Am I crazy to be considering a total career away from cyber security industry to a building trade at almost 40 years of age?? Cyber security is all the rage but I find the corporate world to be quite depressing. I quite like the thought of working on my own with no one to answer to.
I feel conflicted because for over 20 years I have invested time, money and energy to get to where I am (computer science degree and masters in cyber security). Been working for a well known global tech company in consulting for the last 6 years and I feel trapped, no motivation and no love for what I do. I feel non the wiser, like not an expert in any particular area, just gone from pillar to post to get to where I am.
Some additional context, my father has worked in the building trade for the last 50+years, is retired now but I have done some work with him over the years, more as an assistant than anything but still picked up some skills/knowledge (brickwork, plastering, plumbing, tiling etc).
I wouldn’t say Im an expert in the trade but do have some experience, knowledge and understanding of the area. Considering perhaps doing a course of some sort to perhaps get more formal knowledge/qualifications, for plumbing etc? I am also in the middle of a divorce, no kids, but do have my own house.
On 45k so nothing to shout about, bills are paid for. Letting go of a secure income to being out on my own feels some what scary! Has anyone been in a similar position? I am also conscious that there are plenty of tradesmen out there already so am I just going to be entering a saturated market?
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Not crazy. Skynet about to take over all that. Working with skilled hands will become a hot commodity
Lots of people switch careers. The big hit is starting at the bottom, in this case taking a financial hit while working as an apprentice to generate enough hours for your license, etc. All depends on where you live in the world, too.
Not necessarily,
I’m going to a monthly AI enthusiast meetup. The pitches and production ideas those guys all point towards:
Any kind of Screen Worker is in the Cross hair of automation.
Like seriously, if there is anything remotely repetitive in your job it will be hard to justify a high salaries soon.
I’m sure you’re aware that plumbing can be hard on your body, ditch diggin’ ain’t easy. Most 40 year old plumbers have apprentices do that task, but you will be the apprentice.
I say go for it, though. I changed my career after 40 and am happier for it. Underground locator is a similar, outdoorsy job with much less physical strain. Pay is less, too, though.