[rekado]

This may not be what you are looking for, but it is worth considering /not to work in the industry/. I've been coding since the age of 7 and I'm now in my early 30s. There's a lot of programming that can be done outside of this industry (e.g. by working on free software projects), and in some cases it can even be financed through grants.

In my experience a software development job is often the easiest way to destroy what you may love about programming. There may be exceptions, but many of the jobs and their limitations cannot compete with coding out of passion. Jobs in the software development industry are not the only way to make use of and grow your programming skills.

[bdcravens]

Since 1998, I don't think I've ever worked for a "software" company (transportation, HR, healthcare, and logistics make up the bulk of my experience). As a result my code has tangible results, instead of trying to innovate itself into meaning.

[jpetitto]

When business meets software...