Ask HN: Advice for a career that maximises earnings?

1 pointsby tinktank8 lat temu3 comments

I've been in academia for the last 15 years and a change in life circumstances (wife has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease that will disable her slowly and completely over a 20 year period) means that I have to move towards making more money as she won't be able to work soon.

At this point, I DGAF about work satisfaction or being happy at work, I want to maximize my earnings so my family is able to survive. I have been doing research in OS level, kernel level and networking (down to hardware) fields, so I'm pretty employable as a systems guy. I've mostly done management in the last 3 years but have no issue getting back to being an IC. I am happy to go down the management route if it means more $$$.

What would be your advice given I want to stay in tech?

3 comments

lazerpants8 lat temu

Perhaps Executive MBA -> CTO, if you have the ability to pull it off.

sharemywin8 lat temu

Project management seems to be the easiest type of consulting management position. Which gets you industry experience quickly.

ntang8 lat temu

Honestly, if your #1 goal is sustainable, reliable income, I would become a contractor. Like, go back to school, take some courses, get an apprenticeship and go become an electrician/plumber. Those are some of the most in-demand professions in the country, in almost every region, with very good and reliable income.

Or get into kitchen/bathroom remodeling!