I sometimes consider getting into IT Validation or Systems QA. Appreciate like any job they have their highs and lows but it appears that once you master the methodology involved it is a straightforward enough area to be in. Once you know the lifecycle process and have a cursory knowledge of the IT systems involved, but I wonder does the admin and repetitive nature of it get old quickly.
It used to be the sweet spot in the software lifecycle and I spent a few years in that area. However more and more companies are automating QA which is effectively means hiring developers and the traditional QA roles have become redundant.
Like everything, there’s levels to it… Plenty room for lads that are middling as well as the loner nerdy types who just sit behind a computer coding and arguing about star wars