r/financialindependence • u/fidgit86 • Aug 13 '21

What do you do that you earn six figures?

It seems like a lot of people make a lot of money and it seems like I’m missing out on something. So those of you that do, whats your occupation that pays so well?

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u/ArtFUBU Aug 13 '21

I am trying to do software engineering. I was even a jr web dev for 2 years. It's hard man. I'm not a dumb person but I expect only 10 percent of the population is really capable of serious software engineering...and then you also have to be trained AND like it to do it well. I got a taste of how hard it was until I was let go. It just doesn't come naturally to me but I enjoy solving stuff.

I was making decent money and hope it will just come with time/experience but I am trying to study more about technologies while programming to get into cyber security because I know for a fact development won't be a thing for me 20 years from now. At least from what I understand about cybersecurity, it's less programming and more about process/tech accounting essentially.

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u/kog Aug 13 '21

I don't want to discourage you, but cybersecurity generally requires you to have intimate knowledge of low-level programming, and you probably want to be an expert specifically in C and C++.

If I wanted a job in the software field that is less intense in terms of programming work, cybersecurity is just about the last place I would look.

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u/Grim-Sleeper Aug 13 '21

Software engineer here. Can command very healthy pay. Have worked all over the stack, from low level drivers to front end, and tons of infrastructure and systems in between. Every language and framework you can think of, from assembly to newest fad of the day. Decades of experience.

I actually understand what it takes to do security work. And while I have the necessary skills and would enjoy the thrill of it, I also never would go there. So hard. There are much easier ways to make a living as a software engineer. Unless security is your calling, pick something else

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u/kog Aug 13 '21

I'm an embedded software engineer, and this is exactly my perspective.