I am 45, I have been working on software development for 25 years.
- You can move into management, but you have to keep your technical skills sharp. It is harder to find management positions than programming positions. Also, you cannot manage what you don't understand.
- I have stayed around 5 years on each job. Knowing the specific systems of company as well as the technology makes you very valuable at that company. However, you may be able to raise your salary if you move more often, but that has its own risks.
- Specialist or generalist? if you are willing to move it is probably better to be a specialist.
- I still enjoy coding, the trick is to think of it as a craft. The feeling of being good at something, is a big motivator.
- You can move into management, but you have to keep your technical skills sharp. It is harder to find management positions than programming positions. Also, you cannot manage what you don't understand.
- I have stayed around 5 years on each job. Knowing the specific systems of company as well as the technology makes you very valuable at that company. However, you may be able to raise your salary if you move more often, but that has its own risks.
- Specialist or generalist? if you are willing to move it is probably better to be a specialist.
- I still enjoy coding, the trick is to think of it as a craft. The feeling of being good at something, is a big motivator.