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Adventuresome or "Hands On" Careers in Tech?
omission9 asks: "For about 10 years I have worked mostly behind a desk in a cubicle and am starting to feel that this environment is making me miserable. The cheap fluorescent lights, the stuffy air, and the restless feeling I get from just sitting so long are starting to really annoy me. My background is mainly as a programmer but I started my career as a network engineer/network
administrator. I am also a member of the US Naval Reserve and am cleared as high as Top Secret. Are there any jobs out there that match this sort of skill set (more or less programmer but generally excellent tech skills) that don't require being stuck behind a desk? Paying relatively well would be a major plus
as would something that provides a solid career (20+ years of work). Is there anyone out there, from anywhere other than a cube farm,
that may have some advice?"
Have you tried pr0n tester?
But seriously, what about telemetry and embedded systems? Your Naval connections may kick in here, as they have sensing systems everywhere. Also research vessels.
Without knowinng more, that immediately comes to mind....
putting the 'B' in LGBTQ+
Of course the downside is that you might have your head cut off.
I am currently a PCV in the IT program in Africa, and let me warn you to be very careful about this option. You are
more likely to be shoved into an office environment teaching Windows and MS Office for organizations who simply
don't want to pay a local than doing useful IT work. Our mantra is we make our own job, but getting that job you want
will involve fighting your way through PC and local beaurocracy and culture with no guarnetee of success. The best
thing you can do for yourself is talk to your recruiter about the specific work you want, and be willing to hold out
for the right assignment. Also, once you get an offer for a country, try and get ahold of the APCD in that country. Normally
PC can not tell you your exact assignment until well into training, however since there are rarely more than 3 IT
voulenteers per country, they should be able to give you details with a little pushing. The potential for a great
experience is there, but you will need to be prepared to fight for it.