[xxSparkleSxx]

> It pays better and is perhaps more fun than manual labour and cleaning jobs.

No offense, but these are not really great comparisons for someone with the aptitude of a programmer. I don't really understand the point you are trying to make with that statement.

OP could go to an accelerated nursing program for a year, not sit behind a desk, help people, be mentally stimulated, and make six figures (at least in the bay area).

Plus tons of other career options.

[brookside]

I believe there are pre-reqs for nursing school (including biology and chemistry) before one could enter an accelerated program. I realize most people on this board already have those.

[Throwaway123212]

I don't have a bachelors, which I expect is a requirement, but this is the kind of suggestion I was looking for.

[SaintGhurka]

Nursing does not require a bachelors degree, but does have a few prerequisites that you could polish off in a semester or 2. There are 1-year (LVN or LPN) and 2-year programs (RN) at many community colleges. RN pays better, of course.

I've thought a lot about dropping out of programming to do it, but my mom dissuaded me - she recently ended her 30-year career as an RN.

[Throwaway123212]

Yeah, it's definitely hard work, I have a lot of respect for nurses. Something to think about, thanks.

[xxSparkleSxx]

If you enjoy nursing, after a couple years of experience you can go on to get your NP (and I believe work full-time/half-time while you are doing it - and/or get it paid for by a hospital).

NP's can bring in 150K outside bay area and often have better schedules/flexibility than physicians.