From Coder to Game Designer?

FortKnox asks: "I, originally, asked this in my journal, but figured more people would have the same questions. As most coders, I'd eventually like to crack into the gaming industry. Yes, this is similar to an older AskSlashdot, but that was more about how someone going into college wants to get into the gaming industry. My question is how does a veteran computer professional crack into a designer job?"

"I am a coder by trade, so I would like to try and get a job as a game designer. What kind of experience (besides other game company experience) grabs attention of gaming companies? Project Management experience? Software Architecture experience? Create a design document (high and low level) for a game?

Most people say 'You need a demo or create a game for gaming companies to consider you', but the time it takes to make something like that isn't available to all; yes, I understand that most gaming companies require long shifts, which I am fully capable of doing, but that isn't the same as having the extra time to design and code a game. Is there anything besides a lot of luck that will help get a job in the industry as a designer? As a side question: Do designers make enough to support a family well, or is the pay pretty low?"