I literally view coding as a skill, like a blacksmith of the past or a mid-higher level field architect. My one coworker/semi-mentor also seems to view it that

I literally view coding as a skill, like a blacksmith of the past or a mid-higher level field architect. My one coworker/semi-mentor also seems to view it that way. I'm not even that good, I just learned enough Java etc to be solid as a mid-level engineer at age 29. It pays well, sometimes it's fun (with coffee and techno music of course). But I do what I need to do to get the job done well, and then reap the benefits of having a skill that's in demand to build what companies/society wants.