I'm a programmer, at 29 as well, and I know it's going to sound cliché, but this comes from my heart: The single best suggestion I have for you is to surrender

I'm a programmer, at 29 as well, and I know it's going to sound cliché, but this comes from my heart: The single best suggestion I have for you is to surrender your life to Jesus. God did miraculous thing for me since I decided to let Jesus live in me. I was in search for meaning and found it in Him. And you don't have to believe me; please ask some people around you who believe. Maybe in your family. They'll probably tell you how God changed their life for the better. I know you said you're more interested in having a good job/salary and it's OK to seek that, but please also consider your after-death. Jesus said: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" God bless you. I'll pray for you my friend.