DEV Community

Discussion on: Do you know anyone who codes on the side but does not pursue a career in software development or code for their job?

Collapse
 
makiten profile image
Donald

I imagine I'd be part of one of those underrepresented populations. I did pursue a career as a developer, but I've been slowly moving away from that over the last few years.

There has definitely been some discrimination at play before, but my reasons for moving away from it were less racism (which I did face) as much as it was good, old-fashioned parsimony. Being underpaid, constantly reminded of being young and therefore ignorant (yet being an "expert" when it suited them), and the companies' excuses about "hands being tied" while telling me I should be thankful for it is what did it. Sadly, these practices came from other underrepresented groups, too.

At this point, I would say software development is still an available path, but not really a worthwhile one.

Collapse
 
jessicagarson profile image
Jessica Garson

Thanks for sharing your story, this sadly happens more than it should. I look about 10 years younger than I actually am and that creates some very interesting scenarios in this regard.

Thread Thread
 
makiten profile image
Donald

How did you cope with that and the usual problems in the field?

Thread Thread
 
jessicagarson profile image
Jessica Garson

Teaching helps a lot. In my classroom, I get to create the welcoming environment where anyone could build anything that I wish I had in my career.