The original article starts with this question:
Which of the following describes careers in software engineering?
A. Intellectually stimulating and gratifying.
B. Excellent pay for new bachelor’s degree grads.
C. A career dead-end.
The correct answer (with a “your mileage may vary” disclaimer) is: D. All of the above.
READ THE PROVIDED LINK TO KNOW WHY.
B. Excellent pay for new bachelor’s degree grads.
C. A career dead-end.
With A and B, who cares about C? I don't buy the early exit theory.
Plus, software engineering is always best as augmentation to something else.
Such as an accountant that can build reports and extracts is way better than one who has to write a specification to be developed after long meetings.
Getting personal. I'm that guy above, I'm 60. I have more offers for jobs and projects than ever before.
My son in law, with art training, not even a degree; is in high demand in California. However, he is relied on to go into the server room and troubleshoot issues; as well as render a tour through a virtual refinery.
If he wants, he can do this indefinitely.
I have been in IT (DP as we called it back then) since 1977 — I am in my 50s and my field is begging for people with a good solid software background who can do technical management.
I agree a pure coder is passe — I can get a roomful of programmers for $20 an hour. Getting someone to tell them what needs to be done and in what order: there’s the rub.
Connecting problems to technology — especially before the problem is even known — that won’t go away for quite some time.
Of course it is up to the individual to stay up on what is happening and keep their toolkit “sharp.” I’ll always be hands-on” but that lets me know how to keep all the hands productive.