I thought I’d take a second to analyze and describe what I would consider to be my ideal job… not necessarily ideal company, but job functions. I’ll try to describe it as easily as I can… and please don’t take this as me not being happy at my current job or that I’m looking…
Currently I’m a Ruby Developer… and was just previously a .Net (C#) Developer. Both of these positions were in various degrees of consulting… essentially working on projects for clients under the respectful firms (employers). Interestingly enough, both were/are very similar to product development as I’ve been involved primarily in one project…
What I’d like to do ideally would be to stay in the realm of computer science and software development… but move towards a Research & Development style of position.
I’d like to be able to define projects that I’ll work on that may or may not have significant impact on the world. I’d like to have a team of developers working with me, with me being somewhat of a lead position, and I’d like to be able to patent some of the ideas/concepts that were generated. I’d also like to keep it language/platform agnostic… and just use the right tools for the job. I’ve used many languages: Fortran 77, Ada 95, C, C++, C#, Java, Ruby, Lisp, Scheme, BAL, and Mumps (M). Though I am only professionally experienced in C# and Ruby.
As far as fields of research… I am really passionate about a few scientific areas and naturally, due to this job being ideal, I’d like to be focused in on those subjects. Including but not limited to: genetics, bioinformatics, robotics, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and archaeology. Lots of other areas would be just as cool as long as it involves modeling of systems and producing developmental code / applications / systems that are radical and that can benefit humanity.
Interestingly enough, I’ve already researched and wrote code in all of those areas sans archaeology (which was chosen mainly for my childhood viewing of Jurassic Park).
There ya go… There are interesting companies in the US that are in need of people like me… and I would encourage them to contact me… as I will definitely be contacting companies in my future.
What is your ideal job?
As always, if you have any information pertaining to my ideal job, I would love to hear from you!
Shepard.
Easy… my ideal job is one where 1) I don’t work for anybody but me, 2) I get paid a crapload of money, 3) I can do whatever I want whenever I want, and 4) there’s no risk involved.