Done with software development, what to do next?

I became a project manager - still behind a screen but the problems are more around decisions to be made, resourcing of people, risks, timeframes etc. If you’re organised and still like the corporate environment it can be good. Look into pmbok or prince2, or agilepm.

Otherwise I’ve started doing some hobby woodwork and enjoy that a lot - there’s some logic/mental stimulation in designing something on paper then building it with hand tools. Not sure if there’s options where you’d be building what you want though, you’d probably be in the same trap of building what the boss wants.

I feel like this is a tough question and decision to make. I've seen it in some of my own friends, especially those who find joy in programming and view it as a creative outlet. Some have even left the workforce for a few years before finding their way back.

Unfortunately, there is no advice from me about what to do next, career-wise. Maybe stick to the industry you know best but focus on work that isn't sole contributor? Write a book, join the online micro-blogging community? Interview for the next few months at startups until a job + team clicks where you don't have to code?

I personally struggle with this regularly. Having poor management, difficult hours or on-call rotations, and, especially, having shit work is very draining. It completely drains me from wanting to code in my own free time. But, I tackle this by taking 3-9 months off between jobs. Resetting, working on personal projects, traveling and visiting family/friends abroad. That can't work for everyone, though.

I'm currently really enjoying my job and the team, company are great. But I think when I need that break, I'll ask for a sabbatical or an unpaid leave of a few months. It will eventually get to that point where I cant go into work for a while but I would love to have a job waiting for me with people I enjoy and respect.

Are you at your first job experience?

Dunno, but if it is, take a moment to consider just changing job. Not all projects are alike, and not all managers are bad bosses. Building healthcare management software or finance trading algorithms feels very different, in my experience.

If you don't like the office sitting, you can easily switch to business consultant, less screen time, more people.

I had colleagues doing the switch and becoming restaurant cooks, warehouse managers, entepreneurs, video editors, videomakers...