exor_one

Thanks to everyone who commented, especially to those who added some constructive input, including MiKuS, whose book suggestion I will consider.

My intention was not to attack programmers, who are among the most rational people, some of whom I have a deep respect for. I hope to warn aspiring programmers / software engineers / coders / developers to understand what they are getting into before making the leap.

scru

How old are you dude?

I ask this because I would like to tell you to stfu and get back out there and go get what you want. Don't settle. Of course, that is if you're still young.

DaWei

What does young have to do with it? At 66 I'm still going and getting what I want.

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scru

Not to call you old or anything, but at least you got an excuse not to.

exor_one

Someone shares my thoughts a bit more eloquently here:

http://www.halfsigma.com/2007/03/why_a_career_in.html

... "temporary nature of knowledge capital" ... amen.

ShadowAssasin

(In response to the article in the link) Every profession has tools and "knowledge capital" that eventually become obsolete; the writer is acting as if software development is the only one. There are many fields of work that experience changes in their associated instruments and disciplines. For example, I doubt you'd find it much of a hinderence as a mechanic these days if you didn't know how to work on a carburetor, or it's inner workings for that matter.

The writer also seems to assume that you become a programmer by simply learning how to use a given language; this is not true either. I knew a programmer who used to help fix problems in code written in java and he has never even learned java. Good programmers depend on thier knowledge and understanding of design patterns and software algorithms. The language is merely a tool or "flavor" - for lack of a better word - used to implement the solution. You will have to use the language they want you to use but hey, thats life. Besides, if you're really a programmer it shouldn't matter anyway; learning new things should be half the fun. Is learning some new syntax really that big of a deal? And, lets be practical here.... How many times do you think you will have to do that in your career? I doubt companies will spend money to change their application simply for it to be written in the newest language available. (And Im being extremley sarcastic here; they will hold on as long as they possibly can) So, maybe three to four times in your career? I dont think it's that serious.

Good Luck.

and narue, your first post was excellent

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kurifu

This doesn't seem so much as a limitation in the field so much as a limitation on your ambition. Learning new technologies is half the fun of the battle.

I wouldn't choose any other career.. except maybe be a police officer, that would be fun.

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dmallord

hi all, i am a senior in the computer science program, wsu-tri-cities. i started on this path at the age of 39, with a fresh ged. i can say that for myself the programming has at times been very difficult, but every degree of difficulty is rewarded to the nth degree when a program, or concept comes together.

i absolutely agree that if you do not get hyper-cheesy about problem solving then programming/ and or development is not for you.

before this endeavor i worked as a professional mechanic for 25 years.

problem solving...

phooks

Hi Exor_one,

First of all, please take my comments with a pinch of salt since I must be the most neophyte person in these very forums regarding programming: my only knowledge is limited to:

1. Basic (NO visual basic ) loooots of years ago, thanks to my beloved Commodore 64!

2. A bit of C++ tweaking in the videogaming mod scene – I mean MINOR tweaks here, no programming involved!

Having said this, I think that is important to receive a “disclaimer” or a “beware” for any job/career in the market, so thanks. I guess that the problem throughout the forum has not been so much the fact that you are raising your concerns, and trying to share those concerns, but the actual tone of the post… one thing is to raise your concerns based on your experience, and something very different to slag a whole career based on either personal experience, or “that” link.

Personally, I give more credit to your own words and experience, than to the ones to be found in that article you refer to: I know that it has been written very nicely, and it “seems” to make sense, but in my opinion it is a very self-righteous, poor article. Again, please remember that I am a noob.

The thing is, most of the points raised in “Why a career in computer programming suck” could be extrapolated to any other career, while others are not relevant. I.e., Low Prestige: personally, could I care less about this particular point? I am not looking for a career change so that all the bimbos will see me in the street and want to marry me.

I want a change of career because a) I want to feel challenged at my workplace, and b) I want to switch to a career that generates more stability for me and my family, including wife, kids and maybe a future hamster! How my career is perceived by the media its irrelevant: I was once a teacher in Spain, and man we were almost a worse threat that friggin terrorism! Did I care? Nope, all it’s in the eye of the beholder…

Also regarding work conditions: I started working as a Graphical Designer 3 years ago and I was being paid 12k a year. Please bear in mind that I had then 2 young kids to feed. I managed to survive though…

I am now still in what I consider not a brilliant wage (24k) but I am happy that I have doubled my wages in 3 years, and also, 24k is not a bad wage where I live.

During all these years, I have managed to improve my workplace substantially. I have been giving a post with leading eight artworkers mainly due to this work. My point is: yeah, programmers might have it tougher than Graphic Designers to get a cool G5 with a massive screen, BUT it’s easy to complain, and more difficult to be proactive: unless your boss is of the “Extremely Twat ™” school, you will be able to find ways to get what you want, if you can build a case towards productivity. If you sell your product (i.e. I get 2 screens and I will produce almost 3 times as fast), you might be able improve your job conditions.

Again: each job has got its great perks –even the ones perceived as shait, unless you work in a diamond mine 16 hours a day in Sierra Leona, and then it IS shait, and each job has got great things to focus on…

I cannot imagine anything better than the day when I can jump from my small app creation to a more “fuzzy” approach to programming: just for that moment, I know I am doing the right thing!

But again, thanks man since it is good to hear all possible problems when shifting to a new career!

Regards,
David