What do you do that you earn six figures?

[u/fidgit86]

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?

[u/aluramen]

Definitely not for everyone. I've had developer colleagues who stuggle daily and honestly aren't very good, and will never get very good. They can implement some familiar patterns but nothing original, and most debugging just flies over their heads.

It's not an enviable position, hard to change careers and anything else they'd find def would pay less. But they don't like the work and are of course stressed about not performing.

[u/CYPJuicy9 → u/aluramen]

As someone who is interested in switching careers into this field, what qualifies someone as being "good" at software engineering? What separates the good ones from the ones who are "not that good"?

[u/jrkridichch → u/CYPJuicy9]

In my experience of mentoring, hiring, and trying to get my friends into it, some good indicators that you’d be great include:

Good spatial reasoning. While you’re not concerned about any physical objects usually, it helps to keep mental models of how things interact.

Ability to learn from reading. Watching videos can only get you so far. Finding solutions for unique problems may mean pouring over documentation.

Abstract thinking. Some concepts can be hard to grasp and sometimes it just needs to click.

Enjoy it. This job can take a lot out of you, it can be hard even if you like it.

These aren’t rules and I encourage you to find out for yourself. The only way to really know is to try it a there’s a lot of online resources to help you get started.

[u/ArtFUBU → u/jrkridichch]

I disagree. I'm quite good at all those points you mention and still struggle. Maybe I haven't had enough professional experience with the right team but there's an analysis to writing good code that you only figure out once you're kind of in it. The only other thing I can imagine it being similar to is writing proofs in math or music that seems to connect and make sense.

[u/jrkridichch → u/ArtFUBU]

I like the music comparison. I’m afraid of using math comparisons because so many people stigmatize it. Measuring aptitude for something in abstract ways without actually trying the act is always a crap shoot.

[u/ArtFUBU → u/jrkridichch]

I agree. Comparing math to code scares people because "math is bad" but coding is it's own monster. I readily believe that being good at math will make you good at coding but they are two distinct skillsets that are trained individual of each other. Plus, coding has a more creative aspect to it that once you master some essentials, you are able to shine a bit if you aren't so good at fundamentals.