* has a low barrier to entry (though getting higher)
* is location independent (or can be)
* is in demand across different geographies (especially most cities)
* is easy enough on the body to be done into your 80s
* doesn't require selling anything
* requires you to learn every day
* lets you build things that actually help people
I've been a developer for almost two decades and have looked at many other kinds of jobs, but haven't found anything that compares to that set of attributes. At least for me, it's the bees knees.
Note that above I used the word "development" and not coding. That was conscious. The world of software development includes the magical flow of coding, but is so much more.
Edit: I did write a blog post about the difference between a developer and a programmer.
* allows autonomy (depending on where you are)
* is lucrative
* makes you a valued employee (often)
* is mentally challenging
* has a low barrier to entry (though getting higher)
* is location independent (or can be)
* is in demand across different geographies (especially most cities)
* is easy enough on the body to be done into your 80s
* doesn't require selling anything
* requires you to learn every day
* lets you build things that actually help people
I've been a developer for almost two decades and have looked at many other kinds of jobs, but haven't found anything that compares to that set of attributes. At least for me, it's the bees knees.
Note that above I used the word "development" and not coding. That was conscious. The world of software development includes the magical flow of coding, but is so much more.
Edit: I did write a blog post about the difference between a developer and a programmer.