Discussion on:

10 alternative careers for burned-out IT workers

Anyone looking to move into PM especially as a Consultant as a path to less stress, is in for a very rude and brutal awakening.

Best of luck though!

at a small-town country store is what I want to do. I never want someone else's problem with crappy hardware and buggy software to be mine ever again...

I love computers since I started my career as Engineer at the Romanian Airlines. I stopped loving the IT career with my job at a famous Film Producing company. I held then a few Contract jobs, and I finally landed a ft nice Programmer position with Santa Monica College in CA. What keeps me going though is my website http://alicesallinone.net where I express myself in any area I want.. The site runs from my own server, which I built myself on a Linux Debian system (I love Linux btw), and I look at it as my refuge. I motivate myself to work better on my job and finish up to go to my website and add more stuff. So this is a great alternative while keeping current job until you find out where your motivation moved. But yes, great article, I used to feel the same until 1 year ago when I got this wonderful position.

But I garden like it was my job, and I find the time outside, working in the dirt, and doing something so dare I say primitive, provides and excellent counterpoint to the sterile sedentary and largely abstract productivity. I definitely feel the same pull towards a simpler life as those who voted farming, but I've found through the books I've read and people I meet that the most "successful" farmers were the ones who bucked the usual way of doing things. They didn't get rich, but they aren't up to their ears in debt.

For those of you who did pick farming, I'd love to hear how you thing a mind that was trained in IT might approach or change the way farming is done. Not to spam but I started a discussion on my blog here: http://existentialfarmer.dyndns.org/?p=158

Kory

A good choice that is quick to convert across to is Electronic Technical Security and it wide in scope andhas fascinating verticals right through to Secret and Military/Intelligence/Counter-intelligence aspects.
Doug
Teacher Technical Security Sydney Institute

I went the other way - from architecture into IT (data warehouse programming to be exact). I loved the art of architecture but it's difficult business to be successful in. In 10 years as an architect, I was laid off 3 times with typically 4-6 months unemployment. And when the economy goes south, architects and construction get slammed. However, it was great to drive around San Diego and say "I worked on that ..." I miss architecture but I really like having a good solid paycheck.

I too went into IT from Architure. Back in the old days, I was in on the switch from drafting to CAD and created the first CAD network for our company. Now many years later, I long for the days of motar and bricks.

I do not think a client would call in the middle of the night and telling me his light bulbs didn't work or that he lost his keys and needed a new set if I was still an Architect.

I decided I needed a break from my Systems Admin position, so I got a job driving a paratransit van and was able to unwine. It was the most rewarding job I've ever had and with all the over time, I made almost the same amount as a sys admin. I dealt with physically and mentally disabled adults, which in a short time became part of my family. My office was a 12 passenger, 2 wheelchair, six wheeled climate controlled van. We all think it's about the money, but it's really about health and helping others.

I did IT in healthcare for about 10 years then branched off on my own. Even though it was extremely lucrative, I just couldn't take the stress. I thought my background would be most helpful in catching bad guys, so I made the leap to law enforcement and haven't looked back! And yes, you can make the same amount and it is so much more fun & rewarding. I actually get chills whenever someone hears about my background and asks me a computer question.

Great stuff - I am so old that my naivity told me Programming IS IT - the other stuff is 'Management' or close to. Just one little thing - get any of the rest to even look at you to take you on!

And get somebody able to write intelligibly about computer systems, why bother? Systems have not come with written user, programmer and systems manual to instruct off-line since 1985 - so why would any firm revive coherent explanation now? All they offer is 'Help' (if you can find it) that you can guarantee only addresses the most obvious, and makes it clear what you should not be thinking for yourself - because 'we' won't help you to get out of line.

That is as typical of much Linux as of MuckySoft - and pretty much like modern 'social politics' too.

Think about it. Now think some more. It'll come to you.

