Those who’ve successfully left tech, what did you switch to?

As everyone surely knows by now, the tech industry is in a pretty dire state. I’m 43 so I’ve seen some ups and downs, and I really don’t think I’m overreacting here. My company had massive layoffs a few months ago; I was retained but forcibly moved to a different role, one that I a) hate and b) am not nearly as good at as my prior role. I’ve been applying for other jobs like crazy and have literally gotten not a single interview. This has never happened before in my career.

So tl;dr I need to get out. Honestly for years I’ve wanted to, but now it seems urgent. So for anyone else out there who’s had a decent tenure length tech career but then switched to something completely different, what did you do and how? Especially curious to hear from people who switched to another job that is non physical in nature.

Jobadvisor:

Understandably, you're feeling frustrated and uncertain about your current situation. Many tech professionals are facing similar challenges due to recent industry trends. Here are some insights and advice from individuals who have successfully transitioned out of tech:   

1. Identify Your Passions and Skills:

• Self-Assessment: Take some time to reflect on what truly motivates you. What are your hobbies? What problems do you enjoy solving?
• Skill Inventory: List your transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. These skills can be valuable in various industries.   

2. Explore Non-Tech Career Paths:

• Project Management: Your experience in managing complex projects can be transferable to roles in various industries, including healthcare, finance, or consulting.   
• Product Management: Your understanding of user needs and product development can be applied to roles in product management or marketing.   
• Technical Writing: Your ability to communicate complex technical concepts can be valuable in technical writing or content creation roles.   
• Data Analysis: Your data analysis skills can be applied to fields like business intelligence, market research, or data science.   
• Education and Training: Consider pursuing further education or certifications to enhance your skills and qualifications for a new career path.

3. Networking and Job Search Strategies:

• Leverage Your Network: Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues to explore potential opportunities.   
• Online Job Boards: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and specialized job boards to search for non-tech roles.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your transferable skills and experience relevant to the new career path.   
• Practice Interviewing: Prepare for interviews by practicing common interview questions and researching the industries you're targeting.   
• Consider Freelancing or Consulting: This can be a great way to transition into a new field while maintaining some flexibility.

4. Seek Support and Guidance:

• Mentorship: Find a mentor who has successfully transitioned from tech to another field.
• Career Counseling: Consult with a career counselor to get personalized advice and support.
• Online Communities: Join online forums and communities to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.   

Remember, changing careers can be a daunting process, but with careful planning and perseverance, it is possible to find a fulfilling and rewarding career outside of tech.

Jobs with really good work life balance?

What career paths give great work life balance? I don't mind hard work, training on the job, etc., but every time I think I've found a path that I might like, I find out the WLB is atrocious. I want as much free time as someone with a full time job can reasonably get, my evenings to be reliably free, maybe even a shortened work week or some half days if such a thing is possible, no 12 hr days, a few weeks vacation... At this point it sounds kind of impossible but I'm hoping there are fields I'm not considering. Fine with a "short hours, hard work" job. What fields give me the best hope of this, if any? Located in the Pacific Northwest if that makes a difference.

Jobadvisor:

While achieving a perfect work-life balance can be challenging in any field, several career paths offer a better chance of finding a good balance of work and personal life, especially in the Pacific Northwest where tech and outdoor industries are prominent. Here are some fields to consider:

Tech Industry:

• Software Engineer/Developer: Many tech companies in the Pacific Northwest offer flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and generous vacation policies. While the hours can be demanding during specific project phases, the overall work-life balance is often favorable.
• UX/UI Designer: This role typically involves regular work hours and less intense deadlines compared to software development. It often allows for creative freedom and a good work-life balance.
• Technical Writer: This role involves creating clear and concise documentation for software products. It often offers regular work hours and the flexibility to work remotely.

