OK, spent a few days mulling ideas in my head with a few thoughts but little in the way of pointers.
Some of you may remember this thread not to mention other problems I've had since working there (NOT getting paid over the Xmas break, 5am starts and no lunch, etc, etc).
Anyway, I've been deciding my career options. I've been a developer for nearly 20 years now, VB, SQL, ASP, worked for small companies, worked for global companies, loved every single minute of it and had no regrets apart from the last 5 months with my current employer.
In short, I'm burnt out. I can't stand programming anymore, I used to come home on an evening and tinker about with some code but I just can't abide the thought of loading an IDE.
I know 100% that I'll keep with the programming, but I need a slight change.
Nearly 20 years is a long time with the same career, and I don't really have much skills in any other area other than technical illustrations.
A few years back I did quite a large handful of technical illustrations (wiring diagrams, PCB designs, mechanical assemblies, etc) which was VERY enjoying, but of course it was never a full-time career and this experience was gained during my own time on an evening to make extra money.
So...
I've worked out I need approximately 14k a year to be 'adequate'. Programming jobs here in Swansea are so so hard to find and I know it's the cowards way out, but I really and seriously have no idea how much more worry over getting paid and attitude from my current employer. It's making me ill and causing arguments at home.
Any thoughts on what I could possibly do? At 34 (nearly 35), is there an option for college/poly doing a Technical Illustration course that would gain me the experience and give me some money? An appreciticeship, contract work (do I do my own bookkeeping?).
I'm at a total loss and could really do with some ideas from people.
Cheers...
Some of you may remember this thread not to mention other problems I've had since working there (NOT getting paid over the Xmas break, 5am starts and no lunch, etc, etc).
Anyway, I've been deciding my career options. I've been a developer for nearly 20 years now, VB, SQL, ASP, worked for small companies, worked for global companies, loved every single minute of it and had no regrets apart from the last 5 months with my current employer.
In short, I'm burnt out. I can't stand programming anymore, I used to come home on an evening and tinker about with some code but I just can't abide the thought of loading an IDE.
I know 100% that I'll keep with the programming, but I need a slight change.
Nearly 20 years is a long time with the same career, and I don't really have much skills in any other area other than technical illustrations.
A few years back I did quite a large handful of technical illustrations (wiring diagrams, PCB designs, mechanical assemblies, etc) which was VERY enjoying, but of course it was never a full-time career and this experience was gained during my own time on an evening to make extra money.
So...
I've worked out I need approximately 14k a year to be 'adequate'. Programming jobs here in Swansea are so so hard to find and I know it's the cowards way out, but I really and seriously have no idea how much more worry over getting paid and attitude from my current employer. It's making me ill and causing arguments at home.
Any thoughts on what I could possibly do? At 34 (nearly 35), is there an option for college/poly doing a Technical Illustration course that would gain me the experience and give me some money? An appreciticeship, contract work (do I do my own bookkeeping?).
I'm at a total loss and could really do with some ideas from people.
Cheers...