[com2kid]

I joined a compiler team out of college because it seemed like fun and I'd never worked on compilers before.

I went from C# to embedded engineering and reading clock and wiring diagrams because there was a job that needed doing and I was the one there at the time.

I went from embedded programming to running my own startup based on Javascript and React (technologies I'd never used) because I had an idea I wanted to share with the world.

Just go out and try to do things, you may be surprised with what you are capable of!

[jckahn]

Yes, but that often breaks down once you have bills to pay and need steady income. Real life tends to complicate things. The risk-averse path is a valid choice too, and often the only sensible one.

[surajrmal]

Plenty of people take risks even with obligations. I am risk averse, and like to ascribe much of that to my obligations to keep my family happy, but really I've always been this way, and would act pretty much the same without them. On the other hand, I've seen folks go to the brink of poverty to start businesses even with small children to feed. They are far more successful today than myself.

[achenet]

There's a video I once saw of Jim Carrey talking about his dad, who, if I recall correctly, was originally a jazz musician, but decided it was too risky and opted to become an accountant instead.

And then, having given up on his dreams to follow the risk-averse path, he got fired.

Jim's words on the subject were like "well, he gave up on his dreams and still failed, so that's why I decided to pursue acting".