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Programmers who changed their careers

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  • R Rama Krishna Vavilala

    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.

    R Offline
    R Offline
    Rajesh R Subramanian
    wrote on last edited by
    #15

    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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    • R Rajesh R Subramanian

      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

      B Offline
      B Offline
      BillWoodruff
      wrote on last edited by
      #16

      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

      R 2 Replies Last reply
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      • R Rama Krishna Vavilala

        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.

        B Offline
        B Offline
        Brady Kelly
        wrote on last edited by
        #17

        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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        • R Rajesh R Subramanian

          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

          C Offline
          C Offline
          CPallini
          wrote on last edited by
          #18

          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]

          R 1 Reply Last reply
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          • R Rajesh R Subramanian

            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

            N Offline
            N Offline
            NormDroid
            wrote on last edited by
            #19

            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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            • L Lost User

              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')

              H Offline
              H Offline
              Henry Minute
              wrote on last edited by
              #20

              _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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              • R Rama Krishna Vavilala

                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.

                N Offline
                N Offline
                Nagy Vilmos
                wrote on last edited by
                #21

                I wanted to train as a philosopher, but then I wondered what’s the point.


                Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.

                C L 2 Replies Last reply
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                • L Lost User

                  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.

                  M Offline
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                  macu
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #22

                  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." :)

                  1 Reply Last reply
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                  • R Rama Krishna Vavilala

                    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.

                    M Offline
                    M Offline
                    Michael Bookatz
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #23

                    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.

                    1 Reply Last reply
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                    • N NormDroid

                      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

                      R Offline
                      R Offline
                      Rajesh R Subramanian
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #24

                      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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                      • B BillWoodruff

                        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

                        R Offline
                        R Offline
                        Rajesh R Subramanian
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #25

                        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

                        1 Reply Last reply
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                        • C CPallini

                          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]

                          R Offline
                          R Offline
                          Rajesh R Subramanian
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #26

                          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

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • L Lost User

                            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')

                            R Offline
                            R Offline
                            Rajesh R Subramanian
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #27

                            _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

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • R Rajesh R Subramanian

                              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

                              N Offline
                              N Offline
                              NormDroid
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #28

                              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

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • N Nagy Vilmos

                                I wanted to train as a philosopher, but then I wondered what’s the point.


                                Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.

                                C Offline
                                C Offline
                                CPallini
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #29

                                :-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]

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • R Rama Krishna Vavilala

                                  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.

                                  R Offline
                                  R Offline
                                  Russell Jones
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #30

                                  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.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
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                                  • B Brady Kelly

                                    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.

                                    L Offline
                                    L Offline
                                    lepipele
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #31

                                    :thumbsup:

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • N Nagy Vilmos

                                      I wanted to train as a philosopher, but then I wondered what’s the point.


                                      Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.

                                      L Offline
                                      L Offline
                                      lepipele
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #32

                                      ;)

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • B BillWoodruff

                                        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

                                        R Offline
                                        R Offline
                                        Rajesh R Subramanian
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #33

                                        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

                                        B 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • R Rama Krishna Vavilala

                                          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.

                                          L Offline
                                          L Offline
                                          LenaBr
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #34

                                          This one went into massage and a B&B on the bay of Fundy. This wonderful fulfilling dream turned into a boring nightmare of cleaning toilets, endless dishes and other no fun things before it went belling up. Back to school for C# & web stuff and now have a nice comfy job in air conditioned office with no toilets to be cleaned.

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