| First, I had to wrap my head around something very simple: who one is (I am a software engineer) and what one does to acquire currency are orthogonal. This is simultaneously obvious and difficult to accept in modern western culture. I admit this took me a few years to digest. Next, I had to honestly explore other aspects of myself. What else held interest for me besides electronics and software? Further, of these other interests, which of them were reasonably "safe" from outsourcing, offshoring, and automation? I do not want to transition into new currency acquisition activities that are themselves a race to the bottom. Tangentially, I considered the perceived prestige of each of these. I could give two shits personally, but I've learned the hard way that the perceived prestige of an activity impacts how others will treat you. Finally -- as I am a software engineer -- how can I use this skill to augment my effectiveness in performing any of these new activities? This is an ongoing process for me. I've always had an interest in the law. Law school is out of the question, so I've looked into paralegal work and how I could provide a unique service in this space. Additionally, there are mundane dirty jobs -- specialized trash hauling, electronic recycle brokering, etc. -- that are poorly serviced in many localities. I believe I'll end up doing something here as well. I view this transition as open ended. It's no longer about "career" but staying in a lateral thinking mode about combinations of possibilities. |