know if you need any help with that. :-D
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
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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
Namaste Bill, Thank you for the comments. But, my name happened to be Rajesh. :)
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
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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]I just 'adjusted' the beard a little bit with an electric shaver today morning. The beard got a new shape and I've got a villain like look now. :cool: Still lazy to shave it off completely. :)
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
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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:
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.
:laugh: Don't tell Dalek. :)
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
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If such a thing happens, let me know if you need any help with that. :-D
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini
Sure will, I always keep a set of sharpened stick in the cupboard at the side of me, just in case :)
Software Kinetics (requires SL3 beta) - Moving software
-
I wanted to train as a philosopher, but then I wondered what’s the point.
Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.
:-D
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] -
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 a couple of people who gave up IT jobs to work in Skydiving, worse pay but a lot more fun I also know people who have moved into the outdoor industry (climing, mountain leading etc) much worse pay and more fun. AFAIK none of them regret their decisions at the moment but I know at least one of them keeps his hand in building websites for favoured charities in case the dream tarnishes or injury puts an end to his jumping.
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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.
-
I wanted to train as a philosopher, but then I wondered what’s the point.
Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.
-
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 don't understand who is voting you down or for what reason. :confused: At times, I just don't get it at all. :|
It is a crappy thing, but it's life -^ Carlo Pallini