Until what age In your country you can be only a programmer and still find a job ?

Question

I heard that after some age (40-45?!?) it's difficult to get a job unless you are already reached the level of Team Leader or Project Manager.

Are you worried about that issue?

Answer 1

As proven experienced programmer, especially with rare or hot skills, it don't have to be a problem even if you 50+ (Germany, only by hearsay). As I also heard, it's getting harder IF you worked as a team leader or project manager (for too long).

Answer 2

I'm 45 years old and still working as a developer (in Germany). As far as I can see at the moment there are lots of job opportunities. Even in the somewhat difficult situation we have right now.

Answer 3

I can only speak for myself.

If I have been working as a programmer for 20 years and if I am still not doing one of these things, I would safely conclude that I screwed my career:

• I have already have moved up the career ladder in the company I work for. May be a project manager, architect, or even a VP of engineering.

• I have set up my own company where I own a team that does majority of programming while I look after the business. ( I might program once in a while just for kicks)

• I freelance. I already have a host of true-blue clients who keep me in me toes all the time with a barrage of projects. I subcontract some of them when I am overwhelmed.

• I am an expert in a specific technology and consult big companies and also write books, speak at conferences, and visit universities.

In any case I wouldn’t be applying for a job of a programmer at a company in the next street or desperately bidding for an eBay clone project in elance.

Answer 4

I think it could be true. I can see three aspects of this problem: 1. Peter Principle //just avoid bad managed companies 2. In many companies if you want be programmer at that age you have to have above average skills //But is bad? 3. Some people prefer being manager then programmer //everyone has the right to make wrong choices

Answer 5

I'm 47 years old. While using mdb <- vb6 -> xls

Answer 6

I'm 40 and still doing development work. With nearly 14 years experience, I'm usually expected to take a senior technical or team lead role, and that's fine, BUT in this industry it's all about CAN YOU DO THE JOB? If you can, then it doesn't matter what is your age, color, gender, education, etc etc.

There are few enough people who can do excellent software engineering and anyone who can can get a job.

We just recently took on a contractor who's in his mid-to-late 50s. There was never any consideration about his age. We don't have that luxury.