Becoming a programmer.. The REALITY no one tells 🤐

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal journey to becoming a software developer, discussing the challenges and realities of the profession. They emphasize that coding is difficult at every stage—whether you're starting out, learning, or working professionally. The speaker warns against glamorizing the tech industry, noting the monotony of most programming jobs, especially CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) apps. They stress the importance of hard work, patience, and avoiding shortcuts when learning to code. Ultimately, they encourage aspiring developers to have realistic expectations, avoid the easy path, and be prepared for the long-term grind.

Takeaways

• 😀 Becoming a programmer is hard at every stage, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience.
• 😀 The job is mentally draining, especially after several years of coding all day long, even if you become more capable over time.
• 😀 The grind to land your first job as a programmer can be intense, and you might have to spend all your free time learning to make it happen.
• 😀 It's important to acknowledge that the programming journey can be particularly difficult for older individuals with families or other responsibilities.
• 😀 Don't be misled by social media glamorizing the profession. While it can pay well, it's not always as glamorous as it appears online.
• 😀 Many people from other skilled trades (plumbers, electricians, etc.) also earn similar or higher salaries than software developers.
• 😀 Programming jobs often involve working on CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) applications, which can become boring after a while.
• 😀 The reality is that most programming jobs revolve around repetitive tasks, and you need to be prepared for that.
• 😀 It’s important to set realistic expectations when learning programming—there’s no easy or fast way to become proficient and land a job.
• 😀 If you’re asking for the easiest way to get into programming, you’re likely setting yourself up for failure, as success requires time and hard work.

Q & A

Why is learning to code considered difficult by the speaker?

The speaker explains that learning to code is challenging at every stage—whether it's starting out, thinking you know what you're doing but realizing you don't, or constantly learning even after getting a job as a developer. The difficulty persists even after years of experience due to the complexity of the job and constant problem-solving.

What does the speaker say about the mental strain of being a programmer?

The speaker notes that coding can be mentally draining, especially when you're coding for long hours every day. The repetition of staring at a screen and constantly problem-solving can wear on you over time, even after several years in the field.

What challenges do older individuals face when learning to code, according to the speaker?

The speaker highlights that older individuals, especially those with families, full-time jobs, or other responsibilities, have limited time to dedicate to learning to code. Unlike younger people who may have more free time, older learners may find it harder to devote long hours to coding.

How does the speaker describe the process of getting the first job as a programmer?

The speaker describes it as a 'grind'—a difficult, time-consuming journey that requires a lot of personal sacrifice. They emphasize the importance of dedication, mentioning that they spent every available moment learning to code, even in non-ideal circumstances.

What does the speaker think about the glamorization of the programming industry on social media?

The speaker agrees with a subscriber who mentioned that the industry is often glamorized. They stress that while programming can lead to a good income and the ability to afford nice things, the reality is that it's a stressful job that involves long hours in front of a computer, which may not be as glamorous as portrayed online.

Why does the speaker find CRUD applications boring?

The speaker explains that CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) applications are repetitive and become boring over time. After gaining familiarity with the stack and implementation, the tasks feel like autopilot, which can lead to a lack of excitement in the work.

What advice does the speaker give about expectations for learning to code?

The speaker advises against expecting quick results. They emphasize that becoming proficient in coding takes time and effort, and anyone claiming to help you land a job quickly is likely exaggerating. Short, unrealistic timelines, like getting hired in three months, should be viewed with skepticism.

What does the speaker say about people looking for an 'easy path' in programming?

The speaker criticizes the mentality of wanting an easy way into coding. They argue that there's no shortcut to becoming proficient and that those looking for an easy path are setting themselves up for failure. Dedication, hard work, and persistence are key.

What does the speaker think about different areas of software development, such as web, game, or mobile development?

The speaker encourages aspiring developers to find an area of software development that they are passionate about, whether it's game development, web development, or mobile apps. They suggest researching and planning a roadmap to learn the necessary skills for that specific field.

What is the speaker’s overall perspective on the career as a programmer?

While the speaker acknowledges that being a programmer is a good job with a decent salary, they emphasize that it is still a job and can be mentally exhausting. It's not as glamorous as social media may make it seem, and there are challenges at every stage, including boredom with repetitive tasks and the mental strain of long hours.