[ominous_prime]

Maybe? Anecdotal I guess, but I've met more plumbers with chronic knee and back problems than software engineers. But being a plumber in the US isn't too physically demanding, and makes OK money, so it's probably the example of disparity the GP was trying to highlight.

[WaitWaitWha]

A software programmer will be front of a computer screen, 8 hours, 5 days a week in a sedentary position - they are at risk for problems of eyes, back & neck problems, carpal tunnel, weight gain, anxiety, heart disease, insomnia, deep vein thrombosis just top of my head.

[anonymouskimmer]

They technically have the option of a chording keyboard/mouse and a wearable computer. Or at the very least a standing desk (or even a treadmill desk). Along with special glasses or monitor filters.

How does a plumber avoid kneeling?

[WaitWaitWha]

> How does a plumber avoid kneeling?

They technically have the option of reducing weight, exercise, proper shoes, knee braces and knee pads, kneeling pads, and such.

What I am suggesting is that both (all?) jobs have their own health related demons.

[pc86]

Yes in the way that someone with a multi-million dollar trust fund who wants to buy a nicer car or bigger house and someone working for minimum wage both have money problems.

Especially when working from home any health-related dangers around software development can be all but completely eliminated. This isn't even remotely comparable to any of the health or occupational risks in the trades.

[badpun]

Add hemorroids on top of that.