I'm really interested in programming because I've always thought it was cool to build my own things, especially games. However, I'm worried about hating the typical office environment and being bossed around all day. Right now, I have almost no programming skills, so I'm not sure if my dislike of office work is based on real experience or just my current skill level. Should I just learn programming as a hobby and choose a different major, or is there a way to pursue my passion for game development without getting caught up in a stressful office job?
4 Answers
In my 15 years as a developer, I haven’t felt bossed around at all. If the idea of taking direction bothers you, then learning on the side could work for you. Just keep in mind that any job, even if you love it, usually involves some structure.
If you're starting from scratch, try diving into some free programming resources first. Build your own projects and see if you actually enjoy it or just like the idea of it. It's a great way to figure out if this is really the path for you!
Be careful with game dev though; it's super competitive and comes with high stress and instability. It might be better to keep game development as a fun side project while you work in a more stable developer role.
Software development can be one of the more independent careers out there. While you might work in a team, you'll often get clear requirements and deadlines and then be allowed to work largely on your own. Freelancing could also be a good route once you have some experience under your belt!
Totally agree! It's best to enjoy making games as a hobby rather than putting pressure on yourself to make it a career right away.