You don't HAVE to be an employee, that is only one choice among several possible ways to live. As a senior developer, you can make some in-demand software an s

You don't HAVE to be an employee, that is only one choice among several possible ways to live. As a senior developer, you can make some in-demand software an sell it, there are tons of developers making a living of selling a software product. Another alternative is to develop a Sass product for a given niche. With tools like Amazon AWS, Google Cloud or Firebase it's easier than ever. Contracting is also an alternative, as it removes the burden from the employer for paying more money for firing a 50 year old than a 25 year old, as in a lot of countries severance packages must take in consideration the age by law. Its also a very well paid profession, if you start contracting early, early retirement is a viable option, plus using the money to develop another business. Here is a career path: start as an employee junior developer, but move to contracting as soon as possible. This will give you a financial surplus that you might need later in life. After a couple of years contracting, think of creating your own business. Companies want cheap labour willing to work extremely long hours, so they prefer younger people, it's not going to change. But there are valid alternatives, and today more than ever.