Thread: Easy Languages to Learn While Getting Paid?

I graduated from a 2 year program that was half Adobe Creative Suite and half coding(HTML,CSS, Javascript, PHP, and also AS3). During the program I found I had a strong preference for the coding side of things.
Since graduating I've been working mainly doing front-end development(HTML, CSS, Javascript). However at home I've been tinkering(late into the night for fun!) with a few with learning other programing languages and concepts. So far I've used Ruby(which is my favorite), lots of PHP, and a little Python.
My current position will end in 3 months and I'm trying to figure out what programing language/skills I should pursue? The big factors for me are...

1. Money - How much will I get paid and how hard it will be to get a job
2. Ease of learning for Front-End/PHP developer
3. Prospects for the language in long-run (e.g. some languages might have high pay now but are expected to phase out soon)
4. Enjoyment - This is a factor for me though the other 3 are more important(ATM), if enjoyment was the only factor I think I would choose Ruby for sure.

Options I'm considering so far...

1. Learn ASP & .NET (I'm seeing ALOT of jobs looking for this in my area)
2. Pursue more Ruby (As mentioned I really enjoy this language and have practiced a good amount already)
3. Stick with PHP and get better
4. Specialize in advanced Javascript programming (I have seen some saying this is as in demand as back-end Dev.)
5. Learn C or another variation of C? (I've heard Comp. Sci students learn C first)
6. Another language which I haven't mentioned.

I'd recommend learning C++. C++ is a powerful language and will likely continue to be in high demand for years to come. get a good book like Accelerated C++ and work your way through it. don't try to rush, and if you have questions, you can come back here and ask. there are a lot of really good C++ programmers here who are always happy to help.

Originally Posted by Salem

There are also quite a lot without a job as well.
Learning C++ to be both competent in C++, and better than the average unemployed C++ programmer is not something that can be achieved in a couple of months.

Put some random skill in place of C++ and the statement almost always remains true.
If it isn't, every other person rushes to aquire that skill and the statement becomes true within a matter of time.

O_o

It is my experience that "specialists" aren't all that employable.

I have a rather extreme specialty in C++. I admit, I have made some good money from time to time by being "The guy who knows how this template crap needs to work." and most of my C++ related jobs have been of that form. However, most of my programming related work is just code monkey stuff; the stuff that virtually any programmer can do. Business like to make money and don't like paying for "specialists" when any graduate will do.

I strongly advise you to polish what you know while branching out into the latest technology fad (even if it isn't a fad in the true sense). Building on your web experience while also pursuing ".Net" sounds like a great plan. You may not make as much in a given time frame as someone who is employed as a "specialist", but you probably will be employed on a more regular basis.

*shrug*

Of course, if we are going by my experience you also don't want to get the reputation for being a difficult "specialist". ;_;

Soma

I'd rather strive for getting some free time for side projects and the ocassional interesting work than the regular boring one

^_^

Some of us have bills that come around due more that just occasionally.

Soma

Soma ;_;