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by msluyter 5361 days ago
My answer to question 1) would be, "are you happy doing what you're currently doing?" If the answer is "yes," then it might not be worthwhile unless you enjoy it for its own sake. I'm older than you and learning rails just for fun. Perhaps it'll result in a career move, perhaps not. I figure, at a minimum, it can't hurt.

For question 2), a lot of people suggest creating a side project as a sort of demo/walking resume. The limiting factor there, esp. if you're older, is simply the time/effort required to do that outside of work. I'm also curious about the pay issue. Are there any stats comparing jobs by dev stack?
1 comments
jfletch1925 5361 days ago
I'm reasonably happy, but I'm currently working for a big corporation and there's nothing very exciting about what I'm doing for work. I have been doing projects in Java, Python and Ruby on the side, but my question is more about making the switch professionally. Most companies want to know how many years you've been working with a particular language or technology. If I switched I'd be going from 10 years experience in .NET to 0 experience in another. I'm guessing that switch in experience would result in less pay on a new stack.

I don't have any trouble learning new languages. It's more about how I'm able to present myself to new employers.

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nwmcsween 5361 days ago
Do you see programming as a means to a paycheck? If you see it as that you may want to reconsider your career. Most people high in their respective fields make it as such from a passion for their work.
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jfletch1925 5361 days ago
I don't think I agree completely with that philosophy. I've heard a lot of programmers say that if you program it shouldn't be about the money. It's as if we should all be devout monks of technology eschewing worldly pleasures in the pursuit of high and noble technological purity. Meanwhile, the business/sales people use all our skills and efforts to make themselves rich. I can't agree with that. I do like programming and I do program for fun in my spare time. However, money is still important. It's an important consideration in choosing what you want to do with your future. It isn't the ONLY consideration, but it's still important.
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