[valeri-program]

I keep reading here that somehow “energy” gives young people advantage. In my experience, having lots of energy can help or hinder. Being a good programmer requires patience, mature view of the world and the ability to think critically. Reading articles and coding all day just serves the ego. A very small portion of young people spend time learning the fundamentals and think about consequences. So, I think you have an advantage! I started at 23 - this can be considered old too, because I have colleagues that started at 8, but I do not see a giant gap between them and me - everyone has strengths and weaknesses

[jawns]

I don't think it's necessarily energy so much as lack of other obligations, like having dependents you have to care for outside of normal business hours.

I see this not only among 20-something unmarried workers with no children but also among single workers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who are either childless or whose children are older and less dependent on them. There's more flexibility to be able to work a little late when needed, or attend networking events or conferences without having to worry about childcare.

[valeri-program]

Solid point. But it depends - if you are a 20,30-year old with no obligations then there is a high chance that you do not really know how the world works. I guess I’m suggesting your typical mom’s basement rat who neither has the programming skills or the domain/business logic. But the field is quite forgiving, so you can pull it off no matter your background. Here were I live, programmers get paid 5-6 times more than the average income. Some seniors get the same money as a bank director would and of course, not the same levels of stress. A lot of people actually transition to IT and do it successfully, but we are an outsource market and there are companies that hire a lot of juniors and sell them to customers as seniors...so better environment for new-starters. I would say to the author to go ahead and try it! I truly love this field, it is amazing!