[quote=paramount]What do I recommend for alternate careers? That depends on the person, but there are many options from Trucking to the Medical Profession to name but two.

Also, the notion that if your “good” and holistic you’ll have no problems getting a job is an over simplification and a load of s.

For one thing, IT (software or not) has a lot of age discrimination – once your over 40 finding a job becomes much more difficult (particularly in IT).

Also, I no longer consider IT a “career” like perhaps a teacher where in general years of service is actually appreciated.

IT SUCKS!!!

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The software field is quite unique in the fact that once you have acquired the necessary skills, absolutely ZERO capital is needed to create a profitable business. If you are over 40 and in the software industry (and GOOD) then you should absolutely have the skills and drive to find a niche where you can compete. As a mISV or even independent contractor. However, if you are 40 and the extent of your knowledge is restarting the database when the finance guys call yelling at you – well then good luck. Pick up a book and start learning how to shape your own future building upon the basic tech skills you already have.

I started writing my own commercial software when I was 16…with no investment of my (or my parents) cash. If I could create something that people wanted to pay for (on a monthly basis at that – recurring revenue!) at 16, don’t cry about age discrimination and not being able to find an IT job. THAT is bs.

There seems to be this growing subset of IT professionals that are whining about age discrimination, outsourcing and unfairness in the industry. Just based on personal knowledge, the folks that are complaining are the ones that “got into computers for the money”. So, as I said before – “good” developers that have a passion for the things they build will always be in demand. You can’t outsource passion and pride in one’s work.