I was tired of being and IT employee for almost 20 years. Tired of feel pressures, stress, lack of acknowledgement (sometimes), working hours, and so on (you know ??? e.g. 10 reasons for quitting IT).
I decided to work on my own and I made a good move for me and my family. Even though you don???t you receive same money at the beginning, the freedom and peace you receive deserves it (also, maybe within some years you will have the opportunity to get more money that you got like employee).
I suggest beginning offering Home Services at a low fare doing computer repair (hardware/software). Many people want service at home: They don??t want to move their computers, they have a small network, slow internet connection, viruses, etc., or they don???t want to invest time to take/bring time the computer to the repair store.
If you feel not secure or a little old fashioned, you can train yourself some months offering free repair or volunteer services until you feel you are on shape, or at least, you feel you can try. Be quiet, with your experience, in little time and case by case you will be more secure of yourself and you will be appreciated for people who receive your service. Probably, you will be happier; money and better clients will increase little by little, but I suggest begin offering your services very cheap. When your demand increases a lot, you can increase your fares, but again, I suggest do it gradually
In less than a year or no more than two (most likely), you can work with small business too. Your satisfied clients will recommend you to friends.
I believe the most difficult step is to start. Don???t be afraid or ashamed of offering yourself if you are at your forties or fifties competing with younger people, you have too much experience they don???t have. You should offer your services to friends, family, neighbors, and in internet in a popular site with low cost publicity. I chose in my country a web site similar to e-bay (classifieds) to offer my services for $20 a year, and it was my best advertisement. Clients began to call me and I began in my own job 4 years ago, now I only work with small business because is more profitably.
Best regards, Armando

My brother took over the family farm is is making a good living. Not long ago, he said, "The timing is good. There is a worldwide food shortage and prices actually allow me to do quite well. I made more money in 2010 than I did in the prior 10 years together."

... would be law enforcement. Every police cruiser you look in has a Toubhbook or some other portable computer in it. It wouldn't be hard to extend that skill - you could even rise through the ranks and become a cybercrime investigator or computer forensics technician. With the proliferation of technology into just about every space of life and work, you would be hard pressed to find a job that didn't involve some of the skills you have honed over the years in IT.

I might change careers if I have to, but right now, I am just looking to get out of this "Job" and get my "Career" back on track. Maybe I'll give the technical writing avenue a shot and see how it works out.

I retired about 3 years ago after 43 stressful years in Corporate Hell (aka IT). I held down serious jobs in IT Directorships (large Corporates) and laterly Senior Management Consultancy Roles. I now occupy myself by serving the population (circa 40,000) of my local village, to service the software on their PCs and provide tuition. I have never been happier. The pay is not great but it pays for the beer and the holidays and I get an enormous amount of satisfaction from it. What was the point of getting stressed about Project Overuns, travelling around the globe (don't miss this one bit), stupid end users and ineffective non IT Management. Happy Days,
I am now 69, have around 400 customers and will continue as long as God spares me. Lots more Heavy Metal music still to listen to!!!!!!
Geoff

At least you'd feel right at home.... Knee deep in bulls**t

This may sound absurd but this is one thing i would love to go into if i stopped IT. In relation to IT, it's about order and getting visual results as to what works and what doesn't. Let's take a project for example. You complete a project in stages and you realize that certain things just wont work as you expected it to work with the rest of the project. Now interior decorating it's sort of the same concept.
Plus it's something that needs a keen eye, something that we IT guys seem to learn in our careers. What do you think, agree or disagree?

Hello - I'm not sure what your definition of an IT worker is ... you recommend alternatives as: programming -- I was a programmer in the past and I consider a programmer an IT worker. I am Director of IT Project Management and still consider myself an IT worker so was again surprised at recommending "management" as another alternative to IT...?

Stock trading - or Forex (currency) trading - takes computer saving including writing code to find stocks meeting certain criteria. It also takes somebody who can keep his emotions from affecting his trading. Emotions and successful trading don't go together. If you have reasonably good routines set up and can cold-bloodedly(?) follow them, making money is likely - especially if it isn't day trading. Medium or longer term trading isn't so affected by temporary news stories.

