Just got canned, now what?

[z28dreams]

With web/database development skills, why not look into creating a good content site online and raking in adsense bucks?

Most sites can be done with very simple technical setup, after that it's all marketing - and you can sit on your ass at home.

[dcasper70]

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I've been a web/database developer for 6.5 years now, and I guess I've realized that I don't want to do this any more.

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Why? What about the job do you dislike so much? Is it the field in general, or have you just had too many sucky jobs?

I ask just because consulting work in the software industry can be very lucrative and flexible if you manage it well. Find a 3-4 month contract for 60-90/hr. When done, take a month vacation, rinse, repeat.
Most jobs are just average, but since it's short term, the hatred for the job doesn't build up.

[johnnycakes]

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Move to Alaska and become a crab fisherman.

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This is apparently one of the most dangerous jobs in the world

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My (second) cousin went to Alaska to make a documentary about crab fisherman and how dangerous the job is.. He and a few others went there for a month or two and shot a lot of footage.

When shooting was finished, he stayed there to work for a season on a boat, to make money to finish the documentary.

His boat sank in a storm. He was never found.

[Guy Incognito]

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You could play poker.

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As I mentioned in the OP, I AM playng poker, I'm just looking for something during the day to keep me in a routine/get out of the house.

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Give tours at the CNN center. That place is sweet and everyone I saw working there was a hot woman in late 20s early 30s. And we can play 5K HU freezeouts on our lunch break (I work 5 minute walk from there.)

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Good idea. Where do you work? I worked at 101 Marietta for a few years.

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You should look into Real Estate. You can make your own hours and pull in decent change if you are good. Especially in an area with the growth rate that Atlanta has right now.

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One of my friends got her license several months ago, and has yet to sell a house. It seems to be (around here, anyway) one of those "who you know" jobs.

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With web/database development skills, why not look into creating a good content site online and raking in adsense bucks?

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I've considered this too, but have yet to come up with a good idea for it [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

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Why? What about the job do you dislike so much? Is it the field in general, or have you just had too many sucky jobs?

I ask just because consulting work in the software industry can be very lucrative and flexible if you manage it well. Find a 3-4 month contract for 60-90/hr. When done, take a month vacation, rinse, repeat.

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I've never made anything approaching those numbers, probably a combo of not being good enough, and not knowing the right people. If I could find the situation you describe, I would definitely go for it, it just seems like the demand overall is shrinking for this type of work.


Thanks for all the feedback, it's much appreciated.

[AAAA]

how good are you at web design? it is possible to develop some stuff...let me know if you want to brainstorm some ideas.

[dcasper70]

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I ask just because consulting work in the software industry can be very lucrative and flexible if you manage it well. Find a 3-4 month contract for 60-90/hr. When done, take a month vacation, rinse, repeat.

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I've never made anything approaching those numbers, probably a combo of not being good enough, and not knowing the right people. If I could find the situation you describe, I would definitely go for it, it just seems like the demand overall is shrinking for this type of work.


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Tough to throw away 6+ years of experience...
I just did a quick search on Dice for contract jobs in Atlanta using keyword 'web' and got 160 hits. Looks like most fall in the $35-55/hr range for 3-4 months. Granted, you'll probably need to refine that....
You might get a great deal of value from this option. You won't be tied down for very long, there's always an end in sight, you don't get bored, you get to travel a lot, meet new people, and work on all kinds of different systems. Perhaps you eventually hook on to a great gig and go permanent.

Just more fuel for discussion....

[Josey_Wales]

Try being a poolman.

Great hours, good pay, women by the pool.

--The Outlaw

[MrMon]

The OP is giving me flashbacks. I too was a web guy that ran into the wrath of the head of marketing. They don't take too kindly to being told that what they want won't work and basically sucks. Even if you are right.

Took me awhile to realize I was sick of it as well, but I had a few more years working than you. Finally took a few years off raising the kids, doing real estate, and you can now see my thread on becoming a teacher.

A word about real estate. Unless you know a lot of people and/or are willing to devote a LOT of time to it, especially weekends, don't go there. I've been doing it for 4 years, had three pretty good years, but have seen the market shift drasticly in the last 18 months. There may be some life left in it for a few more years, but the market is rapidly shifting to self-service, much like the travel agent business did. Too many people want too much for their crappy house, want to pay what houses sold for 5 years ago, and basically just waste your time. (My most infamous client saw over 200 houses before she finally made clear the nearly impossible house she wanted. When I found it, twice, she still found a reason to back out, even after writing contracts. I talked to an old time agent who knew of her who said she's been looking for nearly 20 years.) Some people can do really well in real estate, but unless you want to set up as a low/no service listing agent, I'd advise against it right now.

Find your passion, the rest will follow, that's my only advice. There is no such thing as easy money, unless you inherit it.

[TheWorstPlayer]

I work near SunTrust plaza on Peachtree St.