2 ms·
Middle 50s programmer here. I'd say the author forgot 'Survivor'. It's possible to remain a higher-level programmer, just switching projects from time to time
by RickJWagner 5y ago
Middle 50s programmer here.
I'd say the author forgot 'Survivor'. It's possible to remain a higher-level programmer, just switching projects from time to time as your work ages out.
Advice to the younger generation: About 25 years ago, a fellow programmer told me he was once in management, but switched back to programming. At the time, I though management was the logical career progression (an idea I no longer hold). I asked him why he left management. He replied "Because in management, they nip at you from the top and they nip at you from the bottom." Meaning that you still have a boss, but you also have underlings that want things from you. It was great advice.
- jcadam 5y agoI've known several who did the same. I was an Army officer before I went into software development, and have little interest in being in charge of other people again. The only painful aspect of this is being subjected to the poor "leadership" of others - when you know you could do a better job of it. Which is also why the #1 thing that can keep me at a company these days is when I see it has good leadership. I know it's rare.