What are the downsides of being a programmer?

Getting things done can be tougher than it seems. The initial part of coding is exciting, but the final touches can drag on forever. You can feel super productive at the start of a project, but then months go by, and you're stuck on the simpler features because of previous rushed decisions. It can get frustrating!

Back and neck pain is something to watch out for. Spending long hours hunched over a keyboard can lead to some serious discomfort over time.

Toxic work culture is a real deal-breaker. If you're stuck with bad management, it can make working in programming pretty miserable. That's actually how I ended up moving into management myself—just to avoid those toxic environments! When the management is good, though, programming is a fantastic job.

One of the main downsides I've noticed is the sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for long periods can really take a toll on your health—it's said to be as harmful as smoking! I invested in an adjustable desk so I can switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which has helped a lot.

Be prepared for a lot of screen time—8 hours a day isn't unusual. If your hobbies also involve screens, you might find yourself stuck in front of one for most of your waking hours. Still, if you're passionate about it, the pay can be decent, and problem-solving is really rewarding. Go for it!