I ran across this piece on the joy of being a programmer, which resonated with me. I started at a programmer, at about the same age, 10 or so. I'm a little older than the author, but I've spent most of my life in the technology business, primarily working with SQL Server, but I've built software as well. I'm still building a little software, mostly for fun. I recently set up a Raspberry Pi to stream Airplay music from my idevices and created a ball shooting Lego Mindstorm robot. Granted the latter wasn't much programming, but I've backed a Kickstarter project that will allow me to write some more complex code for the Legos with my kids and I'm looking forward to receiving the kit.
Programming has been a fun hobby and career for me. Whether that's been working in a front end language like C++ or VB, writing T-SQL that produces reports, or even scripting administrative tasks in VB Script or Powershell, it's always a challenge. I find myself going through the same pattern of emotions over and over. Excitement as I start a project, confidence in an initial solution, frustration when things don't work, and a smile after the burst of creativity that finds a solution. Granted, I may iterate through these emotions a few times, perhaps even spending more time struggling than solving, but it's been an endeavor that I enjoy most of the time.
Just like the author, I've had success in my career, and found technology to be a better job than many other jobs that people I've worked with have had. Looking at the accountants, the managers, the salespeople, and all the other workers in the various organizations I've been a part of, I think I've had one of the better jobs that exist in the world today. Physically easy work, mentally challenging, well paid, and with demand for workers. I hope you feel the same way about your technology career.
Steve Jones
The Voice of the DBA Podcasts
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Today's podcast features music by Everyday Jones. No relation, but I stumbled on to them and really like the music. Support this great duo at www.everydayjones.com.
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