Hi Everyone,
So today I started to think about the following:
Most of the people are working about until age of 65. I was working at several companies, together with really a lot of people, but 80% of the developer colleagues was under 40 years and I was working only once with a developer over 50.
Ok, it is pretty clear that nowadays much more people are starting a carrier in this field, than 30 years ago.
But still I don't understand: where do the "older" developers work?
And I think it is an important question for all of us, because one day we will be old as well and we still would like to work somewhere.
Do you have similar experiences? Do you have any idea, why?
Latest comments (36)
Came across your post while browsing out of interest in this same question and took some time to think about why this seems to be happening. I am 60 and have been developing since my 20's on many types of systems and projects in various industries, both corporate and startups. My recent experiences with considering the current job and applicant market would lead me to believe that age may be a higher weighted inversely ranked feature variable on matching and hiring algorithms and therefore the industry itself is perpetuating the loss of experience and expertise.
Also an added influence maybe that "older" systems professionals such as myself with technical and industry subject matter expertise might be connecting to projects and clients through relationships that they have built over the longer term and not agencies or freelancing services which therefore increases the number of younger candidates that these services offer to clients.
Just food for thought and open to more chatting as I continue to be passionate about developing and continuously learning
At 54, I am currently a freelancer working with process management and machine learning in manufacturing. I have worked every job from junior developer to VP of a large consulting firm in my career. I think most developers move into project management, management, or become freelancers as Richard mentioned in his comment. Startup's are a young man's game and I have no desire to work 20 hours a day anymore. I now enjoy a great life with lots of family, friends, and hobbies. I still love coding, but it is the means to an end, not the other way around. Enjoy your career and be a sponge taking in everything you can. Don't pass up opportunities to learn something new or to work with other teams and other positions. Enjoy your career but don't forget to have a balance between your career and your personal life. :-)
Getting 50 next month. Really good question.
Personally i took somehow the management way. Not because I like it so much or money is better, but because in some companies I worked for there was a need to improve organization of work, introduced Agile stuff there etc.
But I continue to develop side projects on weekends to always stay on top of technologies. That's kind in blood on one side, fun on another side and more important, strong need in my opinion to understand dev's during my more "management" kind of work.
I'd guess it's some combination of burn-out, movement into management, or movement into other areas due to ageism. I'm pretty sure I'm the oldest Software Engineer in our mid-sized company, about to turn 62, with the peak of the age bell curve well to the left of me. If I had to start looking for another job today, I'd frankly be scared of trying to find anyone who'd hire me once they met me and determined I don't fit into their pre-conceived notions of what a developer should be. (I'm male, so I wouldn't have to deal with that prejudice -- but that's a whole other issue. 😠)
I'm a Mainframe tech and we have a lot of "older" developers on our team. We recently lost one of the young guys, in his mid 50s! (I am a complete anomoly.)
It's very scary because there is a massive skill gap in these legacy systems. They can't find young people to take on these roles and the retiring generation simple doesn't know how to pass off knowledge because they've been in the same role for 25+ years!
I think most of the people who reach that age have moved on to a higher position or they are just not interested in programming anymore.
A number of factors at play (at least in the US):
Couple other factors - some of which boil down to "it depends one where you're looking"; but the ones listed above account for a big chunk.
Yep, nailed it. For a guy over 60 who has been through my share of RIFs, having to look for a new job later in your career is tough. I've been where I am now for 12 years and seen a lot of developers be forced out. I believe they all eventually found work, but most went to work for less pay and for the state or consulting. I'm lucky to have hung on this long, I think although who knows for sure. I work hard to keep up the best I can. Completed a master in Comp Sci a few years back. I usually get the interesting projects to work on that include learning new languages, frameworks, etc.
Most have moved into executive leadership. Or out of the industry completely. Leadership positions pull you out of technology and into politics. Many say screw it and make tons of money with their own venture/app. Microsoft and other big firms hire old guys that code but you will mainly see them in training/travel positions. Many of my peers have grown kids that code.
My story: Im 43, first dev job at 21 - the internet was fairly new when I started so I rode the web 1.0 and 2.0 bubbles as a dev and then architect. After architecture I started a consulting firm and did pretty good. 2008 hit me hard, as did the 'Affordable Healthcare Act' but all in all I had a great ride for a college dropout. I'm in executive leadership now and code on the weekends and at least one night a week. I don't code for work as I have an issue with companies making millions on my creations and not getting a fair share if total profit. I code so i can remain relevant while building a product line for my new business. In this 'new' digital world you will see some 'new' technology but the developer role is coming to a slow end.
I heard the population of developers is doubling every couple of years. Do like only half has more then a few years experience. So they're out there but outnumbered by new ones.
They start a family in their 30s, and struggle to keep up with this fast moving world. Then get replaced by a 20 year old willing to work 80 hour weeks for half the cost.
I think most older devs are in a corporate setting where they can slow down, start a consulting firm, or move into management. Or get out of the industry all together. I know of a few people that moved over to real estate for example.
It seems more Realistic, Awesome