I read a kuro5hin post about a programmer turned courier, "A Coder in Courierland," (http://atdt.freeshell.org/k5/story_2005_3_19_133129_548.html) and became pretty infatuated with the idea over a five or six months. The recession hit, lay offs began, and then I was a courier.

I did it for a little over three years. It had its ups and downs. I returned to software development and have found a cosier community in the Javascript realm (pre-courier, .NET).

Takeaways that stick with me till this day:

- You can develop an incredible amount of strength from just cycling.

- Air quality is a long term concern.

- (More sun + more exercise) - LEDs = great sleep

- Excessive amounts of exercise != great health

- Learn your machine, and do your own work.

- Fixed gears are extremely useful in dense traffic.

- The type of work you do affects your outlook on life.

- There is a substantial amount of pride amongst messengers who show up, especially on the worst of days. Most people tend to avoid the harsh realities of life, and everyone can learn something from just taking life one delivery or line of code at a time.

- There is something to be said for sitting on a park bench and admiring the beauty around - people, man-made, or nature.

I miss it, but don't recommend it to anyone, as it's a job that requires a lot of grit and is low paying. I wouldn't change my experience at all, though. It aged my mind and soul in a really positive way.

I will say, returning to software development raises some eyebrows. Some will scrutinize the hole in your resume, others will congratulate you on being different.