I think that transitioning is like being between a rock and a hard place. Matthew was between jobs, so he had some time to transition. I would have to quit my jobs in order to have enough time to work up to where I had enough stamina to do the work, but then you can't just quit your jobs hoping you'll get a job in the new field or be accepted into a program, etc. That would be highly imprudent. Given that I crrenlty work two full-time jobs, with all my other duties, I don't know if I could find the time to get into shape.
This was one of my considerations.
As old as I am to transition careers, it would be worse in 3, 5, or 10 years. What if, by hook or by crook, I managed to find another software dev job for 3, 6, or 12 months? Like the others, it probably wouldn't last (through no fault of my own, as per usual) and I'd be back to where I am now, only I'd be older.
I don't think electricians have the same "expiration date" as software devs. Software devs expire before any other career, whereas electricians are judged strictly on merit, local reputation, experience, certifications/licensing, objective hours worked, etc.
All the electric contractors in this area (for example) know each other, go to the same parties, attend the same conferences, etc. So your reputation is important. But that's music to my ears, because I've never been "fired" for something I did. It was always a layoff of some kind.
If all I have to worry about is don't be flaky, unreliable, irresponsible, drunk, stoned, criminal, dishonest, etc. then I have nothing at all to worry about!Again, that's music to my ears, because doing all those things hasn't helped me keep a job in the software dev field.
Furthermore, there are plenty of apprentice electricians out there. What there is a shortage of is Journeyman or Master electricians. And it "only" takes 4 years to become a journeyman.
Topic: Matthew's new career (Read 1412 times)