What would you do if…

I was recently asked what I’d do if I wasn’t a software developer. We’ve all probably been asked this question, and while I can’t be absolutely sure what I’d be doing, it’s an interesting thought exercise.

I’ve been a software developer for a long time, but it wasn’t my first choice for a career. I had two other ideas when I was younger, but neither worked out as expected. I kinda fell into software development, but it’s been a satisfying career so far. As a software developer, I love solving problems and being able to take an idea and turn it into a working piece of software. It’s 100% intellectual, creative work, and also very satisfying.

At some point I would like to retire though; retire and maybe do one of these things!

Something Creative

My broad, 50,000 foot answer: something creative.

Digging in a little, I think there are two things that jump out more than others. Well, unless I could snap my fingers and become a rock star!

Woodworking

Our old house had a big garage, so there was a period of time when I was into wood working. I build a few little pieces of furniture and really enjoyed it. It’s cool to look around the house, point at something, and say, “I made that!” I also have fond memories of my daughter “helping” with some of it.

There are a lot of parallels with software development; the process of taking an idea (or a drawing) and turning it into something usable is the thing that I loved. It’s easy to get into the same kind of flow state, too, as you measure, measure again, then cut and join pieces of wood together into something useful.

If this is what I did for a living, I’d focus on practical pieces (desks, tables, book cases) that would last for generations.

Writing

In my opinion, writing is a natural pair with reading, and I read a lot. I’ve set a goal to write something for this blog every day. It can be challenging at times, but since I haven’t missed a day since June 1, I think I’m doing pretty well.

I may not be the best writer, but I enjoy it. I don’t think I have the Great American Novel in me, but this kind of writing is very satisfying for me. I have friends who have written great pieces of fiction, I’m just not sure where to start. As with programming and even woodworking, it’s easy to get into a solid flow state.

If this is what I did for a living, I would want to write a series that kept readers coming back - probably in the same realm as Tom Clancy, Jack Carr, or C.W. Lemoine.

Final Thoughts

So, what about you? If you weren’t do the “thing” you’re doing for a career, what would you be doing?

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