[Gratsby]

While there is a segment of autodidacts, it's not like people can become expert software developers overnight.

Software developers work longer hours. I've never been in an environment where developers hang their coats up at 5:00 and go on with their carefree lives.

And while unemployment may be low in IT, developers do not enjoy job security.

[V-2]

> While there is a segment of autodidacts, it's not like people can become expert software developers overnight.

Agreed. Plus, learning in this trade is a job never done. It's not like once you get a foot in the door (and land a job), you're set for life.

> Software developers work longer hours.

I can't speak for the US, but it doesn't seem to be the case in Europe. I live and work in Poland, I kind of know the job market in the UK and Germany.

> And while unemployment may be low in IT, developers do not enjoy job security.

Well, relative job security. Not neccessarily in terms of any single job being safe and granted, but there's a rather slim chance of getting stranded between jobs.

[Gargoyle]

> I've never been in an environment where developers hang their coats up at 5:00 and go on with their carefree lives.

And I've always worked in environments where they do.

Anecdata for the win?

[kingnothing]

Same here. I've always worked more or less 8 hour days with occasional exceptions for emergencies and crunch time to hit a deadline.

[aprdm]

+1 In London worked from 10 to 6 and went home. Canada 9 to 6 with 1hour of lunch (unpaid) Brazil same as Canada.

[jacalata]

Longer hours than who?

[Gratsby]

The general populace.