We can safely call this era the programmers era.
The latest mayor companies where build by programmers. Software is everywhere and is only getting more important. Soon no company can exist anymore without software.
Programming is an unique profession. As a programmer the only thing I need to build something of value is a computer, an internet connection and some time. And on top of that I can easily build upon the work of others. Compare that to the work of carpenters or a bridge builder. As a programmer I can work anywhere, anytime.
This characteristic is at the same time a blessing as a curse. Because I can work anytime I feel guilty when I’m not working. I always have the feeling that I should be building something cool or profitable. The common sense among programmers is that everybody should have a pet project they should be working on. Or help other people at fora like stackoverflow.com. This goes as far as to make having an active github or stackoverflow account a prereqisuite for a job opening.
The blessing is in the possibilities being a programmer provides. Working flexible hours, running pet projects as a lifestyle business. Always a new technology to learn and master. Never a dull moment.
Sometimes I really hate my work. But I never can imagine doing something else. Once a programmer: always a programmer.
