Are you interested in a career as a software developer but unsure whether it will be the right fit for you? Oh, please don’t. Actually, being a developer is like being a superhero, but instead of a cape, you have a keyboard. And every day is filled with “challenges.” So, let us tell you about some of the most common “challenges” of being a developer.
No Time for Rest. Forget about Unemployment
First of all, forget about having those lazy days when you can do nothing simply because you don’t have a job. There is a constant demand for developers’ skills. Everyone needs a website, an app, or some kind of software these days, and who better to make it happen than developers? Developers are in high demand in today's job market, as businesses and organizations across all industries increasingly rely on developers to drive their operations. This means that you'll have plenty of opportunities for your career, and it's likely that your salary will increase in geometric progression over time.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers are expected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations through the next year, with an estimated 28% growth rate. The high demand also means that software developers can command high salaries, so no wonder that the BLS highlights that the average salary of developers is about $100,000 per year now.
Forget about All the Perks of Office Life
Forget about social life and all those benefits connected with office — long commuting hours, daily pushes with strangers in the metro, mandatory small talks with colleagues, and dress code. Yes, you heard that right. No more uncomfortable suits and dress shoes. You can roll out of bed, sit down at your computer, and start coding away in your cozy pajamas.
Who needs a dress code when you have code to write?
Plus, you can do that whenever and wherever you want, be it your cozy home or a bungalow at some remote island. Software development is a field that lends itself greatly to remote work, freelancing, and flexible schedules (the things got even more “remote” after Covid19 pandemic). This means that developers often have more control over their work-life balance and can work from anywhere in the world.
All you need is your trusty computer! And be ready that your keyboard will become your new best friend, and your fingers will be like lightning as they’ll race across the keys. Really, sometimes, you may need to sit in front of your computer for hours on end, typing away at your keyboards and being fuelled by numerous cups of coffee. But let's not forget about the satisfaction of seeing your creations come to life. Whether it's a website, an app, or a game, there's something truly magical about watching our ideas take shape and become a reality. Programmers get a wonderful opportunity to share their visions with the world, and there's nothing quite like it.
It's like being a mad scientist, but instead of a monster, developers create something beautiful.
Although software development is a highly complex and challenging field that requires a high level of analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, it’s an extremely rewarding occupation. In all senses.
University? Forget Too
You may safely buy a new car or something else with the money earmarked for high education. The thing is that there are many free online tools and platforms that make it easy to learn the programming language of your choice. So, today, getting a degree in software development is not a requirement. You can refer to books, online courses, and video tutorials to learn the basics and get started with software development.
And when you become a developer, most likely, your company will pay for you to attend additional courses so that you can learn more and network with others. You may also start projects on GitHub and open issues in different communities to be as social as you want.
Forget about Routine Tasks
Oh, and let's not forget about the joy of dealing with routine work. If you’re one of those who prefer to follow the rules and specific tasks, software development is definitely not for you. Software development is a highly creative outlet, even though it’s often seen as a technical field.
Developers should constantly come up with new ideas, build innovative solutions, and find ways to make apps work better. Actually, any time you’re writing a program you’re creating something new, much like when you were playing Lego in your childhood. It’s never boring.
In addition, nothing feels better than finally solving that pesky bug that's been plaguing you for hours. Developers are masters of logic and reasoning, and they never give up until they find a solution.
Move over Sherlock Holmes, the developers are on the case.
But the worst part? The development provides a plethora of career options that may easily overwhelm you. You can move to Silicon Valley and join a top company, you may refer to local companies that desperately need fresh talent, or you may go remote.
You can pick your own journey.
What is important, due to the constant evolution of technology, there is always room for software developers to grow and advance in their careers. Developers can specialize in certain areas of development, take on leadership roles, or even start their own businesses. The career growth curve is really exponential.
Your Language Will Never Be the Same Again
The cherry on top? The memes. Oh, the memes. It’s not a secret that programmers have some of the funniest memes out there, and they are not afraid to share them. Developers can relate to each other on a level that no one else can, and it makes them laugh until they cry. It's like having your own little inside joke. And, naturally, the jargon. Developers can speak a language that no one else understands, and they love it. Developers can say things like "syntax error" and "debugging" and feel like they’re speaking a secret code. It makes you feel special, agree?
Wrapping Up
Well, there you have it. Being a developer is pretty hilarious. You may get to work in pajamas, solve problems like nobody's business, type like a boss, create amazing things, speak in jargon, and demand top salaries for your skills. Being a developer may have its drawbacks, but, really, they're just advantages in disguise. So go forth and code with pride. And with CodeGym! Your keyboards await!
