What about consulting? Inventing a new framework (e.g. Rails), what about writing books on languages, design and the rest? If you are really good in programmin

What about consulting? Inventing a new framework (e.g. Rails), what about writing books on languages, design and the rest? If you are really good in programming these days you can achieve more than ever before. But if you really like programming that much, then making money isn't your highest priority. The fact that are way better payed jobs, it's a reality (lawyers, investment bankers). If you are in it for the money then you might want to consider another career (e.g. investment banking).