Life changes

[kgm]

I'm not normally one for whingey threads but BCF always seems a good source of advice.

I'm feeling the need to make some lifestyle changes, as I've found myself in a bit of a rut over the last couple of years and I'm fed up of it. If I was single I'd sell up everything and head off on my bike for a year or so but family circumstances mean that's not an option just yet.

So I'm thinking of a career change. My original career plan was to fly, so I got a BEng (hons) in Aeronautical Engineering and had planned to go for an ATPL after graduation but for financial reasons (and because the airline & training industry was a mess when I graduated - not long after the 2008 financial crash) that plan fell through and I misguidedly joined the police with the idea that I could fund the flying training doing that. Long story short that didn't happen and a decade later I'm still in policing and it's making me miserable. I'm fed up of dealing with hostile people and hostile situations every day and, to be honest, the organisation and how it operates is an even larger source of stress. I'd also like something with more flexibility for moving around and possibly working abroad in the future.

I don't think a flying career is worth the investment anymore - even more expensive than it used to be, the wages aren't great considering the investment and job security is poor and likely to get worse IMO. So I'm considering something IT based as it interests me and I have a reasonable aptitude for technical matters. Perhaps something networking or software development based (my original idea before I decided to commit to the failed flying plan).

So here is where I am I seeking the sage wisdom of BCF - I know a number of folk here work in various parts of the IT industry and I am way out of the loop nowadays and looking for advice on what sectors might be worth pursuing as I appreciate that it's a competitive job market and feel having some more niche skills might be worthwhile. I'm very much in the early stages of research so any starting advice is appreciated.

I can handle an initial pay cut and I'm quite willing to commit time/funds to retraining and a bit of slog for a while.

TLDR; My job makes me depressed and antisocial and I'd like some advice on what sectors of the IT industry are worth retraining for nowadays.

[Feasty]

So wait a minute, you want to swap a job where you get to arrest, dump on the floor, chase after and make life difficult for every arse you come across who doesn't have a decent moral bone...

To a job where you'll get equally whinged and whined at, ridiculous expectations made of you from similar idiots - but you'll have to say 'Yes sir', '3 bags full sir', 'I'll fix that for you right away madam' and 'Yes of course I can bend time to retrieve that which you deleted 3 months ago and now need in 3 minutes time'!!

Can we do a swap?
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[kgm]

[Ayrton]

I'm a software engineer and I'd say it's a pretty good job to have. It's also fairly easy to get a job as there are not enough developers out there right now and the market is still expanding quickly. The worst part of the job is the occasional silly deadline and having to deal with typical office idiots, but at least for me things are usually pretty relaxed and enjoyable.

Getting in without training might be tricky, but some companies do hire people with no experience that they can train.
The best way would be to pick what you want to do (like software engineering) and read some books on the subject and do some small projects at home. There's enough learning resources online that anyone with the drive for it should be able to learn what they need.

[A100man]

No Offence but IMO IT sounds like a shit choice..

Unless you're mega into it that is. Your pay cut is also likely to be 'significant' while building up skills too.

Easy-X seems to know his onions on this topic and will be able to offer more sage advice but if it were me I'd like to go out and make stuff. Construction industry for example. Sounds like you're still young and fit enough, or maybe buy into a franchise?

Good luck.
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[c_dug]

You've got an engineering background - if you're still interested in that general field then you should look at future tech trends and aim in that direction.

For example, we're world leaders when it comes to wind turbines, and they're going to be around for the foreseeable future. Wind turbine design/installation/maintenance might be a good path to look at.

Maintenance Engineer roles generally offer plenty of flexibility for moving around, a wind turbine is a wind turbine is a wind turbine. If you can maintain one here, you can do it in Africa, or Asia, or Australia and so on.

There are loads of options so within reason the same could be said for Robotics, Automation, Electric Vehicles, Vertical Farming.... the list goes on....
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Robby]

Cyber security is piss easy and pays well.

[Nobby the Bastard]

Mod is crying out for aeronautical engineers if you fancy working near bristol.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
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[Ste]

[Islander]

[Easy-X]

[steve the grease]