I need a new career

Ok, not that I haven't enjoyed the last 2 years taking care of the wife and kids. But it's time to find something new to do, if only to pay for my racing plans for the future (24 of Daytona in the next 5 years ) and our travel.

Past: BS in Biology and Chemistry. 20 years experience as an analytical chemist specializing in chromatography and mass spectrometry. Worked for industry, government, and academia. No advanced degree (I'm a horrible student), but did a fellowship at UC San Diego in biological applications of mass spectrometry. I was really good at being a chemist, but did not like it all that much.

What I want? Something that I want to do every day. I don't want it to feel like work. I'd love to work outside. I like big ideas, laying out a general framework, and then handing it off to others to take care of the details while I think of the next big thing. I like to make decisions and don't mind sticking my neck out. I'm comfortable with what I know, but know when I need advice from others and am not shy about asking. I don't need things to be easy. I like to read and think and talk. I still love thinking about science and thinking scientifically. I could go my whole life not working in a lab again.

I'd really like to hear stories from other career changers. Dr Hess, you are a computer guy now. I'd love to hear your story. Anyone else? Ideas, suggestions, things to think about are appreciated.

Thanks!

Healthcare??? Lots of need for people who can apply production/scientiic processes to to a clinical setting. There's also the research side - but if you're wanting to skip the lab... I know of a few ford engineers who've made the leap to healthcare to lead lean process initiatives. There's a lot of inconsistencies and high error rates (esp. compared to production environments). FWIW healthcare mgt/processes are between 10-20 years behind in applying better processes (sorry if that comes as a shock to anyone).

Just a thought.

Jeff wrote: What I want? Something that I want to do every day. I don't want it to feel like work. I'd love to work outside. I like big ideas, laying out a general framework, and then handing it off to others to take care of the details while I think of the next big thing. I like to make decisions and don't mind sticking my neck out.

Firefighter.

International man of mystery.

Meth lab franchising?

As far as the software industry goes... I went from EE in an industrial instrumentation and automation background to writing robotic control stuff in the 90s. When I switched to the "business" software space it was solving very hard problems for the Communications industry that my previous background allowed me an advantage over the CS guys and domain experts. Even so, My timing was good - I did this in the mid-90s when any idiot with some typing skills could go work for Aurthur Anderson as an "expert" and demand six figures. Its a very tough business right now - this isn't the time to cut your teeth unless you can step into a niche where your Bio and Chem background can provide immediate value to the business or you live in an area where there is a tech vacuum to fill. The only people left standing around here (NYC/PHL/DC) during this recession are the guys who produce, meet deadlines and can juggle all the work the guys who got laid off left behind. It does not leave time for nurturing/mentoring I'm sorry to say. We ain't getting rich or taking any vacations either.

The energy business appears to have some of what you are looking for... it has the potential (real or perceived by investors) to have a big glut of cash. They like chemists and biologists in the "bacteria-to-gasoline" space. I've been keeping my eye on it as well - the offspring of making money is keeping track of how much and THAT needs instrumentation with reporting.

Have you considered being a fluffer? I understand its a growing job in these tough economic times.

Andrew