Ask Slashdot: Life After Software Development?

An anonymous reader writes "I've been writing database apps for various industries as the senior developer or tech lead on a given project for most of the past 20 years. The last few years have become particularly taxing as I struggle to reiterate basic concepts to the same technically illiterate managers and stakeholders who keep turning up in charge. While most are knowledgeable about the industries our software is targeting, they just don't get the mechanics of what we do and never will. After so many years, I'm tired of repeating myself. I need a break. I need to walk away from it, and want to look at doing something that doesn't focus heavily on the IT industry day in, day out. Unfortunately, I'm locked to a regional city and I've just spent the majority of my adult life coding, with no other major skills to fall back on. While I'm not keen on remaining in front of a screen, I wouldn't be averse to becoming a tech user and consumer, rather than a creator. Are there similar Slashdotters out there who have made the leap of faith away from tech jobs and into something different? If so, where did you end up? Is there a life after IT for people who are geeks at heart? Apart from staying in my current job, is there any advice for someone who can't really risk the mortgage and kid's education on a whim?"

You may have more skills than you think

[Anonymous Coward]

Can you say "do you want fries with that?"

Re:Tax Preparation

[CanHasDIY]

It's what I intend to do once I lose an important sense/appendage (as long as it's not both my hands and both eyes completely, in which case I'm fucked)

Jesus Christ, just how much do you masturbate???

Re:Write or teach.

[afabbro]

He's already demonstrated that he "can", which means he's ineligible to teach.

Re:Tax Preparation

[HapSlappy_2222]

I lost both hands and both eyes in just one extremely unfortunate masturbatory incident, you insensitive clod!

(It was so worth it though)

Swich to coding in Javascript!

[martin-boundary]

My advice: switch to coding in Javascript. You'll feel a lot more like a user and less like a programmer ;-)

Re:Nope.

[Surt]

Who says the parents need to be ok with it? You're stronger than they are. Terrorize them into submission.

I was in your exact position

[kungfool]

I was a database app programmer (remedy systems) for far too long. I burnt out just as you are doing. I now teach kung fu. Now when I try to explain something, I get to hit the audience. There is nothing quite so enjoyable as being able to throw the customer to the floor.

Re:Write or teach.

[Barsteward]

is that a Star Trek reference?