[davely]

Yes, twice in fact. Went from being a geologist for environmental consulting firms -> community management for various tech websites -> software engineer.

Each has worked out better than the last and brought me more enjoyment (and dollar bills as well, ah gem). I still like my rocks, but I really like coding, too.

Now over 40 though. Hoping to stick with the software engineering side of things from here on out. But who knows!

Edit: In terms of advice - if you’re bored or lacking fulfillment in your current role and something else legitimately interests you, take the chance and do it.

It’s not always possible of course, I am very very fortunate in having a partner who is supportive and can help cover us financially while I attempted to ramp us in new careers.

But people with a strong enough desire seem to find a way. It just might take a bit longer.

[ttymck]

Sorry to put you on the spot, but I was recently considering a masters in geology. I'm an experienced software engineer, so I am wondering if you see opportunities for software engineering in the geology field.

And, if you care to postulate, do you think the opportunities are more for geologists to supplement their work with programming or more for software engineers to solve geology problems for geologists?

[booleandilemma]

Is "ah gem" a Freudian slip? Is that the geologist in you coming out?