I've also been testing out the volatility with automated trading scripts, trading on the dimes and nickles. Unlimited amounts of trades with no transaction fees and this much volatility is a dream land. I started trading 4 months ago and turned 10k into a little under 75k. I was a bit late to the game, but I can't imagine how much some of the other automated traders are making.
I've been developing in C, in the finance industry as a high frequency trader as well as being a father. My son is home schooled and is typing elementary level sentences at 3 years old, he can also strum the guitar playing notes C D E F G A B on request.
The down side is I work 10-12 hour days, but I get a performance bonus between 400k and 800k every year. I'm hoping I can retire in my late 30's, but I do miss out on a lot of time with my son and I always ask myself is it really worth it... Who know's though, I'm going to ride out the HFT route as long as it exists.
If you are interested in huge bonuses up to 400k-1M a year for being a developer, then I suggest to you high frequency trading development. The problem is you'll have to move close to an exchange, but the finance industry rewards you handsomely and takes care of it's employees.