How do I get back into *real* programming? Should I?

Question

I have not been on hiatus. I currently make a good living implementing an ERP product. The problem is that the most complicated algorithm we ever have to work on is adding up a bunch of columns.

I'm not saying there are no challenges involved, it's just that the challenges are no longer interesting to me. I graduated with a computer science degree, and we worked on cool algorithms. I built a compiler. Programming was fun. Now, programming is boring. I have to keep myself interested by focusing on other facets of the job.

Lately, I've been dabbling in a lot of side work off hours - iPhone apps, blogging platforms, checking out open source projects, etc. Is it possible to make the switch to doing some of this stuff that looks like more fun to me? Is it really more fun? Is there some way to combine my interests with my occupation?

Answer 1

I've been enjoying doing Project Euler problems recently. To make it even more challenging, I'm doing them in a programming language for which I've developed my own compiler.

Sure takes the edge off the ordinary work day.

Answer 2

If you're bored with your job, it's time to move on.

There are all kinds of practical reasons not to, obviously. But, if you're going to stay for practical reasons, make sure you're not just delaying the inevitable. A good salary, good benefits, and a friendly work environment only stay that way until you become too bored to remain professional.

It sounds like you're fresh out of college. As a general piece of advice (not knowing your specific situation,) I would recommend changing jobs every 1-3 years until you feel like you've arrived in terms of salary and responsibility. Sticking with an entry-level job when you've moved past entry-level skills in the single most damaging thing developers do to their own careers.

Answer 3

There are a few answers to this...it's definitely "possible". If you're interested in it, and have an aptitude for it, it's doable.

It will be difficult to find a new job in this economy, but there's certainly no harm in throwing your hat into the ring. You'll go on some interviews, and see what's out there...and probably get a much clearer idea if it's the right thing for you or not.

I would definitely encourage you to give it a shot...I hate to see someone wasting their time in a mindless job when they could (and desire to) do more.

Something to keep in mind: think about what would make programming fun, and seek a job where that's really going to happen. Just trading jobs for the sake of trading won't help much long term. (But keep your mind open...you can often find interesting challenges in unexpected places!)

Answer 4

Perhaps a simple change of pace is all that's needed. While some would tell you to quit and do something you enjoy, I find that having a boring day job that pays well is pretty conducive to having a neat hobby at night.

Join yourself to an open source project or two, or do your iPhone dabbling after hours. If they pay off then great, but in the meantime you're scratching that itch, keeping your mind fresh and open, and enjoying what your work allows you to do in your free time.

As far as fun - I recommend looking into programming embedded systems and electronics. One of the reasons you had fun in college and you have fun with the iPhone is that the concepts and ideas were new and challenging. You will find that expanding into an unknown area will provide more than enough challenge and experience than simply going into slightly different areas.

Answer 5

iPhone apps aren't really just for side projects. Think about it. Apple doesn't get into a market they don't intend on staying in for a decade or more. The phones will get better, be more prevalent, and have faster networks. In 4 or 5 years your sticking with the iPhone platform could be a huge competitive advantage.

Android may have some traction by then as well. Time will certainly tell.

Good luck!

Answer 6

You can always develop an open-source project as a hobby. It will surely be challenging in a different way.

Regarding the type of open-source project, choose whatever your boreout state wants you to.

You don't need to go for open-source, though. You can develop a new proprietary application and then maybe even start your own company. It depends on your preferences.

Answer 7

Why not come up with and pitch an innovative feature/platform/direction for your ERP software to your current management?

Does your ERP integrate with Salesforce.com or Basecamp? Can your customers' executives run sales reports from anywhere in the world on their Blackberries? Are your customers tied to one database platform on the backend or can they plug in their own storage mechanism? Does your software have a read/write RESTful API that allows customers and VARs to write their own modules?

Speaking as an IT manager who's highly dissatisfied with the ERP that my company purchased, I could go on all day about exciting directions to take an ERP.

Answer 8

Thanks for all the answers, everyone. Lots of food for thought here. Oh, and this being my first question on here...I have to say that this website rocks it.

Answer 9

TopCoder.com has tons of fun algorithm puzzles. There's an online judge and also competitions.