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First, consider what your goal is. Is your goal to use programming to get into something else, or is your goal to make a long career of it? If it is the latter, consider that you will be running a marathon, not a sprint. Early on, look for positions and people to work with with good mentoring possibilities. Also, cultivate relationships with healthy and optimistic people. Later on, look for positions where you can be the mentor, and don't be afraid to strike out in new directions. If you never fail at anything, you likely have not pushed yourself enough (a cliche, but true). Like any marathoner, you need to take care of yourself. Physically, if you do not actively cultivate healthy habits, you will not last in this career. Drinking, smoking, drugs, unhealthy food, lack of exercise - they all take a toll. The couch potatoes who were ubiquitous in this field when in their twenties are gone within 10 - 15 years, or they are in a stagnant niche job. |
By new directions would you also include exploring new fields of programming/disciplines? If so, what are some which you think are good to venture into and may potentially be something one would hold interest in the long run?