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That's a very general question, so here's some very general advice: Start with something you know. Surely, based on your work and life experiences so far, the

That's a very general question, so here's some very general advice: Start with something you know. Surely, based on your work and life experiences so far, there are some niches that you know better than most people. Think about those niches, and the kinds of problems they have-- possibly the problems they don't know they have. Don't be blinded by the idea of mainstream, consumer software. You don't need to create software that your mother will use. Businesses are more inclined to spend money on software, especially if you can demonstrate how the software will make them money, save them money, or solve some other problem.

devmonk 16y ago
Thanks! I apologize that it's so general. That's part of the problem. I agree that I need to focus on something else, and focus of solving a niche need. Unfortunately after a long career in development, I really am not enthusiastic about more coding. I've been reading 40 Days to the Work You Love, which is a great book. I have yet to read What Color is Your Parachute and related books on finding the right vocation or calling. Mostly I was hoping that someone else here might have previously given up software development for starting up an unrelated company and could provide info about how they changed direction and how they determined their new path and any advice related to that choice. I know some niche dev work that I could do on my own, but I'm just totally not excited about coding anymore- basically I'm only excited about business. I would go back and do the MBA thing, but I don't want to end up working for someone else, so I think that just starting a business once I find the right idea and have a plan, etc. would be the way to go.
- AmberShah 16y ago
  Just to be clear, finding a different career and starting a software business are two totally different things. Starting a software business does not get you away from coding, you have to do a great deal of coding, and then learn marketing plus a lot of other things on your own. I would say it's like coding++ so if you're looking to get away from coding, don't start a software business.
  - devmonk 16y ago
    Totally agree. I want to get away from it, and it would be basically like starting completely from scratch without almost any relevant experience. It's a big step, and without having specific inspiration in what to do next, I continue to burnout with the only relief being that I can at least try to focus on getting out.

devmonk 16y ago

Thanks! I apologize that it's so general. That's part of the problem. I agree that I need to focus on something else, and focus of solving a niche need. Unfortunately after a long career in development, I really am not enthusiastic about more coding. I've been reading 40 Days to the Work You Love, which is a great book. I have yet to read What Color is Your Parachute and related books on finding the right vocation or calling. Mostly I was hoping that someone else here might have previously given up software development for starting up an unrelated company and could provide info about how they changed direction and how they determined their new path and any advice related to that choice. I know some niche dev work that I could do on my own, but I'm just totally not excited about coding anymore- basically I'm only excited about business. I would go back and do the MBA thing, but I don't want to end up working for someone else, so I think that just starting a business once I find the right idea and have a plan, etc. would be the way to go.

AmberShah 16y ago
Just to be clear, finding a different career and starting a software business are two totally different things. Starting a software business does not get you away from coding, you have to do a great deal of coding, and then learn marketing plus a lot of other things on your own. I would say it's like coding++ so if you're looking to get away from coding, don't start a software business.
- devmonk 16y ago
  Totally agree. I want to get away from it, and it would be basically like starting completely from scratch without almost any relevant experience. It's a big step, and without having specific inspiration in what to do next, I continue to burnout with the only relief being that I can at least try to focus on getting out.