As a 58 year old developer that start at 18, it's about finding the right place to do stuff that is the right level of challenge for you.
It's also about adopting the attitude that "I can always learn more". Just by reading HN that's a really good step, because there are smart people here and interesting posts.
I started professionally as a Pascal programmer on an IBM PC/XT, now I architect OLTP systems and either spend my time debating high level architecture, or I'm down in the weeds watching log files of the apps.
There's always somewhere interesting to go on the journey. Especially if you treat it as about creativity and not engineering :)
Thanks a ton! I appreciate the encouragement! Great point on treating it as creativity rather than engineering. I totally agree-- makes it more fun and interesting for me.
The thought I used to help me in times of doubt, or impostor syndrome was that I might lack the experience of even 28 year old devs that worked since graduating college, but I have more life experience to compensate.
If you look around, you will see that a lot of the struggles of younger age developers are from lack of life experience not specific developer skills.
Thanks a ton! Good to hear-- that's something I sometimes worry about. But then I also think "Well, technology is more important than it used to be, so based on that, the future seems bright, career-wise." But great to hear, just to turn off any worrying voice in my head.
sometimes i get burned out on it. but, ultimately i am still interested in programming and the creativity that comes with creating products.
so, just glad that I can keep being one for at least 10, maybe 20 more years.