1: Auto repair
This might sound a bit crazy, but modern vehicles more and more
depend upon computers. In fact, without the computer at its core, the
modern vehicle wouldn't be able to accomplish half of what it does. From
emission control to hybrid power to brake control, automobiles depend
upon computers. These computers are nothing more than embedded systems
that depend upon another computer to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair
them. And since most IT admins and consultants love the thrill of fixing
things, becoming an automobile technician makes perfect sense. Granted,
you will need to get the proper training to make this leap.
2: Teaching
The educational system does not have enough good teachers willing to
go the extra mile to help future IT pros understand the career they are
about to embark on. Does that mean you should step into education so you
can beat it into your students' heads that they will suffer
immeasurable frustration during their career as a consultant or
administrator? No. It does mean, however, that you can prepare them for
the challenging road that lies ahead. And many of you will certainly
understand how much difference it would have made in your lives if
someone had helped prepare you for the challenges you have faced.
3: Working for a smaller company
If you're unwilling to completely leave the field of IT, you could
step down from that fortune 500 position and join a much smaller
company. Having a much smaller network to deal with, few computers, and
users who don't have that same attitude toward you will remove a world
of suffering from your shoulders. You could even step into the
not-for-profit world and really feel wanted and loved. Although the NFP
field has its own set of headaches, they aren't nearly as intense as
they can be in the upper echelons of capitalism.
4: Architecture
This is another career that would require more education. However,
you like numbers. You like the order and design of the world around you.
And you could learn CAD more quickly than you learned subnetting.
Architecture is one of those fields where the sky could literally be the
limit. You could spend some time in the great outdoors, you would be
using the numbers you love so dearly, you would have a modicum of
control over your own fate (perhaps being self-employed), and you
wouldn't have to deal with downed networks, fail-over, end-users, and
lazy programmers.
5: Programming
You've spent years dealing with bugs, bug squashing, and software in
general, so why not join the developer ranks and start coding yourself?
Most of the programmers I know are good, although quirky, people. Some
of them live singular, solitary lives, work long hours, and are
dedicated to what they do. The biggest difference between programmers
and admins/consultants? Programmers' stress and headaches are specific
in nature and tend to involve only one or two major problems (code won't
compile, features need to be added, etc.). Now I won't kid you into
thinking that programming will be an easier, less stressful route than
consulting or administration. But you won't have to deal with the
avalanche of problems coming from nearly every corner of every building
you walk into.
6: Writing
One of the biggest downfalls in the world of computer software and
hardware is its documentation. Because software and hardware are
ever-evolving markets, the minute you put out a book or manual, it's out
of date. That means those manuals must always be updated, renewed,
refreshed. Take those skills of yours and build a brand for yourself.
Write
the manual for a piece of software, hardware, or
protocol. Or find a blog to write for. There are millions upon millions
of computer users out there, and most of them have no idea what they are
doing. The world needs good writers of computer manuals and how-tos,
because we know the manufacturers aren't creating these documents.
7: Management
Not that you would ever see me working the management side of the
coin, but this field is a good fit for a lot of administrators and
consultants. This is especially true for consultants who have had to run
their small shop or one-man show and keep the ball rolling. Those types
have the necessary marketing, management, and communication skills
necessary for management. But understand this: You will be trading one
set of headaches for another.
8: Research and development
Companies thrive on research, and that includes tech companies. What
R&D departments don't need are people who have no idea what they are
talking about. As an administrator or consultant you have been out in
the trenches. You know how things do work versus how they should work.
You are fully aware of the real-world needs versus the company-created
needs. A voice like yours could be of incredible value to a company
creating the next big thing in IT. Of course R&D tends to live only
in bigger companies, so you would have to make your way though the
mounds of resumes already piling up on the HR desks. Figure that out,
and you might have a perfect match.
9: Cosmetology
I know, I know. This one might seem crazy on the surface, but give it
a chance. First, there is an elegant mathematic to the art of hair
design. I did a short stint in the field and really enjoyed it. Not only
are you dealing with real people with real issues (some issues a bit
bigger than others), but you see instant results when you are done.
There is no sitting around and waiting for the rug to be pulled out from
under you (as is inevitable in IT and consulting) no dealing with
budgetary constraints or security holes, no horrific hours, and no
cloud!
10: Farming
I couldn't resist. Based on the amount of readers who truly wanted to
pull way back to their "roots" and be farmers, this seemed like the
perfect way to end this piece. Farming might well be one of the single
most rewarding professions in the history of professions. Yes, it's hard
work, yes there is very little money to be made. But man, is it a good
way to reclaim yourself. Digging in the dirt, creating the very things
that sustain life... what more could you ask for? If you choose to go
this route, I would highly recommend you bank a nice nest egg first,
because you won't get rich off the fat of the land. Your soul might, but
your bank account? Not so much.
Taking a break
Naturally these ideas are all subjective, but everyone has a skill
other than IT they can bank on. Even if it's not the most marketable,
profitable, or manageable skill known to man, you have something you can
turn to when IT or consulting loses its luster. And who knows, maybe a
break from the field is all you need. Go be a farmer for a few years and
then, if you need to, come back to IT. Don't worry — admin and
consulting work will still be here. You'll probably have to play a
massive game of catch-up, but you'll get back into the race more quickly
than you think.
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