Burning Out Developer - what to do?

 
Answer
Bakul on Fri, December 14, 2007 9:14 PM
Hi,

I need some advice. I''ve been a programmer in Vancouver for the last 8 years and am starting to burn out. I''ve worked for small companies and startups. Some have been good places to work and learn, but the hours have been long.

Work-life balance has suddenly become more important to me.

My question is: Is there such thing as a 9-5 programming job?

If not, is there a profession that you can think of that has good pay and better hours that would suit a programmer. I''m thinking I would make a good account manager for a software company (but not sales).

Maybe I''m just daydreaming, but I am getting tired of the long hours.

Thanks for any advice.

Josh

Replies:

JamesGTO on Fri, December 21, 2007 12:19 AM
contract.

I make 80 an hour, moving to 120 in the new year.

network

I actually run a site with a lot of great resources for finding work: xmediajobs.com

work when you want without a boss.
Wed, December 26, 2007 9:59 PM
I just got here and noticed your post about the burn out... been there done it (twice). Anyway, long story short, working for yourself you can control how many clients and what clients you take on. It's just a case of managing your own time (and of course fee structures). My own goal is the two day work week and the five day weekend... but the reality of it is, is that it takes some dicipline and determination but its really the case of creating your own schedules. Easy said than done I know but it does work...within time.
tinnes on Fri, January 4, 2008 4:37 PM
If working contract as the others have suggested scares you too much, your problem is that you're still in Canada. Move to the U.S. With the US$ in the toilet now isn't the most ideal time, but regardless, Canadians work harder for less money than Americans. With your amount of experience you'll have no problem finding a good American company who'll sponsor you.
Training on Mon, January 7, 2008 12:33 PM
Josh,

Ya, there are a lot of 9-5 programming jobs [;)] in BIG BIG companies. However, you will feel boring.

cheers,
RL