>>Well, majority of software developers don't do side projects
Most do. The fact that bulk of the software infrastructure from tools to top notch production software is open source says something.
>>especially not those in high paid difficult positions.
If its really about money, then there are better ways to get paid in a software company.
>>Those people put all strength they have into work itself.
Which is often a placeholder for a side project.
>>Employers don't even care all that much about side projects. So, it is safe bet.
But doing these projects does make you a fairly good programmer, and you tend to gravitate towards valuable work and hence good pay.
>>just about only reusable from teenage years is linux internals.
Bad news. Starting early matters. Want to build a good retirement fund? Want to play big leagues sports? Want to be a concert musician? Want to be a doctor? In fact want to be big in anything? Most certainly you have to start early.
>>It is basically assumption that...
Nobody made such an assumption. We only said a particular group A(mostly nerds) starts early and works hard. What the other group is for them to decide.
Note, Nerds is a group of people irrespective of gender, race, or other identity(even nationality or religion).
It just comes down to one thing. You can't progress beyond a point without work. Reservations only take you that far.
