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 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. 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 a 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.