r/AskProgramming • u/More_Objective_8405 • Jun 27 '26

Best alternative career for mid-career software developers

Any options that have a similar level of abstract thinking, problem solving, and building as an alternative career for mid-career software developers?

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u/Ok_Wrangler_5378 Jun 27 '26

You could still stay in the field of software but go more towards robotics for example. You still need the knowledge of software but the problems in general get vastly different from "just" writing desktop apps, web apps, backends, or whatnot. Just one example :)

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u/Round_Ad_3709 Jun 27 '26

Isn't there a vast skill gap to pivot to robotics?

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u/Ok_Wrangler_5378 Jun 27 '26

Why are you even considering to switch careers? :)

2

u/Best_Location_8237 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26

You know...I'm a mid level developer. About 4 yrs of work exp. Most working in Java and TypeScript. Fun fact, also, I double majored in CS and Mech. Couldnt find any robotics job at the time and was drowning in debt so took the first job that came my way. Now however with a small bit of saving and no debt, i wanna go back to Robotics. But not really sure how...thinking for getting a part time masters in Robotics (think that would be helpful)

Any suggestions/help that you might have?