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.
I hope not to have to swtich. Got laid off a few years ago, and toyed with teaching middle school. Instead found another job programming. Less pay but able to learn more current skills. And better pay than teaching... People I know switching have been in legacy software (old skills) that aren't marketable. Some have retired early, able to not work any more. A boss is now driving a limo, another doing executive consulting. Thoughts on teaching or medical. Folks doing career change are looking for jobs more difficult to move offshore...
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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 also knew a programmer that stated a liquor store. The guy you know, is he on Long Island, NY? Programming pays the bills (sometimes) and is not a bad way to make a living. At least not for me. However; music is my passion and if I could make a living as a musician, I'd be out of here in a heartbeat. (A drumbeat actullay)
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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.
A couple of years ago, I went to a Maaco[^] shop to have one of my previous vehicles painted. I needed a ride home after dropping off the vehicle, so the owner offered to drive. During our drive, we started general conversation and it led to the question about what I do for a living. His response was that he used to be a software engineer, but the post-911 job scarcity made it impossible for him to get another job after being laid off. Since he has previously enjoyed painting vehicles as a hobby, he took his severance pay and used it to buy the Maaco franchise. He said that he not only makes more money than he ever did in his previous profession, but he has more free time, less stress, and more satisfaction from his work. It definitely got the gears spinning in my head to hear that!
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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.
A friend of mine went back to school and changed from software business development to clean energy consulting. I'm currently doing consulting in software design and development, but am contemplating a career switch into clean energy. This would take me away from programming and back to more traditional electrical engineering and involve reviewing the subjects I studied many years ago.
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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 don't know anyone who has changed their career, but I'm about to. I haven't been in this game as long as most of you, I've only been programming for around 3.5 years, but that's enough for me. There's no one thing that makes me want to pack it all in, I just need a change from sitting in front of a computer all day watching my body fall apart from it. So, I'm quitting my IT job and heading to Mexico to work with a volunteer organisation teaching scuba diving and educating people on marine conservation. Can't wait :)