6 months ago I left IT (IT Supervisor for 50 person firm and Desktop Support for 500+ person agency) to start a career in User Experience design, and so far I love it. Although my background in building architecture & design helped land the job.

I went from a mid-size company with an 8 person IT dept to a small company with a 1 person IT dept - ME! The benefits were good - 4 weeks vacation, and in the 8 months I was there, I used maybe 2 days. The reality was 10-12 hr days and not having any backup or relief. Eventually the company was no longer able to buy paper for the copier machine and they eventually went out of business. Thankfully I left before that happened and my successor is still looking for work.

Hello,

Been working for a non-profit for over 15 years and I was the sole go-to-computer-guy. I hate to say it but I've been running on empty ever since. I have already embarked on self-training on web admin/development/design but I find myself leaning more toward the creative aspect of web work. So maybe the web dev/design might be a great alternative....

After slaving your life to IT, it's time to learn and discover new ways to better your physical and mental health. Find a novel way to cure cancer or HIV and beat Big-Pharma to their game.

1: http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-341735-3423601?tag=content;forum-table

2: Telling the same thing over and over again to some brats... No way!

3: Been there, done that. Interesting experience, but career most certainly not http://virtudyne.com/

5,7: Sounds nice, but don't expect to make any money competing with the lean NOSOTEK guys.

7: Dealing with people like myself? Are you nuts!?

9: Yeah! That's what I want to do: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Electric_face_mask.jpg . I'm not quite sure if I could resist turning up a voltage a little bit, though.

10: One's soul certainly doesn't get richer by farming, but I'm not so sure about wallet:

http://jimrogers-investments.blogspot.com/2009/06/we-have-shortage-of-farmers.html

In IT, "talent shortage" and "talent glut" are synonyms, but it's not necessarily so in farming.

Yeah, it's a little long, but the guy's a *writer* fer cryin' out loud! Of course, the question of whether anyone will *read* it is quite another, but hey! it's the way he's wired.

I know, 'cause I'm a writer, too!

-Dw

In this matter you are no longer providing a service but governance. Especially in govt or govt contractor jobs, this can be very fulfilling.
A/V technician.
Also, Church service.... you could be doing stuff that is completely on the opposite scope.

A side that Developers/Programmers might be one of the most stressed group in IT but for sure it ia not the solution for stress releif. As consultant, if that doesn't include programming (wonder how??) with a fire from all sides there are a lot heads and shoulders arround to use as fire distinguishers and save a day. As developer/programmer there is no one else except you who can be used instead of you to take a blame and that is a stress itself that can be bigger than other IT workers can even think of.

I retired from the auto-finance industry after 15 years....but found myself enrolled in a community college IT department. My wife suggested I get a nice "un-stressful" job once I had acquired a good basic foundation.
I don't know about "unstressful" but I have enjoyed the last 10 years or so more than the previous 15.

My sister works in IT in a small business and she hates it. 50 -60 hours a week with no overtime, no pay increases for years because the company can't afford it, promised training never delivered and the usual problems with user demands are just a few of her issues with the company. Unfortunately, a hugh mortgage and a single income keep her there because she has no other skills to change fields and what's the point in going into the same situation elsewhere.

Obviously, your situation is different but just because it is a small business doesn't mean it is going to be easier.

Jack,

I've been teaching, am working for a small company, in naval architecture, doing some programming, and writing while being management. Also I do R&D for the company. I am beginning to farm as well. Instead of working on autos, I will be working on experimental aircraft.

took 3 yr break from IT & worked outside looking after horses was brilliant & ran my own small IT business couple of hrs aday at most. Was brilliant sadly recession pops up and I have to now do full time work to make ends meet...boo hoo

i think that would be best because, there is no challenge in it, you keep on doing the same thing everyday and once your mind has been cleared you could come back in IT the world of stress!! and at least you will be working with computers!!

I have worked in many fields from fast food to retail. Every one has its own bed of worms.
I was working as a Cable tech for a multi-million dollar company until I was layed off/fired due to the latest economy down sizing. I became self employed and there are bumps in the road. I do have to admit (wife included) that since I have become self employed I can actually do what I want (need) to do when I want (need) to.

