This looks like some fun in the "what a long, strange trip its been" sense, so I'll give it a whirl.
[CS Student]
Started out with a BS in computer science.
|
|
[Software Quality Engineer]
First programming job was somewhere they looked for 5 years experience or a Masters in CS, so I was hired with this "probationary" title.
|
|
[Software Engineer]
After about 9 months, probationary title removed, worked on a variety of projects ranging from web development to embedded systems and kernel module programming. Worked here a long time, left with unofficial tech lead responsibilities.
|
|
[Senior Software Engineer]
Moved to a different job, better title, working on a different tech stack. Continued doing tech lead activities, started to earn architect cred.
|
|
[Senior Consultant]
A few years later, jumped ship again, worked for a while in an app dev body shop
|
|
[Dev Manager]
Took a job managing a team of software developers at a small company.
|
|
[CIO]
Promoted at the same company, took over running all of IT.
|
|
[Dev Trainer/Coach/Freelancer]
Got tired of working for others, went into business for myself, doing some contract app dev, but mostly training devs in TDD/XP practices.
|
|
[IT Management Consultant]
Found that coaching gigs naturally led to proper management consulting gigs, which were more lucrative, so focused on that for a number of years. Eventually left after weariness with 4 years of 100% travel.
|
|
[Founder/Business Owner]
Started a content marketing agency that specializes in helping dev tools companies.
|
|
--
|
[Early Retirement]
Go back to spending my days writing code, but for the love of the game instead of for paying my mortgage.
Erik, thanks for sharing! Loved reading about your journey. Curious what the transition was from CIO to freelancing/consulting. Was it a big jump to make this transition or were you working towards this with a financial cushion?
I did set aside some runway, but also stacked the deck in a few other ways in my favor. I agreed to consult for the company as they transitioned to a new CIO, and I had a few other engagements lined up for when I left, as well. So, it was a combination of runway and bookings out of the gate. (I also had a working spouse, so that's a help as well, of course)
This looks like some fun in the "what a long, strange trip its been" sense, so I'll give it a whirl.
Erik, thanks for sharing! Loved reading about your journey. Curious what the transition was from CIO to freelancing/consulting. Was it a big jump to make this transition or were you working towards this with a financial cushion?
I did set aside some runway, but also stacked the deck in a few other ways in my favor. I agreed to consult for the company as they transitioned to a new CIO, and I had a few other engagements lined up for when I left, as well. So, it was a combination of runway and bookings out of the gate. (I also had a working spouse, so that's a help as well, of course)
Very cool, thanks for sharing Erik!