I started in this field at 27, which was 38 years ago this past Summer.
Do the math.
I still enjoy it most days, like always, there are days where nothing clicks, or as happens in the embedded field, the hardware just won't cooperate.
It has just been constant learning from day 1, and I think that, as much as anything, still keeps it fun. After 38 years, I still learn something new regularly. Perhaps because it I chose to work in embedded development that is even more true. New chips, new technology, it changes constantly.
Most of what I have done in my life, so far all in the field of communications, is already obsolete. T-carrier systems (E1/DS1/DS0)? SONET (Does anyone use SONET these days)? ATM (not the money machines...)? K56 modems? I guess some people still use DSL. IS95 cell service?
Constant change, constant learning. Yet the fundamentals at the bottom remain, so there is always this stable ground to stand on.
I have reached a point where I no longer want to lead, I no longer want to spend countless hours in meetings. I just want to have features to develop, technical problems to solve. And people younger than me to work with.
As you get older, always seek out organizations with people much younger than you. They are a joy to work with. And don't be grumpy, don't make assumptions, and don't insist on giving out 'advice' unless you are asked.
But do introduce them to the company 401k, and any employee stock plans. And do let them know about the concept of 'same day sales' on exercised shares. Their education will have given them a good technology jump start, but schools are still deficient on personal finance. Don't pry into their finances, but guide them toward good early saving behavior. Trust me, they will thank you five years down the road.
I still enjoy it most days, like always, there are days where nothing clicks, or as happens in the embedded field, the hardware just won't cooperate.
It has just been constant learning from day 1, and I think that, as much as anything, still keeps it fun. After 38 years, I still learn something new regularly. Perhaps because it I chose to work in embedded development that is even more true. New chips, new technology, it changes constantly.
Most of what I have done in my life, so far all in the field of communications, is already obsolete. T-carrier systems (E1/DS1/DS0)? SONET (Does anyone use SONET these days)? ATM (not the money machines...)? K56 modems? I guess some people still use DSL. IS95 cell service?
Constant change, constant learning. Yet the fundamentals at the bottom remain, so there is always this stable ground to stand on.
I have reached a point where I no longer want to lead, I no longer want to spend countless hours in meetings. I just want to have features to develop, technical problems to solve. And people younger than me to work with.
As you get older, always seek out organizations with people much younger than you. They are a joy to work with. And don't be grumpy, don't make assumptions, and don't insist on giving out 'advice' unless you are asked.
But do introduce them to the company 401k, and any employee stock plans. And do let them know about the concept of 'same day sales' on exercised shares. Their education will have given them a good technology jump start, but schools are still deficient on personal finance. Don't pry into their finances, but guide them toward good early saving behavior. Trust me, they will thank you five years down the road.