Beyond the Screen: Tech Professionals Imagine Life and Work in the Physical World

Many professionals in technology frequently ponder what their lives and careers might look like if they weren't immersed in the digital world. This contemplation reveals a rich tapestry of aspirations, often driven by a desire for different kinds of fulfillment than what typical tech roles offer.

The Allure of the Tangible and Physical

A dominant theme emerging from these reflections is a profound longing for work that yields tangible, physical results. Numerous individuals express a deep satisfaction in crafting objects with their hands or performing services that have immediate, visible impacts.

Skilled Trades: Carpentry, boat-building, electrical work, plumbing, machining, and even elevator repair tech jobs are frequently cited. The appeal lies in the concrete nature of the output, the problem-solving involved, and the sense of accomplishment from building or fixing something real. Many highlight the stark contrast to the often abstract and ephemeral nature of software development. Some, like those interested in boat building, are drawn to the aesthetic and sustainable aspects of traditional craftsmanship, rejecting disposable modern goods.
Culinary Arts: Becoming a chef or baker is another recurring aspiration. The creative process, immediate feedback from diners, and the satisfaction of producing delicious food are powerful drawcards. Some even reflect on past experiences in the food industry before transitioning into tech.
Construction & Repair: From framing garages and building sheds to converting older cars into EVs, the desire to construct or restore physical objects is strong. Mechanics, too, are seen as debugging physical systems, appealing to the problem-solving mindset prevalent in tech.

Direct Human Connection and Social Impact

Beyond the physical, many express a strong desire for work that directly benefits others or involves more meaningful human interaction, often as a counterpoint to perceived isolation or lack of direct impact in tech.

Healthcare and Therapy: Occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and even medicine (including specialized fields like oncology or neurosurgery) are mentioned. The motivation is clear: to directly improve lives and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. One respondent's wife, an SLP, is noted for loving her work, particularly its assessment and problem-solving aspects.
Education: Teaching, whether in computer science, math, science, or even specialized areas like flight instruction, is a popular alternative. The desire to mentor, impart knowledge, and foster growth in others is a significant draw.
Community and Support Roles: Ideas range from running free after-school tutoring/play areas and dog parks with coffee/beer to working as a technology librarian assisting senior citizens, or even a handyman for the elderly. These roles emphasize community building and direct, practical assistance.
Unconventional Paths: One unique perspective highlights a strong conviction towards sex work (e.g., porn or pro-domme work), driven by a fascination with human sexuality and a desire for work that exercises empathy, a quality the individual finds meaningful in their current management role.

Passion Projects, Hobbies, and Lifestyle

For some, the ideal non-tech career aligns with deeply held passions or offers a desired lifestyle, often independent of financial pressures.

Arts and Creativity: Writing (fiction, stories, screenplays), music production, video direction, photography, and even becoming a copy editor or a massage artist are considered. These roles prioritize creative expression and personal fulfillment.
Nature and Outdoors: Regenerative farming, forestry, lumberjacking, and working in agriculture (like vineyards and orchards) appeal to those who seek a connection with nature and a different rhythm of life, dictated by seasons and weather rather than corporate deadlines. Daydreaming about becoming a forester, despite the demanding nature and low pay, illustrates a deep longing for this lifestyle.
Specialized Crafts: Building bespoke musical instruments, handbuilt bicycle wheels, or even intricate mechanical gears that last a century, reflect a meticulous, craft-oriented passion.
Continuing Tech, Differently: A segment of tech professionals express that if money were no object, they would still engage with programming, but focus on personal interests, open-source projects (e.g., replicating paid macOS apps as FOSS), or build unique tech-adjacent creations like sound systems or digitally-controlled plasma tube lights. This highlights a genuine love for the craft itself, detached from corporate imperatives.

Practical Considerations and Realities

The discussion also touches on the pragmatic realities of career changes and the motivations for staying in tech.

Financial Security: Many acknowledge that tech provides stability and high salaries, making it difficult to pivot to lower-paying passion-driven jobs, especially for those with family responsibilities or mortgages. The high student loan-to-income ratio for certain new educational paths (like SLP) is a practical concern.
Physical Toll: Trades are recognized as physically demanding, with concerns about back, knee, and hip pain, especially for those considering a career change later in life.
Skills Transferability: Some feel their skills are primarily confined to tech, leading to uncertainty about viable alternatives. Others, however, see transferable analytical and problem-solving skills to fields like medicine, law, or engineering.
Burnout and Regret: A few express regret for not pursuing their initial passions (e.g., cooking) and attribute their current tech work to practical necessity rather than genuine interest, often experiencing burnout. This reinforces the idea that the grass isn't always greener, but sometimes the current field is genuinely draining.

Ultimately, the conversation reveals a widespread human desire for meaningful work, connection, and creation, often in forms distinct from the prevailing tech landscape, while simultaneously acknowledging the very real constraints that shape career choices.