Thread: I like programming, but unsure if I want a career

I've always liked computer programming and all of its related subjects ever since I learned HTML at age 16. Actually, I even made up my own little systems of how "coding" worked well before that. I just always found it fascinating to wonder how the games I would play worked, and formed my own theories ever since I was a kid. I am now, of course, aware of how it all works from a general viewpoint. I am by no means good at any language -- I just know that I can get better if I want to because experience has taught me such. I also "know" how it all works now -- it's no mystery to me (how computers and computer programs work). I am sad that it took the magic out of it though.

I put the brakes on furthering/honing my skills (and forgot a lot of stuff I knew) since I can't find any specific purpose to apply them to. For example, I am pretty unsure if I'd even enjoy a career in programming, and think it would be better as a hobby or maybe a business venture (i.e., create a website to make money or such).

The idea of working in an office is depressing to me. I know this is basically what programming jobs all consist of -- offices/office-like environments. Since I cannot see myself in such an environment, my best self tells me that programming is not a career for me, if I'm going to be miserable in it.

People say that you should learn to code to apply it and make money, but I'd much rather apply it to a business kind of way to make money than a "regular job" way (never liked nor had one of those anyways). Any suggestions here?

See, because I have no specific direction in which I feel or know I can take these skills, I have virtually no interest in wanting to advance if I can't directly provide a benefit to myself from learning (and no, learning it by itself is not a benefit to me if I have no direction or specifics to apply it to).

Any ideas? Should a set a specific reason to apply it to as a motivation to learn? Should I give a career a shot, even if I detest the idea of the working environment greatly?

I'd much rather have a "job" that's more "hectic" and changing -- and I don't think programming jobs fit that, but insight would be nice. But bear in mind that I've never had a "job" and work independently (freelancer) on various, non-passionate things (just for money at the time) -- however, I'd like to put a specific interest in to play here. Any thoughts? Anybody ever been in this situation?

Not knowing what to do with programming, or where to go (or whether to make a career/big thing of it)? I know there's freelance programming to, but I hear that's no different overall besides maybe working in your home coding (depressing).

That is a very hard question to answer - as the reasons people are going to give are personal ones and may or may not be what your looking for. I will however give you some general advice.

I work professionally as a Software Engineer (almost extensive in the C language), and I love it. Yes, programmers do work in an office environment - and the work they do can be stressful and very demanding. It depends on a few things however.

1. If you work for a company (like I do), then you are almost always under somebody else's thumb. But - if the company is able to listen, then you can always implement your own ideas onto the company project(s). Never be afraid to speak your mind in the programming world, as most of the best applications developed were formed from a brain storm of ideas.

2. Working freelance (as you said) is more of a personal venture you can undertake - but that can have and does have it's own rewards. You are never tied down to a schedule, and you work around your own ideas without any limitations. You can be very expressive - and very artistic at the same time. Think of a freelance programmer the same as an artist. The output is your paper and the source code are your brushes.

Overall, if you really want to make a profession in programming - it does help to nail down a field.

* Do you want to be a games programmer?
* Do you want to develop desktop applications?
* do you want to design the next website?
* Do you want to create very intregal software such as device drivers and kernels?

Each of the above does however come almost tied to a specific language. You can create almost anything in any language you chose - but knowing the limitations of a language in that particular field is very important. Do not become frustrated or dis-heartened by not knowing what to do - just keep coding and keep learning. No one person knows 100% of a single language, because in realty you never need to use it all in one application.

Pick something your passionate about - learn more about it - learn how programming ties into it - take it from there.

Good luck

Ada x

Not all programming jobs quite fit the cliche' 9-5 boundary. Depending on your field, you can end up greatly exceeding those with very little extra pay. However, this again would greatly depend on if you have a total ar**hole for an employer

Salaries, as with all jobs, will plunge and spike during certain times - so as long as you find a fixed livable income that has the protential to improve that's a good starting point. If you feel your skills in a certain area are not pushing you, or you are "over-qualified" for a project then you ask for another job or move to a more applicant suitable part of the team which maximums your skills and motivation.

If you are absolutely determined to make it as a software engineer and really want to push yourself - then the I.T industry is the place to be for new ideas and new technologies. Look at Google... two guys in a garage began the company, and it's now one of the biggest companies in the world.

As a side note - are you studying any particular language at the moment? If so, look at what possible jobs are out there that utilize that language in general. However, if possible do not tie yourself to just one. Learn one to begin with as much as you can to get a real grounding then learn another. Having more than one tool in the toolbox looks great not only on a C.V for a possible employer, but also gives you skills to help others out too - which is one of the best things about getting inside a computer.

Ada x

Well I think there are a couple of things to unpack with this question. First of all, I think diversifying your income can only be a smart move; you're not necessarily trapped by the previous choices you made, which can happen the older you get.

Secondly, yes. I think it's important to question your career even if you have a passion. I've taken jobs where I felt I had no business having them, and it's really important to direct your passion sometimes. In effect, I mean, thinking (and you will think this) this part of what I like sucks, and doing it anyway. There are downsides to anything worth doing.

Hopefully the people you meet through working are interesting as well.

Originally Posted by whiteflags

Well I think there are a couple of things to unpack with this question. First of all, I think diversifying your income can only be a smart move; you're not necessarily trapped by the previous choices you made, which can happen the older you get.

Secondly, yes. I think it's important to question your career even if you have a passion. I've taken jobs where I felt I had no business having them, and it's really important to direct your passion sometimes. In effect, I mean, thinking (and you will think this) this part of what I like sucks, and doing it anyway. There are downsides to anything worth doing.

Hopefully the people you meet through working are interesting as well.

This.

Also, take note to what MutantJohn said about website design and implementation. I can or cannot agree either way on "if" the desktop application world is declining - look at software built in Java and C# for more options in that department in general. However, the Internet has been around for a fair bit now and almost all business around the world have dipped their toes into the virtual highway. Main stream wrb companies such as Amazon and the like design most of their interfaces "in house" - so that is a possible area to look into - if you would like to see what it can offer you.
The video game industry is another option, but perhaps the most demanding and difficult industry to break into.

Ada x

Those-positions-still-exist?-I-honestly-wouldn't-enjoy-being-a-traffic-light-or-cross-walk-programmer.

Why not? It is a start and a "foot in the door" of an industry that overall interests you. Some of the best programmers began working for small firms making applications for trivial objects such as this. It doesn't mean you stay in this work - you would use it as experience and something to build your knowledge up from. Personally, would think something as technical as this sort of software would be using a very integral language too - so more skills and experience.