What do you do that you earn six figures?

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

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/aluramen Aug 13 '21

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.

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u/CYPJuicy9 Aug 13 '21

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"?

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u/EpicureanRascal Aug 13 '21 edited Aug 13 '21

I think it comes down to logical reasoning. Mathematical aptitude is a really good indicator, especially math proofs. If you want to get into the field seriously, maybe pick up a textbook on discrete math/algorithms.

This is coming from someone who has struggled with CS for a while and wants out.

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u/CYPJuicy9 29d ago

Really?? U want out?? What are your struggles with CS if you don’t mind me asking?

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u/EpicureanRascal 28d ago

Basically everything u/aluramen brought up. Just can't do it. And it's not because I don't try - it is a tough field and everybody struggles, but I struggle two or three times more than my classmates/colleagues. Not everybody has the same aptitude or interest in singing, visual arts, or sports, and the same applies to math/CS/any other field.

But there's literally no harm in giving it a shot. Like I said, pick up a textbook in discrete math/algorithms, attend a boot camp or two. Maybe you'll end up loving it, maybe not! No harm in trying.