With only a few simple keystrokes, you happened to arrive here. Isn’t it amazing? Maybe this is what makes programming so unique and exciting to learn.
Let us dive into 4 reasons why you should learn programming. This is by no means an exhaustive list; there are countless benefits for learning just about any skill. However, there is something remarkable about programming. Its demand is increasing day by day, and it helps solve most of the problems companies are facing.
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1 Big Paydays
Becoming a master in any skill is difficult. However, the pay-off is enormous, and programming provides a wellspring of opportunities to earn a higher salary. It all comes down to how much experience you have and what you are bringing into the game.
I do want to emphasize that that money should not be your primary goal. In my opinion, what is more important is what you can do for yourself and the impact you can have on the people around you.
According to Indeed, the US pays the highest salary for software engineers in the world — $108K on average. A machine learning expert can expect an average pay of $162,093 per year while software architect can receive $172,563 per year.
It really depends on countless factors. But generally, the average is $58k per year! The great thing about this field is that there are no limits to your potential earnings. If you can construct powerful algorithms to solve common problems, then you can earn as much as you like. It all comes down to hard work and consistently refining your knowledge.
But why do those tech nerds get paid so much, you ask? Let me try and answer this question…
- Required to learn extremely fast:
- No matter how good of an engineer you are, there will always be some new piece of tech out there that needs to be explored. Technology is evolving at a rapid rate, and the software you are developing may require remodifications to appeal to a broader audience.
- Your boss may need you to learn quickly and integrate that knowledge into your project. Not many people are capable of switching contexts this fast. Adaptability and is critical.
- Problem-solving on steroids:
- In this field, countless things could go wrong. Failing to use proper encryption could jeopardize customer security, incorrect calculations and math errors can make your software vulnerable to attackers.
- According to a study by the University of Cambridge, developers spend about 50% of working time on debugging. This equates to an estimated $312billion per year. This is why problem-solving skills are absolutely essential, and you will get paid depending on how well you can do it.
- Unique skillset:
- Ultimately, every programmer brings their own style into the game. There are infinite ways of writing code, but the thing that will make you stand out is writing quality code. Is it easy to maintain and test? Is the UI/UX the same across multiple mobile versions? How easy is it to decipher your code?
- Software development necessitates extended amounts of time and painstaking effort. No matter how good you are, tackling big projects will require added manpower, as this yields much quicker results. You must hammer home best coding practices right from the start because chances are, other people will read your code and make changes to it.
2 INEXPENSIVE TO LEARN
In today’s information age, the ease of getting information is astonishing. With only a few clicks, we can get hundreds of books delivered to our doorstep on the same day. All we need is a growth mindset and discipline to follow through on our vision.
Learning programming extraordinarily cheap and accessible. All you need is an internet connection. Do a simple google search, and you will discover a gold mine of resources and tutorials. We are surfing the peak of technological evolution, and the traditional, classroom-based learning, is becoming obsolete.
In fact, while writing this article, I have found many accounts of disappointed individuals who now render college as pretty useless. You can find an honest account here.
Besides, learning by yourself forces you to develop critical thinking, time management skills, and self-discipline. It’s a fantastic feeling to take full responsibility for your learning instead of relying on somebody else to spoonfeed you information.
However, I do believe that putting in some money can help you along the way, sort of like using gems in a game to speed up the leveling up process. There is only so much time we have, a little catalyst or boost isn’t going to hurt.
Furthermore, when you buy a textbook or enroll in a particular online course, you are more likely to take it seriously and work to its full completion.
Lastly, I want to point out that learning to code has very little to do with your intelligence. With enough determination, anyone can do this. Check out my post on how to learn any programming language quickly.
3 WORK REMOTELY
Every programmer, sooner or later, is given a chance to work remotely.
Some job vacancies even offer the chance to work remotely straight away if you pass the screening process and can show that you are competent enough.
The main benefit is that you can create your own ideal working space or environment. If you work best in a cozy cafe while a fresh coffee aroma fiddles with your nostrils, then why not. Remote work filters out the usual “office culture” distractions so that you can more effectively focus on the work.
However, while it may appear as a great benefit at first, many could lack the necessary discipline to carry on working. It’s hard to handle that level of freedom. It all depends on the personality you bring. If you’re an extrovert, it may be difficult for you to work long hours, all alone. Employers may test your capabilities by setting goals for you and your team to meet specific deadlines.
I have met programmers who, despite given a chance to work remotely, choose to come to the office anyway. There is the chance of falling in love with the latest Netflix series and working on that instead of the group project you’ve been assigned to.
4 bECOME A FREELANCER
Perhaps one of the best reasons for learning software development is that you can eventually do Freelancing work. It means that you are not employed by anybody and instead work for hire.
Freelancing is kinda like a battlefield, except this time, you are not fighting any massive armies or trying to slash everybody’s throat. You are just doing your thing at your own pace, slaying a few demons every now and then.
So what’s all the hype about freelancing then?
Firstly, just like remote work, you can be location independent. It eliminates any restrictions that could be imposed by your employer. There is also the added benefit of getting paid considerably more than what your employer has to offer. As you go about your way to chase contracts, you’re exposing yourself to much more lucrative opportunities.
Perhaps you meet a savvy entrepreneur while on a hike in India who happens to have a crazy start-up idea, and you seem to be the perfect match for his technical demands. As a competent freelancer, you now have the chance to show off your skills and get paid an outstanding amount of money.
Freelancing will give you the freedom of choice to choose your clients and projects without any restrictions. You have the power to choose and set your own rules.
While it may seem that remote work is similar to freelancing, there are subtle differences. The former has the advantage of a steady paycheck, health benefits, fewer taxes, and the support of working in a team. As a freelancer, you’re on your own, and it can be slightly more challenging to maneuver this sort of lifestyle initially.
Unlike remote work, freelancing gives you the perk of full independence. You’re not expected to work and be available during certain hours. As long as you can produce high-quality work on time, you can literally live anywhere and anytime for as long as you desire.
conclusion
While the initial hump to learning programming can be steep, the pay-offs are big! Clearly, a career in software development is an excellent choice if you want to grow professionally and carry a bloated wallet in your pocket.
The many different areas you can choose to specialize in is incredibly appealing. Success is never guaranteed, but if you take the initiative and persist in learning new things, doors of opportunity will open. I do realize that a carer in programming is not for everyone. Still, I encourage you to give it a shot anyway by trying out some free online courses. What are you waiting for?