I'm another "older" programmer. I started programming when I was 16...in 1964. Obviously, personality plays a part, but I think part of whether you stick with it or not is bound to why you started in the first place. I became fascinated with computers, and this fascination was enabled by the UCLA Computer Club, which allowed me 3 minutes a night on a 7094. I didn't do it for money, or because it was a "good career choice". Along the way I've done other things...mostly technology management. I've tried other hobbies. I've even fought the urge to program, because other people don't consider it a "suitable" hobby. But then I thought: no one asked Picasso when he was going to retire; no one told Picasso he was spending too much time painting. I view computer programming the same way. For some reason, not of my choosing, I care about the program. At the end of the day, when I want to do something after work, I often program something. Right now I'm trying to automate IE7 with a BHO (the codeproject was VERY useful!).

Lawrence Lewis