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Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?

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Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?

#61

Post by cromulent »

rbanffy wrote: post #51
abstractbill wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a very strong claim. I'm not sure I believe it - do you have a citation?

Actually, it not falsifiable. If you succeed, you were born for it. If you don't you weren't. The idea is that the only way he can find it out is by trying. Some of the best programmers I have met did come from outside compsci field - biologists, psychologists, and, yes, a business manager. The point is he must try to know whether he can - and is willing to - do it. And, BTW, what good would a citation do? It would b…

There's often examples at this address of people who successfully became programmers but were born for something else:

http://thedailywtf.com/

Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?

#62

Post by drawkbox »

Programming is the man behind the curtain, your job is to build a simple system that might solve a complex problem. The system cares none about the age of the creator, nor do the users.

The ageism in programming is only a side-effect of it being a new industry really since the 80s for desktop and 90s for web. You don't find many people in any industry much older than the industry itself.

Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?

#64

Post by AndyKelley »

ebtalley wrote: post #8

It's taken me about 5 years to feel comfortable enough to put myself out there to the world as a competent programmer. You have to want it, I can't tell you how many all nighters I have put in researching problems, trying coding patterns, etc. Find a bunch of proverbial nails and start hammering away. speaking of all nighters.

you should try sleeping. it's super-effective.

Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?

#66

Post by K-jo »

rbanffy wrote: post #41

You can't become a programmer. You are either born one or not. To have your answer, you'll have to try your hand at it. Nobody can predict that for you.

I have to agree with those who disagree. While there are those of us who are genetically predispositions to become techies, anyone with the drive and will can be a great programmer. It's hard work and usually takes much more effort but I have known some ubertechies who weren't born to it. Never underestimate the power of determination and desire.

Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?

#68

Post by mortenjorck »

compay wrote: post #37

One of my friends in college was a 72 year old widow who was bored and decided to go back to school. She was in some classes on theoretical linguistics, German and Latin with me. She had had little formal education earlier in her life, but was one of the best students and an incredibly fun person to study with. We ended up graduating together. So really I think it's all a matter of your own personality and attitude.…

It seems so rare that we have the opportunity to forge relationships with people far outside our own age ranges. What a great experience.
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