Inside one coder's journey to leave tech and land a 'baby blue-collar' job

Brian Gordon, once a passionate coder, found himself confronting an unexpected career shift after his job as a frontend developer was eliminated due to company closure. With a decade of experience in the tech industry, he was acutely aware of the grim job market for programmers, especially after facing difficulties in securing a new position just months prior. Desperate to provide for his family—his wife and their two-year-old son—Gordon began to explore alternative career paths, hoping to move away from the tech sector altogether. Inspired by the success of friends in blue-collar professions such as plumbing and HVAC work, he started researching potential jobs that would allow him to work with his hands. Initially, Gordon consulted the Claude chatbot for ideas, which suggested various roles like electrician and plumber. However, he hesitated at the thought of physically demanding work, recalling his exhausting days in construction. His wife, Andrea, was supportive of his career change but shared his concerns about the physical toll of these jobs. As he continued his job search, Gordon's interest shifted toward land surveying after a neighbor’s suggestion. He learned that the field was experiencing a shortage of younger workers, making it an appealing option. After shadowing surveyors, he enjoyed the physical aspect of the job and the problem-solving it involved, likening it to a scavenger hunt. Despite the challenges in securing an apprenticeship in land surveying, luck was on Gordon's side when a friend at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory mentioned a civil site designer position. This opportunity aligned perfectly with his skills, as it involved using AutoCAD—the software he was familiar with—while balancing office work with field visits. Gordon submitted his résumé, understanding that he would be starting at an entry-level salary, significantly lower than what he earned as a developer. However, he felt optimistic about the job stability in the hands-on roles compared to the volatile tech industry. On May 6, Gordon received the job offer that marked the end of his decade-long career in software development. He would now be designing parking lots and collaborating with city planners. While the transition came with sacrifices, including a 30% salary cut and a shift from remote work to a five-day office schedule, he was relieved to have navigated the job market successfully. Reflecting on his decision, Gordon expressed contentment with his new path, stating that he has no intention of returning to tech. As he embarks on this new journey, he is ready to embrace the challenges of his civil site designer role, leaving behind the uncertainties of the coding world for a more stable future.