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0 pointssteverb13y ago0 comments

>Programming is one of the only skills I can think of that free you from having to find a "job".

You're ignoring carpentry, sewing, knitting, smithing, machining, writing, cooking and a host of other non-STEM related skills.

I'm the only member of my immediate family that doesn't work in one of the "trades", and oddly enough I'm the only one that doesn't work for myself.

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3 comments · 1 top-level

flyinRyan13y ago· 2 in thread

You have a point but several of your examples will allow the person to not have to find a job at a big company but they either have a big up front cost, a very low ceiling on potential earnings or both. Programming has neither and that's what I was talking about. Sorry if I didn't express that clearly.

ams611013y ago

Almost everyone I know in the trades makes more money than the people I know in software.

I'm talking about really skilled plumbers, electricians, contractors, etc. Not high-school dropouts hanging drywall so they can buy their next hit of meth or case of beer.

steverbOP13y ago

I personally don't see a huge difference between the traditional skilled trades and being a software developer.

One of my brothers, who is a carpenter, cares as much about wood (species, age, drying method, etc) and his tools as I care about computers and my tools. We both spend way more time than "normal people" caring about the things that matter to our craft.

Disclaimer: I'm a big fan of the software craftsmanship thing. I may be an idiot.

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