I am not sure older dev need a specific type of resource to learn new language or skills...
Same web pages but with ctl-+ pressed a couple times?
Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
11–20 of 229 posts
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#12I am not sure older dev need a specific type of resource to learn new language or skills...
I don't think so either, don't fence yourself off.
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#13In my 20s I worried about losing my intellectual abilities in my 40s and 50s
What you really just lose is patience for BS :)
Sure, yeah, you lose 10% of your raw intellect if you stay healthy[1]. You probably more than make up for it in experience and wisdom. But hell the thing that demotivates me is the recycled insanity of large organizations, egotistical tech executives, hype cycles, and all the other BS. Eventually you can learn to laugh it off, but you don't take it as seriously as you did when you're younger. It motivates you less. You stay focused on what interests you outside of whatever external factors happen.
For some, of course though, this just leads to burnout on the whole field. Seeing one dumb hype cycle after another, with self-described visionaries chasing trends, rather than defining them, heartlessly laying off staff, etc, even when profitable. Its enough to drive you crazy if you let it.
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#14I'm a developer in my late 40's. Just like a LOT of other developers, I have a stackoverflow profile, a set of (active) personal Github repos, and a presence on LinkedIn.
I love clear, to-the-point video instruction. I don't think it's age-specific, but I really like "Tech World with Nana" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TechWorldwithNana
Hacker News (this site) is where I follow industry trends, along with Ars Technica, and TechCrunch. Again -- nothing out of the ordinary.
What might be unusual to younger devs is that I really enjoy mentoring. It reminds me why I got into this business, and sharpens my communication skills. I would encourage any senior dev or manager to seek out mentors to work with.
Oh! And don't be afraid to pick up hobbies. I picked up guitar, camping, and weight training in my 40's. You're never too old to learn something -- it starts with a choice.
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#15I am not sure older dev need a specific type of resource to learn new language or skills...
Yeah - not thinking tech skills. More along the lines of sometimes it's nice to hash things out with people who are approximately same age/experience level. I love working with younger devs and manage/mentor and appreciate the energy and perspective. But at the same time it's fun to shoot the breeze with someone who lived through the EJB hype in Java land to give a specific example.
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#16In my 20s I worried about losing my intellectual abilities in my 40s and 50s What you really just lose is patience for BS :) Sure, yeah, you lose 10% of your raw intellect if you stay healthy[1]. You probably more than make up for it in experience and wisdom. But hell the thing that demotivates me is the recycled insanity of large organizations, egotistical tech executives, hype cycles, and all the other BS. Eventual…
Yes this exactly. Once you've been through a few cycles of madness it is fun to chat with others who have as well (plus helps you keep your sanity and perspective).
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#17Strategies for dealing with ageism would be useful indeed. But otherwise, besides knowing shortcuts to increase zoom/font size for changing eyesight, age brings no special needs.
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#18Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#19In my 20s I worried about losing my intellectual abilities in my 40s and 50s What you really just lose is patience for BS :) Sure, yeah, you lose 10% of your raw intellect if you stay healthy[1]. You probably more than make up for it in experience and wisdom. But hell the thing that demotivates me is the recycled insanity of large organizations, egotistical tech executives, hype cycles, and all the other BS. Eventual…
This is what is me as I head into my 50’s. I always knew it was BS, but now I can’t ignore it any more. Corporate culture garbage drives me absolutely to depression now, and I can’t force myself to care any more. I love teaching and mentoring and leading and programming and all those skills. But I can’t muster up to energy to give a crap about anything other than the work itself, the team, the product, etc. I more clearly see the processes that are set up simply to look busy, and I can’t force myself to participate. It’s telling me at some core level it’s time to strike out on my own. But, once you’ve seen the fnords, you can’t unsee them.
Re: Ask HN: Resources for older developers?
#20In my 20s I worried about losing my intellectual abilities in my 40s and 50s What you really just lose is patience for BS :) Sure, yeah, you lose 10% of your raw intellect if you stay healthy[1]. You probably more than make up for it in experience and wisdom. But hell the thing that demotivates me is the recycled insanity of large organizations, egotistical tech executives, hype cycles, and all the other BS. Eventual…
I'm 42 and so much better than I was at 22, but nowhere near where I was as an individual at 33. I blame the latter on having three small children. It has taken me a long time to deal with being only above average instead of someone people viewed as a genius.
Not sure if I agree with the intellect loss - I've not lost anything, I'm just much better at juggling multiple things and less good at the math-heavy detail work. However I'm still able pick up new skills as fast as ever.
A friend of mine is in his mid-50s and has kept working on those things, he's as sharp as ever.