I have a girl on the way and a 15mo boy and the difference between the 2 is my girl I can put everyone on hold and start fresh after the birth my boy I had to get permission to be able to be at his birth and only for so many days. Running her around for appointments I have yet to miss one to hear the heart beat as she develops unlike all the missed with my boy.

Would I go back to working for someone only when I can have the flexibility I enjoy now.

USA was strong when people depended on their own sweat and tears and not on a big company to stand behind them and take care of them until retirement. Im 40 now and this is unheard of today in the market place its all about what and who can do the work cheaper and off shore it to them.

We need to bring back the "ROOTS" as the author mentioned and help to rebuild Corporate America is not going to do it.

I worked in the NFP sector and it was much worse than anyone could imagine. I was completely burned out and decided to take 1) a break and 2) become a farmer. The break did not last long as I am now back at work for a wonderful organization. The farming I still do and I love it just as much as my IT work. Don't discount the money to be made in farming, find your niche in the agri world and work as hard at it as you do your IT career. I have taken classes and become certified in several farm-related fields. My life is complete now because I have the best of both worlds.

Why does taking a break need to mean exiting IT? IT is what fascinates me. The things that fatigue me are the insane political decisions that make it difficult for me to do my job well in IT or the regulatory and project priorities that make it difficult to take care of the embedded break/fix operations that I need to take care of. A break from some of this corporate emotion and frustration could mean working as a consultant, an auditor or a sales engineer and serving the customer for while. This is probably idealistic, but it seems that traditional corporate IT is the source of frustration, not the technology field itself.

Hi;

I'm retired but would like to continue doing something in the Unix, AIX or Linux world.

Can you be more specific on how to get started on this writing path.

I did tutorials, "DITTY BOOKS", and troubleshoot aids when I was working.

Thanks;

Tom Borkowski

I took a sabatical from IT... I was completely burn out. After a long career on IT I was basically ready to pull an AK-47 on the first customer that came knocking on my door. So I decided it was the perfect time to get away from it all and finaly turn into reality a life long dream of becoming a professional Chef. I set up a small catering business and took advantage of all the contacts I had made during my career. Let me tell you people... best time of my life. After almost two years away I was refreshed and ready to come back. Now, with the perspective gained from working a completely different industry day to day problems do not seem like the end of the world. I'm responsible for the Help Desk of a large company, I have 3 shifts of people (24 x 6) and still happy. One piece of advice, if you need a break TAKE IT!. just make sure you choose something that you really really like. Many of us are hardcore IT professionals who love the IT business. There is no shame in taking a time off and then returning with renewed energy. it worked for me. good luck!.

My cousin farms about 400 acres and makes around $300K year. He live well. FYI

At least then you would feel wanted, and be earning money. What proves your wanted more the a push notification on your iphone. ( sorry, this couldnt go unsaid )

A smaller company has its??? own set of headaches. I left IT sales for a very large computer company (my choice not theirs) for work as and IT manager for a small family owned company. It started out great, but with the downturn in the economy I am now am not a IT staff of one, I never have a vacation where I am not on call and I have no one to pick up the slack. I have more stress now than I ever did with a large company. I am now looking for a job with a larger company.

Because you could learn CAD faster??? That's the dumbest thing I have ever read. FIrst, learning CAD as an application, and knowing what you are drawing and how to draw it can take years. Second, Architecture has about as much to do with CAD as IT has with programming an alarm clock. CAD is a tool that Architects 'can' use to create their final drawings - after planning, research, design development, budgeting, customer meetings, contractor meetings, engineer and consultant meetings, code review... Then there's project specification manuals, contracts, testing and licensing, continuing education, etc.

I always get a kick out of people thinking that knowing how to use CAD is "Architecture". That's called being a CAD operator, or draftsman.

Work from home, always something to do...

I was going to change when is 2008 I could not find a job. Then I got a great paying job.... sigh.. still int he treanches. But i am doing R&D testing, which is a lot easier

Teaching is a very fulfilling career.

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