Ask HN: My career is over before it started, what next?

Depending on the seriousness of the "respect violation", I believe there are plenty of local colleges where one can get a degree in computer science or some other related major, and from there get a job in programming. If what you did is actually just ask a woman out in an email, this would not be a dealbreaker for most colleges.

Not sure what country you're in, but there are also definitely in the U.S. employers who will hire a programmer that does not have a degree (although some won't), as long as you can demonstrate that you can program.

Universities are clearly not worth the investment, given my situation. If they screw me over once, they will do it again.

I can’t speak to the reason for you being kicked out of your position. There might be more to why you’re telling but nevertheless have you considered applying your math skills as a developer? Dev shops, if you don’t have any predilection to further let-me-go-get-HR activities while at work, these companies will clamor for your talent. Someone with your math skills will likely pick up the more complicated bits — there’s even theoretical computer scientists making a really good living at places like Microsoft Research.

If you wanted to stay in research though perhaps there’s some penance you can do and someone who would give you a chance at a new place? People make mistakes doesn’t mean we need to ruin someone’s career over it.

Penance? For what? I definitely do not plan on pursuing a career where I get penalized for nothing. No thanks, I'd rather stay independent and struggle.

I was referring to the “respect violation” David references below.

The respect violation is not something that can be taken seriously, it's just something petty people did to me because they dont like my existence. Any employer who takes these things seriously is somebody I dont want to associate with.

Then take legal recourse. If it’s that petty it’s probably illegal. Otherwise you did something — and something at least that got some people uncomfortable. Also who asks someone out over email? Dating in the workplace is a bad idea.

I am taking legal action, it's plain illegal discrimination at a tax payer funded institution.

MSR and other brand-name skunkworks departments will not hire someone without an advanced degree.

>given a "respect violation" because I asked a woman on a date in an email

That seems like an extreme response. But I have no idea of the context or the nuances.

If it is just what you say it is (and you can back it up) then I would hope most software companies wouldn't hold it against you.

Lots of demand for programmers with good maths skills in computer graphics, machine learning, data science and any number of other areas. I suggest you create some software that demonstrates your skills. IMHO that would make your more employable than someone with a degree and no project to show.

There are plenty of careers that have math as it's base subject. Research what else you might like to get into and move forward on that. Getting a job in academia is already hard so adding the violation will make it impossible. You need to come to grips with that and move on to something else. If you're lucky you might even get a research job in the private sectors. You have a bright future you just have to switch your goals a bit.

It sounds like your career in academia is over. In truth, your a priori chances of making it as a professional mathematician and raising a family with academia pay was very, very slim. Not a big loss, expected-value-wise, so cheer up!

You can easily find a schlub programming job paying six figures. Just remember to keep it in your pants, brah!

Actually, people from academia still are offering me academic opportunities, apparently, so you are not correct when you say the chances are over.

Then you are missing a negation in the thread subject line.

It's a new offer I got as a result of this Ask HN post, so no.. also I am not actually interested in what universities have to offer anymore. Their primary business is gossip, while I am seeking to make a business out of only math and programming, not gossip.