Occupation: Programmer?

Is there anyone here who has a job in programming? It seems like a cool job. If so what kind of language to you program in? Do you find your job enjoyable? Do you program applications that some business people use or do you program operating systems and such?

I'm 16 and considering my options for an occupation and programming or PC Repair our on the top of my list.

I had a job at Havas working as a patch designer, we used some C but most of the programming was actually modifying pre-existing code.

I just checked out the job future for the programmers, and it dosen't look that good......go here not many ppl in that job r old, so, there's not much opening for another 20-25 years....damnit

>>Is there anyone here who has a job in programming?

I mainly develop database apps in VB, but I've been working on a few smaller utilities using C++ at work. My boss never bothered to learn C++ and has an unhealthy fear of it . He's a die-hard "anything C/C++ can do, VB can do better" - whatever.

>>It seems like a cool job. If so what kind of language to you program in?

So now when he calls for some little quicky util I don't even bother going over any design with him, I just say "No problem", write a nice little C++ app, email him the *.exe and he's none the wiser (and the whole time my resume' is looking better and better - j/k! ).

>>Do you find your job enjoyable?

Definitely. Sometimes I marvel at the fact that I get paid to do something I love so much. I don't understand how some developers come to dislike their jobs. I look forward to every day at work.

>>Do you program applications that some business people use >>or do you program operating systems and such?

All of our apps are proprietary. We design/maintain every product that our employees use except for our AS400 client, MS Office and various CAD software that our Engineering dept. uses.

We developed all of our systems (payroll, fleet management, operations, sales/traffic, marketting, engineering, AP/AR, purchasing, etc.) to work as independent apps but also link and share info between each other. It makes all of our operations seemless to the end users.

>>I'm 16 and considering my options for an occupation and >>programming or PC Repair our on the top of my list.

At your age you have more than enough time to develop your skills in both areas. It's always good to have something to fall back on. Plus if you become a programmer you don't have to wait on an IT guy to fix your PC problems.

It can also provide good money on the side. I made $150 the other night installing a printer and scanner for someone and teaching them how to use them along with the family tree software they just bought. 2 1/2 hours of work for $150 and I was only asking for $20/hour, they were so happy with the service they paid me what the local PC repair shop had quoted them.

man!!!!! I wish i could make that kinda money

The thing was I was like, "No. We agreed on $20 an hour and I haven't been here for 3 whole hours." And they said, "Shut up, take the money, thank you." <- paraphrasing of course!

Point is, I was trying to not get paid that much ( am I crazy?! ) because I thought that was a ridiculous amount of money for something as simple as setting up a printer/scanner, etc.. But that's what 2 of the local PC repair shops quoted them ( the 3rd quoted them $70 an hour! ).

And I don't get gigs like that too often . This was something my land-lord asked me to do for him the other day.

Originally posted by jdinger
Point is, I was trying to not get paid that much ( am I crazy?! ) .

yes........yes you are

Man 150$ for setting up a printer and scanner. I'd do that for 20$.

Originally posted by bobish
Man 150$ for setting up a printer and scanner. I'd do that for 20$.

I tried to do it for $40, but they weren't having any of it. It was kind of funny afterwards. I was sitting in my car holding the check thinking "this is too much money for doing something so easy. I almost feel guilty".

Of course, I did tell them to call me anytime they need any help from now on! Can't beat $50/hour for basic tech work.

lol. I've been in exactly the same situation. A friend of a friend was having computer difficulties. Simple things so I said i'd pop over some time and sort it all out. Was barely there for over an hour (just undoing what some simpleton had messed with thinking he knew what he was doing) and they force 60 bucks on me. I'm like "No really, it was no problem!" But they werent having any of it. I pulled the same line "Call me any time."

Guess it actually pays to know this stuff (literally). It kind of second nature so I guess I never really think of it as something that not everybody can do.

20+ years software engineer. These days mostly C++, but some Pascal and assembler.

>>> Do you find your job enjoyable?

Not any more, just a job.

I want a job!!!

I'm an expert in PHP and Flash, and I've been listed at http://www.rentacoder.com/ for a year, but I have no jobs

Currently working 2 years in embedded software programming. Mainly C, C++ and sometimes Java and assembly. I like my job, working with and developing new technology is great. The products we make at my company, embedded software, are usually part of a larger system. Like mobile phone or car navigation. Really fascinating.

For me it is not a job, but I think that is because I just started doing this job. But you'll never know, there are some collegues at my company who have many years of experience but who are still very enthusiastic at what they are doing.

>>->>I'm 16 and considering my options for an occupation and >>->>programming or PC Repair our on the top of my list.

>>At your age you have more than enough time to develop your >>skills in both areas.

Any suggestions on how to develop those skills?

Read and play around with your computer until you totally screw it up. Then, do the same with your new computer.