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You will be surprised how much good software engineers make in the USA -- still many multiples of most successful plumbers, and without the long-term physical c

You will be surprised how much good software engineers make in the USA -- still many multiples of most successful plumbers, and without the long-term physical consequences of that type of labor. Yes, there's still going to be better examples to highlight the disparity.

WaitWaitWha 4y ago
There are no comparable "long-term physical consequences of that type of labor" software engineers do?
- ominous_prime 4y ago
  Maybe? Anecdotal I guess, but I've met more plumbers with chronic knee and back problems than software engineers. But being a plumber in the US isn't too physically demanding, and makes OK money, so it's probably the example of disparity the GP was trying to highlight.
  - WaitWaitWha 4y ago
    A software programmer will be front of a computer screen, 8 hours, 5 days a week in a sedentary position - they are at risk for problems of eyes, back & neck problems, carpal tunnel, weight gain, anxiety, heart disease, insomnia, deep vein thrombosis just top of my head.
    - anonymouskimmer 4y ago
      They technically have the option of a chording keyboard/mouse and a wearable computer. Or at the very least a standing desk (or even a treadmill desk). Along with special glasses or monitor filters. How does a plumber avoid kneeling?
      - WaitWaitWha 4y ago
        > How does a plumber avoid kneeling? They technically have the option of reducing weight, exercise, proper shoes, knee braces and knee pads, kneeling pads, and such. What I am suggesting is that both (all?) jobs have their own health related demons.
        pc86 4y ago
        Yes in the way that someone with a multi-million dollar trust fund who wants to buy a nicer car or bigger house and someone working for minimum wage both have money problems. Especially when working from home any health-related dangers around software development can be all but completely eliminated. This isn't even remotely comparable to any of the health or occupational risks in the trades.
    - badpun 4y ago
      Add hemorroids on top of that.
codegeek 4y ago
As a software engineer myself, I am not disputing that. All I am saying is that GP to whom I initially replied was using the comparison with plumbers that they make shit money and that is not the case necessarily in the United States. I am not delusional to think that plumbers can beat FAANG income unless they are running an entire business/company with employees.

WaitWaitWha 4y ago

There are no comparable "long-term physical consequences of that type of labor" software engineers do?

ominous_prime 4y ago
Maybe? Anecdotal I guess, but I've met more plumbers with chronic knee and back problems than software engineers. But being a plumber in the US isn't too physically demanding, and makes OK money, so it's probably the example of disparity the GP was trying to highlight.
- WaitWaitWha 4y ago
  A software programmer will be front of a computer screen, 8 hours, 5 days a week in a sedentary position - they are at risk for problems of eyes, back & neck problems, carpal tunnel, weight gain, anxiety, heart disease, insomnia, deep vein thrombosis just top of my head.
  - anonymouskimmer 4y ago
    They technically have the option of a chording keyboard/mouse and a wearable computer. Or at the very least a standing desk (or even a treadmill desk). Along with special glasses or monitor filters. How does a plumber avoid kneeling?
    - WaitWaitWha 4y ago
      > How does a plumber avoid kneeling? They technically have the option of reducing weight, exercise, proper shoes, knee braces and knee pads, kneeling pads, and such. What I am suggesting is that both (all?) jobs have their own health related demons.
      - pc86 4y ago
        Yes in the way that someone with a multi-million dollar trust fund who wants to buy a nicer car or bigger house and someone working for minimum wage both have money problems. Especially when working from home any health-related dangers around software development can be all but completely eliminated. This isn't even remotely comparable to any of the health or occupational risks in the trades.
  - badpun 4y ago
    Add hemorroids on top of that.

codegeek 4y ago

As a software engineer myself, I am not disputing that. All I am saying is that GP to whom I initially replied was using the comparison with plumbers that they make shit money and that is not the case necessarily in the United States. I am not delusional to think that plumbers can beat FAANG income unless they are running an entire business/company with employees.