Ask HN: How can an older developer thrive?
I'm almost 40 years old. I was a speaker at tech conference in the summer, and I was the oldest speaker there. It feels like younger folks are coming up fast, can work longer hours, and are cheaper.
I'm wondering how have you dealt with the challenge of being an older dev?
22 comments
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https://improvingsoftware.com/2009/05/19/programmers-before-...
Then you can build startups. Raise goats. Whatever!
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-sim...
Working longer hours is counter-productive, it reduces output. And having a lot of experience means being able to come up with a better way to do things, which typically saves time.
So, I work for companies that don't confuse hours worked with output.
Work for company that values output more then worked hours. But also, find workplace that needs the experience - e.g. place that needs people working more independently or figure out less known technologies or needs them to communicate with customers or has big more complicated projects or something like that.
Don't try to compete with younger people based on number of hours or cost; that is a game you are guaranteed to lose.
[0] Conversely, if you don't have those things, now is the time to start stepping up to the plate and acquiring them. The best of the younger people you are competing with are already working hard at doing so.
Why should every 40 year-old have 20 years of experience building software? Most 20-somethings weren't building software 20 years ago. Do you feel that people in their 30s can't (or shouldn't) learn to code?
Move to a big established company. (Doesn't matter Google, Oracle or a Bank). Find a place that suits you. You want a good health insurance? You want to NOT work 60 hours a week for free food? There are places like that... just not typically advertised on HN :D
In some locations (London), older people all move to contracting. More money, less demanding and you can handle your life as you wish.
In other locations, they might gravitate to defense and government agencies.
Basically, you "just" need to get in an environment that doesn't favor long hours and cheapness.
Not looking for free information, but where would I go hunting for this sort of thing? Or is it mostly word-of-mouth?
Not really.. but I am a bit older than 40 and if what you are looking for is a steady source of income, I would recommend you to look for places that have large investments on older ( >10 years) technologies that you already understand. Younglings don't care for stuff like Foxpro, Cold Fusion, SQL Stored procedures, etc.
*It kind of sucks, but pays the bills :)
I don't recommend trying to meet their needs for #1. I just mention it because I think a lot of people give risk reduction away for free i.e. fixed price contracts. If you do decide to offer a fixed price, at least double your rate. You'll still lose money but maybe not as bad. ;-)
Pain relief, on the other hand might be in your wheelhouse.
Let me clarify; sometimes when a manager needs to get certain projects done, throwing 6 junior programmers isn't going to cut it. Sometimes a manager needs someone who has a lot more fk ups [where do you think experience comes from?] under their belt and now knows what to do. If you can be that guy, you can make his pain go away to the tune of $150-200/hr.
just keep learning and designing and coding the rest will follow, age is secondary I believe.
Places that exploit employees like that are not healthy places to work for anyone of any age.
... and suddenly you witness the same pattern you saw 15-20 years ago. And you know how the market will respond.
Use that experience wisely.
And enjoy the ride ;-)
My solution and best advice is to try and move into a management position. If you're speaking, you're good with presentations and people. You can mentor, and speak to experience without having to keep up with the younger, cheaper generation.