Healthcare:

• Registered Nurse (RN): While nursing can be demanding, there are various specialties and settings that offer better work-life balance. Home health nursing, public health nursing, and certain hospital roles can provide more regular hours and less stressful environments.
• Physical Therapist: This role often involves regular work hours and can offer opportunities for part-time or flexible scheduling.

Education:

• Teacher: While teaching can be demanding, particularly during lesson planning and grading, it often offers stable hours, summers off, and opportunities for part-time or contract work.
• Librarian: Librarianship offers a relatively stable work-life balance with regular hours and ample vacation time.

Other Fields:

• Counseling/Therapy: Many therapists and counselors have flexible schedules, allowing them to balance work and personal life.
• Accounting/Finance: While accounting can be demanding during tax season, many accounting roles offer regular work hours and opportunities for remote work.
• Environmental Science: This field offers a variety of roles with varying levels of work-life balance. Fieldwork can be physically demanding, but office-based roles often offer regular hours.

Additional Tips:

• Negotiate for Flexibility: Don't be afraid to negotiate for flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours.
• Choose the Right Company Culture: Research company culture and values to find organizations that prioritize work-life balance.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize your personal time.
• Practice Time Management: Effective time management skills can help you balance your work and personal life.
• Consider Part-Time or Freelance Work: Part-time or freelance work can offer more flexibility and control over your schedule.

Remember that the best career path for you will depend on your individual skills, interests, and priorities. By carefully considering your options and being proactive in negotiating for a good work-life balance, you can find a fulfilling career that allows you to enjoy your personal life as well.

I'm going to get laid off Monday, what should I do?

Hey everyone,

have a strong feeling that I will be laid off on Monday. My department has already been hit with layoffs, and based on some scheduling details I've noticed, it seems like my position could be next.

This is especially hard because, at twenty-three, I worked so hard to get my career going and never expected to face something like this so soon. I'm doing my best to prepare -I've filled out my unemployment information (although haven't submitted it), started applying for jobs, and reached out to connections on Linkedin. But I don't entirely know what else I need to do to stay ahead of this.

If anyone has advice on navigating this, both mentally and practically, l'd be incredibly grateful. Any insights on how to keep pushing forward and stay resilient during this time would mean a lot. Thank you all so much.

Jobadvisor:

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

It's completely understandable to feel anxious and worried about being laid off, especially at a young age when you've invested so much into your career. Here are some practical steps you can take to prepare and stay resilient:

Practical Steps:

Finalize your unemployment information: Complete and submit your unemployment application as soon as possible. This will provide you with some financial support while you're job searching.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date and highlight your skills and accomplishments.

Start applying for jobs: Begin actively applying for jobs that match your skills and interests. Use your network to reach out to potential employers and recruiters.

Network with your connections: Connect with your former colleagues and mentors on LinkedIn and other professional platforms. They may be able to provide you with job leads or offer advice.

Consider freelance or contract work: If you have skills that can be monetized, consider freelancing or taking on contract work to supplement your income.

Take care of your mental health: It's important to take care of your mental health during this stressful time. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.

Staying Resilient:

Don't take it personally: Remember that layoffs are often due to economic factors beyond your control.

Focus on what you can control: Focus on the things you can control, such as your job search efforts and your mental health.

Stay positive: Try to maintain a positive attitude and believe that you will find a new job.

Seek support: Talk to your friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings.

Additional Tips:

Be prepared for the layoff conversation: If you know you're going to be laid off, try to anticipate the conversation and prepare your questions in advance.

Negotiate your severance package: If possible, negotiate a severance package that includes severance pay, health insurance continuation, and outplacement services.

Take advantage of outplacement services: If your company offers outplacement services, take advantage of them. They can help you with your job search and resume writing.

Stay organized: Keep track of your job applications, interviews, and other important information.

Don't give up: Keep your head up and keep pushing forward. You will find a new job eventually.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Many people have been through layoffs and have come out stronger on the other side. By taking these steps and staying positive, you can navigate this difficult time and find a new job that you love.