My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#1

Post by doppp » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 2:40 AM UTC

My Biggest Regret as a Programmer
thecodist.com

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#2

Post by jareds » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 2:56 AM UTC

If you can't retire comfortably as a programmer where was all your salary going? I enjoy programming, but also realize I'm limited in how much I will make. I'm ok with knowing I won't own a 5000 square foot house or buy the newest laptop every two years because I'm putting money away for retirement.

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#3

Post by gtirloni » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 7:55 AM UTC

While I agree that it might be harder for full-time developers to have a lot of material assets (but still make a decent living), that simply is not the case when it comes to impact: just check all the open source projects that are integral to everyone's life these days.

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#4

Post by Starsgen » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 8:00 AM UTC

As a programmer, this kind of reads like a sore lottery loser. I as well didnt score big working at one of these companies, nor did I engage in leadership roles, but thats the way the ball bounces.

Also, I know programmers making 50k, more than those making over 100k, but I live in the midwest.

Cant save much, but I can take care of my family and that is what is important to me.

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#5

Post by meric » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 8:08 AM UTC

I'm into my third year working full time programming. Thanks for the heads up. Will retire sooner.

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#6

Post by clockwerx » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 8:21 AM UTC

Starsgen wrote: post #4

As a programmer, this kind of reads like a sore lottery loser. I as well didnt score big working at one of these companies, nor did I engage in leadership roles, but thats the way the ball bounces. Also, I know programmers making 50k, more than those making over 100k, but I live in the midwest. Cant save much, but I can take care of my family and that is what is important to me.

Its more about autonomy: after the basics are taken care of, how do I avoid depressing things caused by other people affecting me?

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#7

Post by yitchelle » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 8:24 AM UTC

His other post about his view of the downside of being a programmer is also relevant here.. http://thecodist.com/article/programming_is_a_dead_end_job

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#8

Post by collyw » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 8:24 AM UTC

jareds wrote: post #2

If you can't retire comfortably as a programmer where was all your salary going? I enjoy programming, but also realize I'm limited in how much I will make. I'm ok with knowing I won't own a 5000 square foot house or buy the newest laptop every two years because I'm putting money away for retirement.

Not everyone works in SV. In southern Europe I can live comfortably on a programmer salary, but can't save huge amounts.

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#9

Post by jkot » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 8:33 AM UTC

I think the right path is to be both a manager and a programmer. Starting business is getting easier and one person can manage both.

Re: My Biggest Regret as a Programmer

#10

Post by owenwil » Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 8:41 AM UTC

I'm curious what the path is to move from developer into a CTO/VP/Product Lead type role, for anyone here who has made the jump from nuts and bolts. How did you go about it? Did it just happen, or did you actively need to push for it? Would love to hear more from someone experienced, because from where I sit, it's hard to figure out how to jump that divide.