My targets:
Work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, acknowledging a possibility of that going up to 10-12 but rarely. NEVER on call: once I leave the building that's it for the day. No cellphone required!
Salary wise I'd like to be around $45k-$60k if possible.
I'd also like to remain "hidden"; the guy you don't see but gets his stuff done.
Absolutely no client facing.
No travel.
Here are my thoughts on popular IT choices and what I think of them:
Linux/Unix/Windows Admin: Sounds great except being on call. Would only consider if I could stay as Jr. Admin - have no interest in being a senior level guy.
Database admin: See above.
App developer: After the C++/Delphi era I have had little to no love or desire to learn the new programming languages. Python is nice but who hires a pure Python guy? I also don't want to have to face clients.
Web designer/dev: Not sure if this is even possible - the market seems way over saturated with folks as it is. I like the idea but not even sure I could get my foot in the door.
I don't know if this makes me sound like a lazy bastard; I'm just burnt out working 70-80 hour weeks, continual learning stuff one week and tossing it out the next, stress from looming job cuts, etc. etc. etc.