I think you may be confusing CS with Software Engineering. CS is a math heavy field that talks about computing machines, architecture, Operating system, among tons of other things. At Masters level, a degree of programming is almost always a pre-req unless the University is a diploma mill.
Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
111–120 of 136 posts
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#112Just disown him. How dare he not code. Shame to the family
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#113A person in CS who seems to have good technical jobs and also knows how to socialize is a rare breed and will do well in the real world ;)
Edit: chops, not jobs
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#114Earlier quoted context omitted.
I disagree with you on the general but agree on the specific here. I think parents need to be reasonably involved with their children even when they are students, but here the child seems to do well so there is no reason to worry
> I think parents need to be reasonably involved with their children even when they are students, but here the child seems to do well so there is no reason to worry OP is talking about a full grown adult. Not a child.
> OP is talking about a full grown adult. Not a child.
This is an interesting tangent to me. What makes a full grown adult? Is it being able to drive a car? Being able to serve in the military? Being able to drink? Vote? In the state where I grew up, these were all different ages.
And then there’s the scientific notion of when the brain is “finished” developing and maturing in the mid- to late-20s.
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#115The only red flag here is you. If your son is in college, he is likely to be at least 18 and therefore an adult in most countries. He is responsible for his own decisions, and is also the one to suffer the consequences. If he was studying accounting would you worry if he wasn't having fun doing people's taxes at night? If he was studying chemistry would you worry if he didn't have a mad scientists lab going on? Let y…
This comment strikes me as naive. If a child is financially dependent on their parents, they are not capable of living independently. A parent who isn't providing support, has no right to dictate or interfere. Personally, independence defines adulthood.
That's why financially dependent persons don't vote or drive.
Come to Italy, you'll find people aged 35 who live with their parents and are financially dependent even with a Ph.D. and an academic researcher career.
You're so biased.
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#116There's a lot here to unpack, but I don't believe this is a red flag. CS is not a "gimme" major. If he's continuing to pursue it and the college isn't weeding him out, then he's clearly doing alright and has enough enthusiasm for the major. Let him continue. On a more personal note, I don't believe this is any of your business. Your son is a grown adult. Perhaps he's getting a degree on your dime, but he needs to mak…
Agreed, this reminds me a lot of the "if you're a REAL programmer you'll have software-related side projects" line of thought - it's like, no, I do my REAL programming professionally, I spend my free time doing whatever I want. Just because I enjoy programming doesn't mean I spend every waking second writing code.
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#117As someone who studied at state schools with poor CS tracks and then worked in academia at universities that had incredibly strong CS tracks I've advised my kids to go to a school driving whatever industry they're interested in or don't go at all. They're still a few years away from that but I'll leave the choice up to them.
And to all the people stating "they're and adult not a child". Dude, I wish my parents would have had the ability to critically think about my school and major other than that blanket statement that "college good". They cared but didn't know enough to think about the specifics. Could have saved me a lot of cash and/or post education study.
That and they're always your child no matter how old they are. You'll always be invested. You'll always have unsolicited advice. It's totally a parents business. You can express concerns without breathing down their necks or being a control freak.
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#118Management material!
Don't worry, he'll make MUCH more money writing powerpoint and requirements docs...
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#119Earlier quoted context omitted.
This comment strikes me as naive. If a child is financially dependent on their parents, they are not capable of living independently. A parent who isn't providing support, has no right to dictate or interfere. Personally, independence defines adulthood.
That's why financially dependent persons don't vote or drive. Come to Italy, you'll find people aged 35 who live with their parents and are financially dependent even with a Ph.D. and an academic researcher career. You're so biased.
I'm aware of both instances. I'd argue that the European approach is better. However, if someone is paying your bills, they get to set the rules for continued financial support.
Disillusionment is the result of entitlement.
Re: Ask HN: Son is major in CS, but doesn't code. Red flag?
#120Earlier quoted context omitted.
> I think parents need to be reasonably involved with their children even when they are students, but here the child seems to do well so there is no reason to worry OP is talking about a full grown adult. Not a child.
English is not my native language, what word should I have used ?
saying 'his child' wouldn't imply child-age as much as 'the child' does