Ask HN: Switched back to programming at age 35 after 7 years of management

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8187802

by jozi9 • 12 years ago

10 5 12 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I did 5 years enterprise java then 7 years project management. Now I'm a python/django developer at a hipster/startup company and feeling like I'm home.

Anyone else? What will I do at 40?:)

itbeho• 12 years ago

48 now and I still love to code. I would recommend to any of my older friends to keep doing what you love. Contrary to conventional wisdom, there is a ton of opportunity out there, regardless of age!

turnip1979• 12 years ago

I'm considering something similar. I code for fun regularly but I worry if I'll cut it as a modern coder. Check in code to prod on day 1 seems to be a considered a badge of honor these days. I worry that I'll bring down the site :-p Also, 7 years ago, methodologies such as SCRUM and TDD weren't pervasive. How are you adjusting? Also, how did you prep for the technical interview?

jozi9• 12 years ago

I managed scrum teams a lot so I know tdd and xp and the like. As for the interview, I did a couple of pet projects in the last 1-2 years in the evenings so I've been able to answer all of the django questions. Plus I'm awesome:) Just kidding. No I'm not kidding - it's pretty important to be on the same page with your team/employer.

Also I bought a c64 as 6810 assembly is on my bucket list. So as AI and Lisp.

ishbits• 12 years ago

39 here. Held titles such as CTO, Director, Architect and have always managed to spend at least 75% of my time coding.

Now I'm just a programmer and enjoying it. Thankfully I'm at a company that values good developers so you don't have to jump to management for that pay increase.

codecrusade• 12 years ago

Im 32 trapped in a management quagmire. Long tunnel ahead and clocks ticking I Code at night but struggling to stay focussed.

Business ears distract more.

Ask HN: Switched back to programming at age 35 after 7 years of management

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