If you want to stick with technical work (not just management) you may want to look into Education or, as a last resort, Government. I've been programming at a science lab for about 10 years. The "deadlines" are easy and I don't have PHBs breating down my neck all of the time. Getting decent pay can be a problem and usually requires an in-demand advanced degree. You'll want to research what specific institutions are looking for and paying and if necessary plan ahead (e.g. I had to go back to school for a few years and get an MSCS).

Update: added missing word 'at'.

In reply to Re: departing programming, what is the next best step? by bluto
in thread departing programming, what is the next best step? by thaigrrl

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