[jkot]

> There’s another problem with software development that’s the flip side of the low barriers to entry mentioned above, and that is there is no well established entry route into the profession. Try Googling for ‘how to become a doctor’, or ‘how to become a lawyer’ for example:

... and it only takes 10 years to become a doctor.

[sotojuan]

Like scotty79 says, at least you know what you're doing in those ten years. Perhaps an easier analogy would be a lawyer or engineer (ABET degree + coop)? For programming, you get the following "advice":

* Get a degree

* Don't get a degree, go to a bootcamp/teach yourself

* Do side projects

* Get an internship

* Network and go to meet ups

* Learn algorithms and data structures

* Practice brain teaser questions

* Learn these languages

* Learn these languages' frameworks

I'm exaggerating and people can get hired by not know all (or any!) of these, but you get my point. It can be a confusing and overwhelming path both for people who want a career change or are graduating from university.

For some, the path to being a doctor is "easier".

[scotty79]

So you basically are set up for next 10 years. No more doubt. No more decisions. Probably good choice for smart people who have trouble with answering the question "what do you want to do with your life?".