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Programming Until Retirement?

DataDragon asks: "Here's the situation- I'm a now 30something computer programmer in Silicon Valley working for one of the local billion+ dollar tech companies. I'm unhappy with my present job, but am thankful that I've got one. Although I pride myself on having written over a million lines of code in my career, with nearly 15 commercial software products under my belt (8 of them were my own concepts from start-to-finish). I've had carpal tunnel for 6 years now, my skillset looks like it came from a 3 year old magazine, and I didn't make good on stock options. Since settling down in a quiet place somewhere and having a family sounds like a great idea to myself and my bride-to-be, I was wondering: instead of all the buzz I always get like Google's 'Do you <insert technology task> in your sleep?' job opportunities I've read about, are there any employers that would rather have a person who: wants to put in an honest day's work; get to know the job and the people well; and a desire to ultimately be a mentor for the company processes, instead of a here-today-gone-tomorrow programmer, who is interested in actually working there until retirement age?"

7 of 660 comments (clear)

  1. Thank you for your service by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    You have now outlasted your usefulness to the state. Please report to your nearest execution chamber.

  2. Oblig. Logan's Run quip here: by jemnery · · Score: 5, Funny

    We've got a runner!

  3. Yes plenty of those employees by drgonzo59 · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...Just gotta move to India

  4. Yeah by fizban · · Score: 3, Funny

    Get a doctoral degree, find an academic institution that will fund your work, get tenure and then live out the rest of your life in peace and happiness, all the while contributing your knowledge and wisdom to the next generation of engineers.

    --

    +1 Insightful, -1 Troll. What can I say, I'm an Insightful Troll.

  5. Re:FFS! by trotski · · Score: 4, Funny

    You really don't want to damage your wrists. if you are a programmer.

    Especially after you've been married for a few years.

    --

    "Entropy is the bad-guy, and he is everywhere"
  6. Re:Do what you enjoy by davew2040 · · Score: 3, Funny

    My solution to this is to hire a (young) hitman to kill you at some arbitrary time of his decision within the next 30 years, or whenever the health situation starts to look bleak for you. You're gauranteed never to find yourself in this deathbed scenario!

  7. what luck! by daft_one · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've just started my own hitman business, and could really use the work! Right now, my equipment is limited to a fairly sharp pencil, but I'm quite good with it!