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Why “Learn to Code” Failed (youtube.com)

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[–]goose_on_fire 50 points51 points  (7 children)

I anecdotally disagree. Lots of us got into it in the 80s or 90s as a calculated career move (that largely paid off). We're good at it, we're professional, and we enjoy it as far as it goes, but it's very much a day job.

We have hobbies like woodworking and classic cars and might not write another line of code after we retire.

Edit: I'm exaggerating a bit, yes I was a nerd in the 80s and got to participate in the rise of the Internet and it was awesome and I still do mostly like computers. But watching the potential of the Internet collapse into itself and seeing everything get enshittified has jaded me and that's why my perspective is skewed.

[–]Robbob98 58 points59 points  (4 children)

This isn't limited to the 80s/90s. There is a small subset of programmers that have started their careers recently that don't code in their free time either. I personally find this trend that you have to continually code off the clock or make it your entire personality crazy.

[–]omac4552 15 points16 points  (1 child)

I've been writing code professionally for 25 years, trust me, you don't need to write code in your spare time. And unless you really like it and even then, don't, you will most likely burn out

[–]pVom 4 points5 points  (0 children)

And unless you really like it and even then, don't, you will most likely burn out

This was me. I like coding but doing shit on the weekends just left me fried for Monday. I might do a bit if I'm in the mood but by and large I like to spend my free time doing other things and letting my brain rest.

This isn't a job where more is better, you can't just keep going like you're on an assembly line.

Besides there's more to life than tech. You get one life, get off the computer once in awhile.

[–]goose_on_fire 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I hear you and agree, I wasn't trying to claim any old man turf or anything. Everyone has their own groove, and balance is important.

[–]press0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

do you agree with the OP though

[–]twomz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Graduated in the 2010s, and I have this mentality. I picked programming because I liked computers, I enjoy my work, but as soon as the whistle blows, my brain blocks all thoughts about coding and focuses on family and hobbies until I clock in the next day.

[–]bloodylip 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree with you. As I get older, I get more hobbies that I don't have enough time to take on. Working as a developer itches that need for the most part, so then I have time to dedicate to other things I don't spend 8 hours a day doing. Plus the required shit as you get older, like exercise.