I'm 21, live in Poland, and hope to move to Norway in a few years. I'm chronically ill and autistic, so I'm looking for work that offers financial stability while keeping social interaction and sensory overload manageable. I've been learning programming and enjoy some areas more than others. Game development interests me most, although I understand it may be a difficult and unstable career path.
My main goal is modest: covering rent and basic expenses, taking an occasional vacation, and having some money for hobbies without constantly worrying about finances. I'm considering learning the fundamentals, building a portfolio, and applying for any suitable technology role before eventually specializing in backend, full-stack, Python, or general software development.
How realistic is it for an average but competent programmer to find a reasonably stable, adequately paid job, preferably remotely at first, in Poland, Norway, or elsewhere in Europe? Is software development still a sensible long-term career choice for someone without a degree, particularly given the competition, layoffs, AI concerns, and the shift toward office or hybrid work? I speak English around B2 level and Norwegian around B1, and I'm continuing to study both.
5 Answers
Higher education is often useful for getting through initial screening, particularly with employers in Norway, but it is not the only route. If university is unrealistic because of health or finances, build a focused portfolio instead: finish a few complete applications, write tests, use version control, document your decisions, and learn the tools commonly used in the jobs you want. A small number of polished projects is more valuable than dozens of unfinished tutorials.
If you want software development mainly for money and certainty, be cautious: it is not a guaranteed path, especially during the first few years. Entry-level salaries may be only modestly better than other low-paid work, and finding the first position can take a long time. Keep your expenses low, avoid relying on unpaid work if possible, and consider developing a backup skill or second occupation that is in demand. That gives you something to fall back on during layoffs or long searches.
Game development can be a rewarding hobby, but it is generally less predictable than business software and often involves intense competition, crunch, and unstable studios. You can still learn game development on the side while pursuing a more dependable area such as internal tools, web services, automation, or backend systems. That way you do not have to abandon the interest, but your income does not depend on the least stable part of the industry.
Jobs for juniors still exist, but the entry-level market is crowded and employers can be selective. A degree or some equivalent proof of ability—strong projects, internships, freelance work, or practical experience—can make a major difference. Fully remote junior positions are especially competitive, so it would be safer to target local or hybrid opportunities first and consider Norway after gaining a few years of experience. Once you have experience, software work can be reasonably stable, although layoffs and lengthy job searches can still happen.
Moving directly into Norway without experience will probably be harder than starting in Poland. Employers may prefer candidates who already have a local track record, relevant education, or strong Norwegian skills, and remote hiring across borders has its own legal and tax complications. Improving Norwegian, applying locally, and building professional experience before moving would likely give you better odds. AI is changing the work, but it has not eliminated the need for developers who can understand requirements, debug systems, communicate clearly, and maintain real software.
That is roughly how I see it too. I’d like to keep game development as a serious hobby while looking for a more practical route to support myself.