Career change: from programming into more human-oriented area [closed]
- by Art
I have been a software developer for approximately 9 years, starting with part-time work during my graduation year at uni. During these years I worked for number of companies, sometimes changing places twice or three times a year.
They say it takes 10 years to reach 'expert' level, and while I don't think I am an expert by any measure and I have certainly met lots of people who are more knowledgeable, smarter and more focused than I am, I think I can safely say that I had my fair share of the whole programming trade and would like to move on to something else.
Psychology and behaviour was always something I was interested in, especially the practical, applicable bits of it. Recently I've been to some communication skills training and I realised that I have been missing out on the great deal of fun stuff - how people work and communicate, especially in subconscious, non-verbal area.
Currently I am thinking of making a career change - ideally to move somewhere my technical skill would still be beneficial in some shape or form, or at least could serve as a bridge while I am transitioning there, you know, the whole gradual, bit-by-bit approach versus swim-or-drown one.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter and to learn from you what are the possible transitions I can take.