Should I Quit Programming?
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
Sounds like you've answered your own question. Everyone goes through highs and lows in their career and this may be one of yours. Either ride it out or make the decision.
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
There are some who think programming is the best job in the world and tend to look down upon those in other professions. Do not listen to them. If you think you'll enjoy something else, give it a shot. But a word of caution here: it sounds like you've been at the same place for all your working life, and sometimes that is what gets you bogged down. Try a change of jobs; if that doesn't work, go for troubleshooting/support. Good luck! :) :thumbsup:
Cheers, Vıkram.
Carpe Diem.
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
OK Im not going to tell you what you should or shouldn't do that's not my style but I will give you somethings to think about.
NinaWilliam wrote:
Currently, I am holding 4 projects
This is bad not on your part on your managers. It stinks of too much work and not enough programmers and is the quickest way to wear out the programmers. Simply put when you are skipping between projects nothing gets full attention everything is rushed and unfocused there is only one outcome of having this many projects on the go and that is the programmer becomes irritable and bored with the work, any interest in programming begins to fade because the work becomes drudgery and trying to keep to schedules and meet unrealistic requirements.
NinaWilliam wrote:
I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5.
Do you even need to? What is it in your project that requires the upgrade? Or are you simply doing it because it's the latest thing?
NinaWilliam wrote:
Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing.
You probably never will either a lot of stuff in programming languages can be very specialised to specific areas if you dont need it. Get an over view so you know the basics but dont sweat the details until it becomes relevant to your work. There will always you be areas of programming you know little or nothing about, either because you have forgotten it through not using it for so long or because it was never relevant to your work in the first place. A good programmer knows what their weak points are as well as their strong points. I dont mean this as criticism I personally can come up with quite an impressive list of technologies I have worked with and studied but a good web programmer or graphics programmer can lose me in seconds because Ive never worked or studied those areas so my knowledge is basic at best.
NinaWilliam wrote:
Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
If you've never liked it quit. If you used to like it but are going through a phase then don't. Only you can decide which is which the trick is in working out which is the right decision for you.
pseudonym67
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
A wise person once described suicide as "A permanent solution to a temporary problem.". A change of career can be the same thing, only you can know. You have to work out if it is the programming or the working conditions/workload that is getting you down. Also consider if there is a stresser elsewhere in your life, that is the real cause. It is easy to lay the blame on work, when it might not really be. Once again, only you can really know. In any event, unless you have an independent income, now is perhaps not the best time for changing jobs. When you feel the time is right, you might consider moving to a smaller organization, where you are the analyst, programmer, troubleshooter, maintenance and user support. Then you'll really find out what stress is. :) It is very rewarding though. Whatever you decide, good luck! :)
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
Are you interested in the other tasks because it means having less to do with your boss? I found this book[^] useful, as much as identifying myself. It helped me to understand the interactions going on and how to change them. Four projects is too many and does drain you. Let me know how you get on ok? Elaine :rose:
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
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OK Im not going to tell you what you should or shouldn't do that's not my style but I will give you somethings to think about.
NinaWilliam wrote:
Currently, I am holding 4 projects
This is bad not on your part on your managers. It stinks of too much work and not enough programmers and is the quickest way to wear out the programmers. Simply put when you are skipping between projects nothing gets full attention everything is rushed and unfocused there is only one outcome of having this many projects on the go and that is the programmer becomes irritable and bored with the work, any interest in programming begins to fade because the work becomes drudgery and trying to keep to schedules and meet unrealistic requirements.
NinaWilliam wrote:
I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5.
Do you even need to? What is it in your project that requires the upgrade? Or are you simply doing it because it's the latest thing?
NinaWilliam wrote:
Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing.
You probably never will either a lot of stuff in programming languages can be very specialised to specific areas if you dont need it. Get an over view so you know the basics but dont sweat the details until it becomes relevant to your work. There will always you be areas of programming you know little or nothing about, either because you have forgotten it through not using it for so long or because it was never relevant to your work in the first place. A good programmer knows what their weak points are as well as their strong points. I dont mean this as criticism I personally can come up with quite an impressive list of technologies I have worked with and studied but a good web programmer or graphics programmer can lose me in seconds because Ive never worked or studied those areas so my knowledge is basic at best.
NinaWilliam wrote:
Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
If you've never liked it quit. If you used to like it but are going through a phase then don't. Only you can decide which is which the trick is in working out which is the right decision for you.
pseudonym67
pseudonym67 wrote:
If you've never liked it quit. If you used to like it but are going through a phase then don't.
Great advice! :thumbsup:
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
Job satisfaction is more important than salary! So long as you earn enough to cover your life, then the job you have to get up and go to every day is immaterial, as long as you enjoy it. You work to live, not live to work. Whilst you are earning, stay, but keep your options open, look at training for other career choices, or look to do something you like and that you already know something about.
------------------------------------ "Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food and tyrannize their teachers. I despair for the future." Socrates 400BC
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
Yes, please quit. It sounds more like you want to quit because it's hard to stay current, and you obviously don't have the mental stamina to do so. Maybe you should seek out a vocation that requires as little mental prowess as possible - like cleaning floors. Dirt never changes, and the process to eliminate it hasn't advanced in almost 5000 years, so it sounds like it's right up your alley.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Yes, please quit. It sounds more like you want to quit because it's hard to stay current, and you obviously don't have the mental stamina to do so. Maybe you should seek out a vocation that requires as little mental prowess as possible - like cleaning floors. Dirt never changes, and the process to eliminate it hasn't advanced in almost 5000 years, so it sounds like it's right up your alley.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001You are a harsh bastard! Keep it up, very refreshing.
