ART BY SHIRLEENKWONGBy RENEE WANG
STAFF WRITER
Programming has become the new “IT” career in today’s job field. However, a technological occupation can be someone’s greatest passion and another’s worst nightmare.
In the 21st century, technology can be seen in everyday use. As a result, the field of information technology is increasing rapidly. Whether it is advanced coding for a software company or developing an app, the skill is no doubt beneficial in the modern era as an accommodation to the internet. But despite all the positives provided by programming, there is an accompanying problem: the rate of deteriorating jobs available in other fields.
In other words, the idea that “programming is the future,” implies that students will be required to know how to code if they want any chance at getting a good-paying job.
Essentially, the problem stems from the increasing number of jobs in the field of technology, compared to the dwindling amount of labor-based jobs which have been taken over by automated machines. A report from Burning Glass in 2015 found almost seven million job openings that require coding skills, showing that programming jobs are growing 12 percent faster than the market average.
Statistics also implement that programmers are generally well-paid, with an average salary of nearly a hundred thousand dollars working when at a large software company, like Google. Even the lowest ten percent of computer programmers earn more than the average pay of an American. Programming is well-paid because of the importance it plays in today’s digital age. Companies demand more programmers because of their significance in an era where technology can control the world.
Having said that, this will no doubt influence parents that are already worried about their child’s future job considering the amount of jobs declining each year. This places pressure on the student to find a suitable job to support themselves after graduation, leading them to think otherwise on particular commitments and dreams for a career.
So overall, with good pay and a promising future, should students subject to this digital movement after all?
The short answer is no. The long answer is still no, but a bit more complicated. If someone genuinely enjoys coding for an extensive period, then aspiring for a programming job is suitable. However, considering the tedious lists of code and debugging, becoming a programmer just for the high salary will be difficult to maintain.
In general, anyone can code.. It is a simple process to launch a program and type in a command, but what separates programmers from others is their desire to understand the mechanics behind coding. Passion for the work is a principal factor in the case of motivation, as many software engineers can attest to working long hours on their computers without any communication.
Moreover, students who follow this career path will not only choose a career that they might be unsuited for but also sacrifices the student’s potential in other professions.
As many teenagers know, schools supply opportunities to explore and expand upon future skills in preparation for “the real world.” Middle schools and high schools that provide pathways to other fields allow students to essentially, be their own person, as they take a glimpse of what possible career choices they have in the future. In addition, if programming jobs take over most occupations, students will not only be pressed to take courses they are not suited for, but also lose a quality that makes every student notably unique, the strengths and interests they have in other fields.
Overall, the popularity in programming cancels out the majority that do not understand technology as well as others and shows more prospects to work in jobs. To illustrate, humans in older civilizations utilized their talents to benefit their society. It would be inefficient for them to focus on what most people find appealing, as they had to rely on one another for food, education, and protection.
The reality of it is, some are just naturally athletic and others more effective with sticking to books. That does not mean people today should not follow hobbies they find difficult but to think twice before dedicating themselves to something they are not necessarily passionate about.
In the long run, it is better for someone to choose a passion as a lifelong career. So, while coding can be considered as a high paying skill to invest in with the salary provided, students should not be pressured to pursue such a career out of just one factor.