Job change, to get more time programming

Question

Lately I have been bogged down with my job. I'm working on open source software all of my free time(outside of my job) and that is my passion. However my job zaps me for energy with endless meetings, talks with dumb customers, ridiculous deadlines and a boss riding my ass from the start of a project to the end(even though I'm the top programmer there). I don't want my job to interfere with what's really important; My open source contributions(mostly damn fun programming), so I'm looking for a job change.

My new job needs to be kinda effortless(or as close as it gets to that) so I can do it and still be in top notch form for my open source programming. I wouldn't mind something like bagging bananas, but I don't think I am going to get that kinda job with my MSc degree. So maybe something CS related, but not as demanding as my current job as a do everything developer.

So any ideas for 1. Entirely new line of work. 2. CS related but less work.

Answer 1

I was in a similar situation that ended when I decided to make it clear that "I have a life as well". My boss got pissed off but I'm still here.

Answer 2

From what you are saying, it does not seem you need a job that requires less effort.

In my opinion, you need to find a job that gives back the energy you put into it by:

• Creating things you are proud of
• Working with great people (regardless of talent, even)
• Working with talented people

Most people have found themselfs at a point that their job has grown tiresome and just seems "too much".

In most cases, working less is not the solution.

There is nothing wrong with working hard. You just need to find something you enjoy doing. A superior that appreciates the work you are doing is one very important factor in this.

If you cannot get your boss to change his views and appreciate the fact that you are putting in all this effort at this moment, it is most likely not going to happen any time soon. If you are good at what you're doing, then use your skills and experience as your own USP's to sell yourself on the job market and find a rewarding job. Although you should probably be looking for a CS-related job (you state you are very active in the open-source community, thus, love programming), the most important factor in this is finding a job with nice people that appreciate the energy you put into it.

Answer 3

I can't imagine not coding for a living, but I can certainly appreciate the personal damage of a bad job.

Have you considered:

A). contracting? make up the same kind of money as now with more free time and freedom. Terrible time to get into it though.

B). working for an open source company?

aside: your boss is probably "riding [your] ass" because you're the top programmer. Sadly how it works.

Edit: Actually I really think you should contract. It was a breath of fresh air for me when I was in a similar position.

Answer 4

How about going into teaching computer science? Either in academia, or for a company in that area such as LearningTree. People that give courses in programming should also be programmers, and your passion for programming would probably rub off on your students.

Teaching can be very satisfying, and if you get the right kind of deal you should be able to find time for your passions inbetween courses.