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The solution to this problem is as simple as it is revolting to programmers - realize that programming is a low-value task. The high-value task is solving busin

The solution to this problem is as simple as it is revolting to programmers - realize that programming is a low-value task. The high-value task is solving business problems, if it happens so that programming is the easiest path then go for it. The real value to the business however, lies in domain expertise - something programmers are forced to become in order to be able to write code for it. The trick is to find a domain that stable, fairly interesting and has enough companies so that you can jump around. I myself chose occupational pension insurance (kinda-sorta 401k but in EU) and spent the last year or so explaining fairly easy edge cases to top brass.

bontaq 7y ago
What a statement, programming can be low value (not solving a business problem) or high value (solving a business problem).
- celticmusic 7y ago
  It's one of those statements that doesn't actually have to be said since everyone implicitly understands (because it's not unique to programming), but that someone feels the need to say because it makes them feel insightful. related: bikeshedding.
- lioeters 7y ago
  Well, the topic here being the employability of programmers over 40, the statement seems fairly spot on as to how they will be judged - purely based on "business value". [Business Value of Information Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_value#Business_Value_of_Information_Technology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_value#Business_Value_...) On the hand, programming (at least to me) is so much more. It's a creative activity like thinking or writing, it can be fun and "pointless" play, it can be insightful philosophically. Bringing productivity and efficiency to a business is one of the many applications of this medium of expression. I suppose by this point it's become a way of life, whether I'm solving a business problem or not.

bontaq 7y ago

What a statement, programming can be low value (not solving a business problem) or high value (solving a business problem).

celticmusic 7y ago
It's one of those statements that doesn't actually have to be said since everyone implicitly understands (because it's not unique to programming), but that someone feels the need to say because it makes them feel insightful. related: bikeshedding.
lioeters 7y ago
Well, the topic here being the employability of programmers over 40, the statement seems fairly spot on as to how they will be judged - purely based on "business value". [Business Value of Information Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_value#Business_Value_of_Information_Technology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_value#Business_Value_...) On the hand, programming (at least to me) is so much more. It's a creative activity like thinking or writing, it can be fun and "pointless" play, it can be insightful philosophically. Bringing productivity and efficiency to a business is one of the many applications of this medium of expression. I suppose by this point it's become a way of life, whether I'm solving a business problem or not.