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This should probably be enshrined on tablets somewhere. I too am worried about either moving into management or starting my own company or something else becau
by gigatexal 3y ago
This should probably be enshrined on tablets somewhere.
I too am worried about either moving into management or starting my own company or something else because there’s no way I’m going to be a worthwhile IC into my 50s. I need to do something more.
- emodendroket 3y ago> I too am worried about either moving into management or starting my own company or something else because there’s no way I’m going to be a worthwhile IC into my 50s I'm curious why you say this.
- gigatexal 3y agoI’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up but also worried I might not be able to compete with the young guns and make the kind of money I’ll need to put away so I don’t retire destitute.
- emodendroket 3y agoI'm only 35 so I'm comparatively young but still older than a lot of my colleagues... I probably do not have the same energy or drive I used to, especially having a young kid at home, but I think in a lot of ways that's compensated for by having more experience to draw on. My hope is that holds up in the future.
- JohnFen 3y agoThere's nothing inherent about getting older that will keep you from being able to keep up with the young guns. It's just a matter of interest, as it is at any age.
- epicureanideal 3y agoI sure hope I have a big exit sometime before 60 (20 years from now), because the cost of living in the Bay Area is crazy. It would be awful to work as a "well paid" (but most of it goes to living expenses and raising kids) software engineer for many years, and then need to retire in some rural area on social security, with bare minimum quality of life...
- KyeRussell 3y agoBay Area life is hardly necessary and shouldn’t be taken as a given. You’re making an active decision to take the gamble on earning a lot on paper but being in a super HCOL area. I earn a comfortable amount and am likely going to retire comfortably, though I certainly earn less than you. You’ve decided to take the risk. Own it or change.
- epicureanideal 3y agoI'm not really sure there are other good options. Sure, high cost of living, but high income. Moving would reduce both, and in any case the different in savings would be insignificant compared to inherited assets.
- rorroe53 3y agoRural area isn't bad if you find the right place, hobbies and a proper house. Lots of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as gardening and trekking, which also help keep you healthy.
- badpun 3y agoYou should be able to sell your Bay Area house for millions by then.
- scarface74 3y agoHoping for a big exit is about like those hoping to retire from winning the lottery. Only 1 out of 10 companies “succeed” and that definition of success is the VCs make their money back. Better idea, leave the Bay Area.
- haspok 3y agoSome people do like coding until retirement and are / were quite happy about it. (Recommended reading is thecodist.com - who recently started blogging again!)
- PhilAT 3y agoI'm 47 and although currently feeling a little burnt out (I've been here before. I'll be finishing my current contract in a few weeks for a well earned break), I know I love coding and pretty sure I always will having spent the last 40 years coding. I've done a bit of management, led teams etc, and I'm actually pretty good but I can't get excited about it. Maybe in 10 years I'll feel differently but I know I'm still a coder because I want to be not because I fear doing something different. If you want to change your path and you feel fear then that's probably what you should be doing. A little fear/excitement keeps the motivation.
- swah 3y agoThanks for the blog suggestion - didn't know that one. In the topic of getting old, just bought a couple split keyboards to solve some wrist issues.
- scarface74 3y agoWhy not? I’ll be 50 next year and I’m very much an IC.