If Software Development Is Tough, Why Are There So Many Developers?

Indeed, Software Development is challenging. This fact cannot be ignored. To ascend to the role of a proficient senior developer, substantial dedication and effort are required.

I began my journey as a self-taught developer in 2009. Lacking peer support and unsure of which questions to ask, I initially found programming to be a monumental challenge. The learning curve felt insurmountable. However, through persistence, years of trial and error, and countless hours of reading, I eventually felt prepared to enter the job market. Securing a position marked the beginning of my career.

Some of my friends have attempted to break into programming but have given up after a few months of guidance. The only ones who have thrived in my circle are those who pursued a Computer Science degree. After enduring rigorous interviews and mastering specific languages or frameworks, they navigated the workforce and gradually climbed to senior roles. Their journeys were far from easy; they had to invest significant effort, just as I did, to reach senior status.

For a long time, I assumed that this struggle was universal among developers. The pain, anxiety, and stress seem to be integral to the path of becoming a developer. It's not sufficient to merely learn a programming language; one must also adapt their mindset. Problem-solving becomes the daily norm, as you tackle various tasks each day.

So, what accounts for the apparent ease with which many new developers enter the field?

Video Description: This video explores the struggles many programmers face and why some may feel disheartened in their careers.

Optimistic Perspective

My hopeful side suggests that recent years have seen a significant improvement among aspiring developers. The availability of resources and the ability to research paths to success have greatly increased. For instance, check out this collection of diverse roadmaps to becoming a developer.

Today's youth (I can’t believe I just said that) seem to be raising the bar. They are aware of what it takes to succeed and are focused on achieving their goals. It's promising to witness, especially considering they will eventually contribute to my Social Security (I can’t believe I just said that either; I’m getting older).

I've noticed that the new generation is already making investment decisions at 18. They have access to so much information during their formative years that they appear to transition into adulthood more quickly. They actively research their interests and seek guidance on how to succeed. It's quite motivating to observe.

Perhaps, the new generation of developers is far more astute than we were.

Pessimistic Perspective

However, my skeptical side also exists. This perspective analyzes situations with clarity. When I revisit my preferred research method—Instagram reels—I observe a troubling trend. Numerous individuals share content about programming without the proper expertise. These aren’t educational videos; they’re purely for entertainment, which is the main purpose of Instagram.

The frequency of reels showcasing "I’m working remotely, so I’m doing nothing" is concerning. Another common theme is the "Copy/Paste from StackOverflow" reel. Many of these individuals aren’t genuinely coding; they seem more interested in gaining fame on Instagram or TikTok.

There’s also a baffling group: the overconfident yet underqualified developers. I've encountered developers who exude confidence despite having minimal knowledge. I’m often left wondering where they derive their assurance. Until their lack of understanding is revealed, they can easily mislead others into believing they are highly experienced, even with just a year or two in the field. Once you sift through their excuses for incomplete work, the truth often surfaces: they lack direction.

Perhaps, the new generation of developers is not that different from us, but they’ve learned to project an air of competence.

Advice for Aspiring Developers

If you’re starting out in development and aspire to succeed, heed advice from both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives. Pursue education—whether self-taught or through formal classes—whatever drives you to complete your studies. However, cultivating self-confidence is also beneficial, enabling you to navigate the interview process successfully and begin earning. Keep faking it until you make it. With persistence, you will achieve senior status in one way or another.

About the Author

Dino Cajic is currently the Head of IT at several companies, including LSBio (LifeSpan BioSciences, Inc.), Absolute Antibody, Kerafast, Everest BioTech, Nordic MUbio, and Exalpha. He also serves as the CEO at MyAutoSystem. With over a decade of software engineering experience, he holds a B.S. in Computer Science and a minor in Biology. His expertise encompasses creating enterprise-level e-commerce applications, conducting research-based software development, and sharing knowledge through writing.

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