Alternatives to coding: * Management * Dev ops * network engineer (routers and switches) * cloud engineer * security engineer (defense) * cyber operations

Alternatives to coding: * Management * Dev ops * network engineer (routers and switches) * cloud engineer * security engineer (defense) * cyber operations (offense) * project management * program management (more business than technical) * platform infrastructure (similar to cloud but farther from the metal) * recruiter * API engineering * test automation * business analyst * public relations Most of these require certifications and most of the rest require specialized education. Some just happen by accident. In my case I was a long time JavaScript developer but after being laid off I refused to go back to framework hell. I got picked up to author API for this big enterprise management thing. I was perfectly happy being a developer with no work ethic but for some weird reason I am now standing up developer operations for this enterprise effort. I had options because I have a coding background, prior experience as a principal and in management, certifications, and a security clearance. If you want options have some of those things that employers are looking for.