[Rayne]

As a 19 year old software engineer who started writing code when he was 13 because it was fun, I don't think this quite hits the mark.

I didn't give up everything in life to be a programmer, but it was my passion (and it looks like it's this guy's passion as well). It is fun. I still played outside, had friends, and lived a childhood. What I got out of it are skills that are in demand, a head start on life, and adult, mature friends who kept me out of trouble and helped me build a fun, happy life for myself.

I owe everything to programming. I was a kid from a small town in Alabama and now I'm a happy software engineer in Los Angeles. I got to go to the first Clojure Conj conference when I was 16, speak at the second at 17, and get an internship that led to a job at around the same time. I met the best friends I could have ever met through it and have had more fun that I could have ever imagined having as a direct result of it.

That said, we're not entirely at odds. It is important to keep yourself healthy and such and not let it completely take over your life. I just felt it important to provide a different perspective on the matter.

[untitledwiz]

Different perspectives are definitely useful and thanks for taking the time to share yours. It sounds like you have figured out the priorities in your life and have balanced things out. That's really all I was advocating for, balance.

[dinkumthinkum]

Similarly I started programming very young. You do need to pursue other interests to be well rounded, though. But hey, not everyone is well rounded. However, I will say I think there is a difference if you are doing it because it is fun or you are feeding a thirst for knowledge vs you are trying to become the next Zuckerberg. There's a place for that, sure, but 13? I'm not saying this person is doing this, just remarking generally.