The Short of It
Through the rest of 2025 I'll be transitioning out of my full-time work in the software and AI industry into a completely new industry.
I will be phasing into a new role as an apprentice mechanic at my dad's industrial air compressor company, Northwest Compressor. There are long-term plans beyond being a mechanic, but for now I need to learn the industry, master the day-to-day skills, earn several licenses, and frankly put in many, many hours in coveralls, with grease in places the sun doesn't shine.
So why would I leave what I would consider over a decade of successful working in the technology industry? Good question!
The Background
People have asked me why I got into software. The answer I typically give is that I didn't choose it: rather Apple's Numbers app wouldn't let me do what I wanted, so a customer at the Starbucks where I worked at suggested I use PHP, and the rest is history. I got it and felt the joy and freedom that I'd felt as a kid building tree forts.
But the key is that I didn't get into software, to do software, but to solve problems. I love solving problems. Over the last decade, I've learned a lot about how to solve problems with software but I've also learned a lot of other things beyond just writing code.
- How to manage and motivate people
- The simpler solution is always better but it takes longer to get to
- Optimize for cost, and understand OpEx vs CapEx
- Saying as few words as possible while conveying the most clarity (this one is hard and I'm still working on it daily)
- Influencing executives
- ...and the list continues
Over the last decade in this, my first career, I've had countless amazing experiences that amaze me. I've met incredible people and have many dozens I call friends across so many industries. (subtle plug for Ping... 😉)
The way I see it, I learned to be a mechanic of computers, software, networks, infrastructure, and a people leader.
I'm just transitioning to be a mechanic of industrial air compressors (and all the things that go with that). If I work hard, I hope to earn more responsibilities as they are afforded to me.
What's Next
Over the next few months, I will begin training as an apprentice mechanic. I'm planning to continue consulting and working on my apps during the times I'm not in coveralls or with my family, and I'll continue to develop applications that I and others enjoy.
I'll write more about why later, but for now I'll leave it at this.