Any former IT workers who changed careers? I think I may finally be ready to leave the world of software development behind. After changing jobs a few times thinking it was the job/environment and not the career, I think I have realized the truth. I do not want to do this anymore.
Quick background: I'm late thirties, married to a teacher with a stable, if unspectacular career(money wise, I think she does great things for her kids), 5 year old child about ready to start kindergarten this summer/fall. Relatively low expenses. If I stayed, currently on track to retire in about 10 years(could be sooner, but we like to travel and plan on ramping that up now that the kiddo is older. Could also move to a PT job much sooner and be partially retired).
Anyway, if I do leave IT, I'm looking for something drastically different. A true career change rather than a tweak. I have probably my ideal job as far as software development goes. WFH, good pay, never on-call during the night, good benefits, etc... A lateral move to something like IT project management or similar jobs doesn't excite me. Moving upwards into management is not something I want. I have seen my supervisor's job, and I do not want it(I was a supervisor myself for a short time and hated it).
Some ideas I have been toying with...
Teacher:
Pros - Lots of time off. Lots of open jobs. Currently have connections in that field, so finding something would be extraordinarily easy once I was certified. Radically different career would satisfy my itch to do something different.
Cons - Pay is abysmal here in Arizona. Something like $35K to start, maxing out at $50K if I had a PHD and 10+ years experience. Obviously the pay cut would be steep. I've run a theoretical budget and its doable, although our travel budget would be basically cut in half and I would have to work until I'm 60. Student teaching would suck and be ~3 months where I would not be getting a paycheck(Savings would cover this easily).
Pilot:
Pros - Sounds fun. I love flying and will probably get my Private Pilot License this summer regardless of whether I stay in IT. Pay is good... eventually(from what I have read). 5 years into your career, you could probably make $60K without too much effort. I could also, theoretically, move to P/T work at my current job and then work as a Flight Instructor part-time. This would get my flying fix, but still provide stable employment.
Cons - No idea about the job market. Quick search found a few open jobs. Getting certified is expensive(~$50K). Pay is not good when you first start out. From what I read, early career jobs can pay like $25K to $30K. $30K would be tough on the budget, but it is doable. Hard to predict the effect on FIRE, but I imagine it would add at least a few years. I think I would be OK with this.
Professor:
Pros - Pays more than a teacher. Probably like $70K. In theory, FIRE date would probably not change much.
Cons - Would have to get a masters degree, which costs money. No idea about how available these types of jobs are. Nearest major university is ~45 minutes away.
Other ideas are welcome...