I was educated as a biologist but I am now a full time software dev (perhaps a light version, I just do Python/bash) with some science elements. I was able to make this switch because I have always (since the 2.4 kernel days) enjoyed Linux and self-hosting as much as possible, including email, which I, as 99% gave up on later again).

It basically made me a sys-admin, many people around me do docker these days, few can diagnose issues with Docker itself, route traffic around with valid certs, open a shell inside a container to really see what's happening. But I just feel at home inside Linux. I know my way around /etc, I know how I would do things and that is how things often are. It helps me a lot in my daily job. I feel like the whole stack is an open book to me. I still listen to a lot of Linux podcasts (like most Jupiter broadcasting shows), that also helped me a lot, also keeps me informed on recent tech.

I'm really getting paid for my hobby nowadays.