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Ask Slashdot: How Do I Change Tech Careers At 30?
First time accepted submitter possiblybored writes "I'm 30, and I am a technology teacher and the school's technology coordinator. I like my job, but I have been having thoughts about switching careers and focusing more on technology in the private sector. I like Microsoft products and would head in that direction, probably. Is it too late for me to think about this? What is the best way to get started on this path? I'm not so much interested in programming (though I'd like to learn a language some day) as much as I am intrigued by topics like setting up e-mail servers, reading about cloud stuff like Office 365, and looking at information on collaborative technology. I'm a good teacher and excel at explaining things as well. Any advice the community could offer would be greatly appreciated!"
Whatever you love doing, do more of it. Then just be sensitive, and maybe a little aggressive, about pursuing leads that naturally arise from your avocation.
Bwha ha ha ha ha!!!
Just how old do you think you *are*, sonny boy? 30 is just barely dry behind the ears! Truth is that there is lots of room for anybody in the tech field who is *competent*. So be competent!
It does help to be somewhat charismatic and hygienic.
I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
Think about the fate of dinosaurs that were replaced by smaller more agile mammals when difficult times came...
I'm 31 and seriously looking into getting out of software development.
It was cool when I was 14. It was still doable when I was 23. Now it's soul-crushing.
I wish I was a farmer or a carpenter.
Chuuch. Preach. Tabernacle.
Sounds like a new Ask Slashdot is brewing:
How Do I Escape My Tech Career At 30?
I'm 30 and hate computers with a passion. I used to love them, but then money got involved, and now I want nothing more than to punch through the screen of any laptop I see. Is it too late for me to avoid suicide? Has anyone in the community managed to escape the bondage of the keyboard and trackpad and find a fulfilling career that enables them to support themselves and their family without daily stifling back tears of rage provoked by incompetent management?
Chuuch. Preach. Tabernacle.
Good afternoon, Though I don't want to get into the specifics of my job, I do not teach computer science. I am also not employed in Oklahoma, for the record. :-)
I'm more than willing to spend my off time learning skills, and was merely trying to find out what the best entry point would be. I enjoy writing and would be interested in technical writing. Thanks for sharing.
Quit the soul-crushing job as soon as you are able. If you use phrases like soul-crushing to describe what you do for 40+ hours of work, you need a change.
I'm 40 and struggling with the aftermath of a similar situation. My last job as director of tech for a school division came to an end when a new superintendent came in with strong opinions about what technology in a school should be (Apple TVs and Ipads) but didn't have a clue what it took to support those technologies (like a secure network) or an understanding of the regulations we worked under. Being thrown under the bus was pretty painful. Can't say that I have fully recovered, physically or emotionally.
One thing is for sure, I never want to be stuck in a job where my supervisor is an opinionated moron again. Not unless the job has a short time-frame. This pretty much rules out working directly for government. Even if you are lucky to get in with a good group, it can change in a hurry.
Now, I'm doing tech consulting, raising sheep, building a green home, and being a dad again. Two months in and I can't see myself ever going back.