How are we defining programming. As far as I'm concerned if I can create a small game using Unity, even if I don't really understand what's going on, that is programming.
If an intern writes a small Python script to format CSV contacts, that's programming. Programming can be completely visual as well, such as Unreal blueprints. I don't suggest going that route because it doesn't open up many career opportunities, but it still is programming.
Personally I've never been able to use a lower level language to get anything done. And I still have a fantastic career.
>I'd recommend every serious programmer to write their own OS.
Um, I do extremely well working exclusively with higher level languages like Python and JavaScript. If we're talking about pure salary, a senior web dev will probably make more than the vast majority of embedded engineers.
I'm totally nitpicking here, but I don't like the gatekeeping of saying you need to be able to use a low level language to be a programmer
There's a quote, which I absolutely can't find the source for, it's something like geniuses are toiling away in factories.
I think it's a bit arrogant to think you're some type of genius who if only you needn't work, would be able to solve all the world's problems. I'm more than fine with being a cog in the machine, with my dream being retirement at 40. After that I'll work on my music, and video games full time.
Having worked for several startups I'll argue they're extra overrated. You're very likely to work much harder, what's a holiday when you're the only QA person or the only engineer.
And for what, on the off chance the IPO goes public and you make hundreds of thousands of dollars. Give me a big company job during the day, and I can work on my startup idea at night .
So you can have some 80 hour work weeks and 8 hour weeks.