Recession coming

[Harlan Huckleby]

I don't think programming is easy, it's very hard work.

Really, it's only as hard as the language makes it.

I don't think thats true, but I don't think programming is particularly hard either. It's normally very easy to write code to do something once you break everything down and get a good grasp on what the project is supposed to entail.

I don't think either of you know what you are talking about.

Actually, it is not that hard most of the time. But software tools & systems often don't work as advertised, can be very stressful to meet deadlines.

I went to school in physics & grad school in computer science, worked in companies making software for scientific instruments. That was challenging, real-time programming is nightmare. Later worked with databases, which should be easy. Sort of, but software is always evolving, lots of bugs in client-side. I did internet programming before browsers stabilized - miserably difficult and frustrating.

I think people who say programming is easy just haven't done much of it. Systems are always changing, and things are always fucked up.

I recommend that NOBODY make a career of computer programmng. Worst field on earth. Your skills don't accumulate beyond a 5-year window. You have to spend your free time reading about the exciting new software tools, which start to all seem the same, but still tons of new details to absorb. B-O-R-I-N-G.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Then I became a computer programmer and network engineer for the university

No no, you became a computer programmer and network tech. NOT an engineer.

Way to smoke him out, Partial!

I never called myself an "engineer", despite my technical education. WI has a law preventing pretenders like Mr. Skin from calling themselves "engineers." I respect the grueling preparation that real engineers put themselves through before and during their careers.

But on the other hand: SkinBasket is probably going to be your boss someday, Partial. I know other English majors who do well in technology, I have an english major friend who developed a software/training company.

But on to the elephant in the room: SkinBasket was an English major!!?? Damn, I have the highest respect for that education. So how did Skinbasket do all that improving reading, Shakespeare and such, and end up being such a dick?

[GrnBay007]

Ok, since this thread has evolved into education...I have a question. All the way through school my daughter has tested far, far ahead of her grade level in Science and Language Arts. ...esp. Science. In 7th grade she was testing in the 12th + grade levels. Unfortunately she's struggled with Math. She's in honors algebra....but really has to work for a good grade where the science stuff has always been super easy for her. What areas would be good to "gently" guide her toward looking ahead to college and a career?

[Harlan Huckleby]

my daughter has tested far, far ahead of her grade level

"far, far"? my kid tested "far, far, far, far"

Unfortunately she's struggled with Math.

she's probably just dumb. I'd ignored those other tests, Math is the real litmus test. I would think social services could offer some sort of vocational training, allow her to become self-supporting.

hope this has been of some help.

[Harlan Huckleby]

She's in honors algebra....but really has to work for a good grade

I don't even have to write the jokes, you do all the work!

Come on, she is fine. Big deal, so she doesn't like the math classes as much as the others.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

My ex majored in history and ended up an IT director. The computers were a hobby.

I majored, undergrad, like Skin in English and History..or as i like to say..Double Unemployement.

Thank you, i'll be here all week. Try the prime rib.

And, like Skin i found myself working in IT/programming. If you were a writer..you had to use the computer as your tool. And, since it was such a shitty tool compared to a typewriter (strictly in terms of working 100% of the time)...I found myself having to fix it or figure out why things weren't working. And, natural curiousity led me futher down the rabbit hole.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

I don't think programming is easy, it's very hard work.

Really, it's only as hard as the language makes it.

I don't think thats true, but I don't think programming is particularly hard either. It's normally very easy to write code to do something once you break everything down and get a good grasp on what the project is supposed to entail. I think project managers in IT have pretty difficult jobs and they is why they are paid very well.

They have a tough job because they have to manage people. People like you.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

Ok, since this thread has evolved into education...I have a question. All the way through school my daughter has tested far, far ahead of her grade level in Science and Language Arts. ...esp. Science. In 7th grade she was testing in the 12th + grade levels. Unfortunately she's struggled with Math. She's in honors algebra....but really has to work for a good grade where the science stuff has always been super easy for her. What areas would be good to "gently" guide her toward looking ahead to college and a career?

I would suggest Home economics or cooking...Mrs...baby!!!

[MJZiggy]

Now that I think of it, I also know someone in IT at the Pentagon who was a Marketing major, but I think I may see a pattern...The comp sci guys write the code and the BA grads who happen to know about computers are hired to manage the people. Does that sound right?

[GrnBay007]

I would suggest Home economics or cooking...Mrs...baby!!!

Nice! I appreciate your contribution.

How old did you say you were?

[packinpatland]

Age is irrelevant.............what planet is he from?

[GrnBay007]

Age is irrelevant.............what planet is he from?

I guess so. Never saw teens with a plan apparently.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

I would suggest Home economics or cooking...Mrs...baby!!!

Nice! I appreciate your contribution.

How old did you say you were?

Old enough to appreciate a mom and her daughter.

[Partial]

Ok, since this thread has evolved into education...I have a question. All the way through school my daughter has tested far, far ahead of her grade level in Science and Language Arts. ...esp. Science. In 7th grade she was testing in the 12th + grade levels. Unfortunately she's struggled with Math. She's in honors algebra....but really has to work for a good grade where the science stuff has always been super easy for her. What areas would be good to "gently" guide her toward looking ahead to college and a career?

I wouldn't worry about that yet but I would really start grinding the math and pushing it hard. Knowing math and being great at it will make a lot of college majors easier.

[Partial]

I don't think programming is easy, it's very hard work.

Really, it's only as hard as the language makes it.

I don't think thats true, but I don't think programming is particularly hard either. It's normally very easy to write code to do something once you break everything down and get a good grasp on what the project is supposed to entail. I think project managers in IT have pretty difficult jobs and they is why they are paid very well.

They have a tough job because they have to manage people. People like you.

No no, I have fine communication skills and struggle with the technical stuff. No offense, but if you were my age I have a hunch I'd be managing you