------------------------------------ "Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food and tyrannize their teachers. I despair for the future." Socrates 400BC
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Job satisfaction is more important than salary! So long as you earn enough to cover your life, then the job you have to get up and go to every day is immaterial, as long as you enjoy it. You work to live, not live to work. Whilst you are earning, stay, but keep your options open, look at training for other career choices, or look to do something you like and that you already know something about.
------------------------------------ "Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food and tyrannize their teachers. I despair for the future." Socrates 400BC
Dalek Dave wrote:
You work to live, not live to work.
I like this!
ISession.eu | Flickr | CP citizen 340340
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
Yes and no. If you hate your job, how much will you hate your life after twenty years of doing it? Nothing's worth that. But what if it's just this job, not programming per se? If you can find another job in the same field, I'd give it a try and see if it's really the programming that's getting you down, or this particular position. If you still hate it, change fields to one you enjoy. If you don't look forward to going to work most days (every day would be unrealistic) you're doing the wrong thing. There's nothing wrong with doing maintenance or support, so long as you love it. There's nothing wrong with flipping burgers, if that's what you love. Every job needs doing, and they're all done best by people who enjoy doing them. Find what you love doing, then do it proudly and well.
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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Yes and no. If you hate your job, how much will you hate your life after twenty years of doing it? Nothing's worth that. But what if it's just this job, not programming per se? If you can find another job in the same field, I'd give it a try and see if it's really the programming that's getting you down, or this particular position. If you still hate it, change fields to one you enjoy. If you don't look forward to going to work most days (every day would be unrealistic) you're doing the wrong thing. There's nothing wrong with doing maintenance or support, so long as you love it. There's nothing wrong with flipping burgers, if that's what you love. Every job needs doing, and they're all done best by people who enjoy doing them. Find what you love doing, then do it proudly and well.
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
Roger Wright wrote:
There's nothing wrong with doing maintenance or support, so long as you love it. There's nothing wrong with flipping burgers, if that's what you love. Every job needs doing, and they're all done best by people who enjoy doing them. Find what you love doing, then do it proudly and well.
Well spoken, Roger, well spoken. :thumbsup:
Cheers, Vıkram.
Carpe Diem.
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Yes, please quit. It sounds more like you want to quit because it's hard to stay current, and you obviously don't have the mental stamina to do so. Maybe you should seek out a vocation that requires as little mental prowess as possible - like cleaning floors. Dirt never changes, and the process to eliminate it hasn't advanced in almost 5000 years, so it sounds like it's right up your alley.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
-----
"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
Did you enjoy programming early on in the job or at school? 4 years can be a long time for some at a single programming job. Especially if there are no new challenges.
Todd Smith
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Yes and no. If you hate your job, how much will you hate your life after twenty years of doing it? Nothing's worth that. But what if it's just this job, not programming per se? If you can find another job in the same field, I'd give it a try and see if it's really the programming that's getting you down, or this particular position. If you still hate it, change fields to one you enjoy. If you don't look forward to going to work most days (every day would be unrealistic) you're doing the wrong thing. There's nothing wrong with doing maintenance or support, so long as you love it. There's nothing wrong with flipping burgers, if that's what you love. Every job needs doing, and they're all done best by people who enjoy doing them. Find what you love doing, then do it proudly and well.
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
Roger Wright wrote:
Every job needs doing
Some jobs that I wish no one did: meter maid, telemarketer, greeter.
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
Possibly; most of us who are programmers love doing it and do it as a hobby as well, if that's not you then you might consider a change. It also sounds like you're only interested in learning things in order to impress others with what you've accomplished rather than for personal improvement.
NinaWilliam wrote:
I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5
You don't need to master every aspect of each generation; the only part of .net 3.5 I use is HashSet. Use what you need to accomplish the task. If the tools in the previous version are suitable, then continue to use them, and extoll the benefits of "backward compatibility".
NinaWilliam wrote:
I am holding 4 projects.
That's not right, it's a recipe for disaster. I only accept one project at a time, other projects are distractions and none get done.
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Nothing quite like kicking someone in the teeth instead of adressing issues is there bully boy?
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
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Hi there, I need your help and advice in this… I have a programming analyst diploma with GPA 3.8. I work as a programmer for 4 years in a medical corporation. I am successful at my work and I get every task given to me done. Currently, I am holding 4 projects. The problem is: I am not interested in programming I just do my job because I have to. I don’t feel I love my job. I don’t like going to work. I find it very hard to move from .NET framework 1.1 to 2.0 to 3.5. Even if I start reading a programming book or article I don’t really understand every thing. I find my self interested more in software installing and troubleshooting, Computer maintenance, user support. Should I quit programming because I don’t like it? Please I seek your advice.
There are two types of successful programmers; people who love to program and people who love to program. I have been programming professionally for over 35 years and I still program as a hobby in areas and on equipment I don't get to explore at work. As you may surmise I love programming. I have tried other areas of the business -- analysis, system test, customer service, etc. -- and did an adequate job but never quite was as motivated as when I am doing one of my famously shameless hacks to overcome a shortcoming of the language or architecture I am currently dealing with. My mantra is "once you lose your pride the rest is easy". Having said that I have seen equally motivated people in all the other jobs I could only do adequately. The thing that concerns me about what you have said is that you are wondering if you like to program. I have absolutely hated some jobs from time to time, a situation I remedied with another job, but never once questioned if I like to program. I hated my boss, hated the pressure I was under, I hated the unreasonable schedule, I hated a difficult co-worker, but I never hated programming. You must find something you are passionate about, something you really love to do, and the money will follow as you distinguish yourself in that area. The alternative is to work a job you hate and live with all the negative effects on your life. Good luck in deciding. It is never too late to re-invent yourself once you get your priorities right.
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