Is Programming A Good Career In 2021? It’s a question many aspiring tech professionals are asking. The tech landscape is constantly evolving, and choosing the right career path is crucial. For many, the world of software development seems both promising and daunting. This is the story of one developer’s journey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of a career in programming, and offering insights into why it could be a great choice, even in 2021.
Like many junior developers, my initial years in the field were marked by struggle. Starting with Java and PHP, two widely-used programming languages, I often felt like I was pushing uphill. Each day presented new hurdles, and grasping complex concepts felt like a constant battle. The fear of making mistakes loomed large, and I frequently sought validation from senior developers, asking for the “correct” way to approach every task. Their guidance was valuable, but sometimes overwhelming with differing opinions. Imposter syndrome was a constant companion; I doubted my abilities and spent more time seeking external validation than actually coding. This period was filled with countless lines of XML, a common experience for Java developers, and a source of frustration for me. At this point, after two years of development, I seriously questioned if programming was the right career move. Enjoyment was absent, and my perceived lack of skill was discouraging.
Then came a turning point – the opportunity to lead my own project. It felt like a last chance to prove myself. If I could successfully navigate this project independently, perhaps my initial self-doubt was misplaced. Driven by the need to succeed, I dove into researching the optimal solution. My default was Java, the language of my training. I dedicated a full day to framework research – Spring, Struts, Hibernate – seeking best practices and solutions that others in similar situations had adopted. I was determined to create a solid plan, a blueprint for success.
Serendipity struck at the office coffee machine, a hub of informal knowledge sharing. A colleague mentioned his exploration of a new programming language for personal projects, expressing his positive impressions. Initially, this conversation didn’t register deeply as I was engrossed in planning my project masterpiece. However, as the evening wore on, and project structure remained elusive, frustration mounted. Feeling lost and inadequate, the weight of being a junior developer felt heavy. In my usual pattern, I reached out to a senior developer, seeking guidance once again. Perhaps weary of my constant questions, he offered a piece of advice that shifted my perspective profoundly: “Do it however you want to, as long as it works.”
This seemingly simple statement was revolutionary. It highlighted a crucial realization: I had consistently avoided making independent decisions about problem-solving. My approach had always been dictated by perceived “correct” methods favored by others. Taking a break to clear my head, I recalled the coffee machine conversation and the coworker’s new language. The name escaped me for a moment, but I remembered it was associated with Google. A quick search led me to “A-go-tour,” the web-based tutorial for Golang. The interactive nature of the tutorial was immediately engaging. Intending only to glance at the syntax, I found myself completing the entire tour. The experience was transformative. Golang felt intuitive, modern, and elegant. The compilation speed was remarkably fast, and the absence of complex build tools like Maven was a welcome relief – especially for someone with XML-induced stress. It all seemed too good to be true.
This experience propelled me to take a significant leap. Realizing that a career in development required personal initiative and embracing my own ideas, I transitioned away from Java and fully embraced Golang. Despite being a new language, Golang felt remarkably natural. The project that initially seemed weeks away was completed in a matter of days, and importantly, without compromising quality. In fact, the result was superior to what I could have achieved with Java, and the process was genuinely enjoyable. This marked a turning point. From that point forward, my career trajectory shifted upwards. Each workday became exciting and fulfilling. My enjoyment of work blossomed into a genuine passion. The subsequent years with Golang have been incredibly rewarding, and I still approach each development task with enthusiasm. My development speed has dramatically increased, and the need for constant external validation diminished. While I still value advice and continuous learning, I now confidently make independent decisions, unafraid of making mistakes or deviating from conventional approaches. The “catch” I initially anticipated with Golang never materialized.
In conclusion, my journey illustrates that programming can absolutely be a good career, and even a deeply fulfilling one. While Golang was a catalyst for my personal transformation, the core lesson is broader: the key to a successful and enjoyable career in programming in 2021, and beyond, is finding what genuinely interests and engages you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different languages, technologies, and approaches. Embrace your own ideas and don’t be deterred by the fear of failure or the opinions of others who insist on a single “correct” way. Innovation and progress in software development rely on individuals who dare to explore new paths and challenge established norms. So, if you’re considering programming as a career in 2021, know that while challenges exist, the potential for growth, satisfaction, and making a real impact is immense. Don’t let anyone discourage you from finding your own path and coding your own success story.
