8 Signs You Aren't Meant To Be A Programmer

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8 Signs You Aren't Meant to Be a Programmer

Not everyone is cut out to be a programmer. Is coding right for you? Here are some signs to point
you in the right direction.
BY ANTHONY GRANT
UPDATED MAR 14, 2022
   
1 of 19 4/4/2022, 8:19 AM
Tech is the industry to be in right now. So many young people make careers in tech their
ultimate goal. Many of them make it, only to realize that their hearts lie elsewhere.
Is programming right for me? Will I like coding? Asking yourself these questions and
answering them honestly may have you thinking twice. The reality: some people just hate
coding.
If you're unsure whether or not you're meant to be a programmer, here are six signs that
may indicate a bad �t.
1. You Lack Experimental Creativity
Despite its foundation in logic, programming is very much a creative art. A new program is
like a blank canvas. Your paintbrushes and palette of colors are languages, frameworks,
and libraries. You need a vision for your creation and the creativity to bring that vision to life.
Coding purists will tell you that there's only one way to write good code, which is far from
the case. That's like saying there's only one way to build a house, write a novel, or bake a
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cake. There are many ways to code software; you should be willing to experiment.
Without a natural sense of curiosity, you'll develop tunnel vision. You'll have a hard time
coming up with new ideas. At that point, programming becomes mundane work and loses
the spark of excitement that likely drew you to tech in the �rst place.
2. You Aren't Independently Driven
You won't be successful in anything unless you're incredibly driven. That's a universal truth,
but it's especially true in programming.
A good programmer is able to motivate themselves. Peel back all of the other layers;
programming, just like any trade, is fundamentally repetitive. If you have trouble investing
yourself in the type of work that being a developer demands, you're going to struggle and
will likely burnout.
You have to be able to solve problems using your own initiative. A lot of new problems will
resemble the problems from last week. A plumber doesn't ask for a new type of sink to �x
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when he shows up at a client's house. They just solve the problem and prepare themselves
for the next one.
Because of this, the solutions to some problems are found through others. Experienced
programmers become a treasure trove of knowledge over time. You have to be passionate
in your drive to seek these recurrences and patterns out at every opportunity. Tomorrow,
things will be easier as a direct result.
3. You Can't Stand Logic Problems

How to know if coding is for you? You have to ask yourself that question.
It's a common misconception that you have to be a mathematical genius to understand

programming. You aren't at a disadvantage if you weren't an A+ student in school. You do,
however, need the ability to solve problems using logical, algorithmic thinking.
Do you have a natural fascination with puzzles? Are you inquisitive and eager to learn why
our digital world works the way it does? If not, you're going to �nd yourself frustrated when
you run into these pillars of the craft. They should intrigue you. If they don't, you may want
to reconsider.
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Much of the intellectual payoff that programming offers comes from solving a puzzle. The
more complicated the puzzle is, the more rewarding it feels when you �nally crack it. If this
feeling doesn't light your �re, programming will be nothing more than an endless parade of
frustration and disappointment.
4. You Aren't a Fan of Doing Research

coworkers working together
No matter how much you know about coding, you're always going to run into uncharted
territory. Perhaps you're working on a web app and you can't quite get a framework to
cooperate. Maybe you've been tasked with a project in Python after spending 10 years
mastering Java.
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How do you overcome these challenges? There's no master handbook to pop open; the
answers must be sought after of your own volition. All you have is code documentation,
Google, and the drive to ask the right questions.
If you're not comfortable getting down into the weeds, you won't thrive in a career in
programming. It's not always the brainiest developers who end up being the most
successful. It's the ones who understand how to break down problems and build the pieces
back up into solutions.
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5. You Prefer Normal Work Hours

Is programming for me? Absolutely not. I hate working late at night.
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Programming jobs are �exible. Some jobs in tech will have you work on-site, in an o�ce.
Some allow you to work remotely. You can work for a start-up as a freelancer to pave your
own path or you can choose a FAANG company for a more traditional corporate career.
In either case, a successful programmer needs to be dedicated. It's not uncommon to hear
stories of late nights, long coding sessions, and a diminished work-life balance in either
scenario. Software development comes rife with strict deadlines; meeting these deadlines
isn't always possible if you're dying to hit the road by �ve PM. To get all of the necessary
work done, developers often invest plenty of personal time into their work. Even freelancers
have to grind through long hours to stay ahead of the competition.
And, when you �nally get off the clock? It can be hard to disconnect yourself from your
work; you'll likely face long nights lying down for bed, your brain rattling off syntax and
possible workarounds. Coding is a labor of love. How to know if programming is for you:
you enjoy the feeling of this constant companion, even when you're supposed to be
sleeping.
6. You're Focused Primarily on Salary

hand holding fan made of USD bills
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Programming can provide a good living, there's no doubt about it. Perhaps you were
skimming job sites and found yourself taken aback by what the top companies in the
industry offer entry-level developers. You're not the �rst, and won't be the last, to try your
hand at coding in order to earn your slice of the pie.
As the market becomes saturated, you'll need to invest in yourself continuously to remain
competitive enough to shine in a professional setting. A four-year degree is often (though
not always) required, with master's degrees becoming increasingly common in higher-up
positions.
Can you make a lot of money as a programmer? Absolutely. But it won't be an easy road—if
you're looking to get rich quick, you might as well play the lottery.
7. You Don’t Enjoy Constant Learning

Man working on a code
Just like with medical studies, coding requires a speci�c, evolving skill set that bene�ts
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from regular upgrades. As technology evolves, so too does the developer's required
knowledge base.
Despite Python and Java consistently topping the market as far as popular languages go,
there's seemingly a new language or framework to learn every day. New workarounds,
solutions, work�ows, syntax... the list goes on.
If you're not someone who wants to keep upgrading their skills again and again,
programming might not be up your alley.
8. You're Not a Fan of Networking

Woman writing down while talking on a video call
While research and analysis are a few important aspects of coding, there's a necessary soft
skill that all programmers should have in their tool belt—networking. Community support is
extremely helpful when it comes to crossing bumps in the road.
Just like writer’s block, even professional coders need some help to get them through the
rough patches. In this regard, the opportunity to reach out to experts who can assist you is
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invaluable.
While introverts tend to gravitate towards programming as a career, those with the best
chance to succeed are those who aren't afraid to network. If you aren't comfortable
stepping out of your comfort zone to secure a job or get help on your latest project, you
might want to think about another line of work.
I Don't Like Coding. What Should I Do?
The truth? Work is work, no matter what your trade happens to be. Is programming for
everyone? Not exactly. One boring afternoon at your computer shouldn't be enough to turn
you off for life, however.
You shouldn't give up before you've given coding an honest effort. The best way to �nd out
if coding is right for you is to jump right in and try. Learn how to script, learn a language,
learn from programming books. Anything that broadens your understanding of the craft will
help you decide one way or another. It takes a lot of time.
The good news: there are so many niche opportunities in tech if you're adamant about
�nding a career that you enjoy. Even if you've already got the degree, there are plenty of non-
programming jobs for computer science graduates that you can look into. What are your
options? There are more than a few ways that you can put your knowledge to good use.
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Coding Isn't For Everyone: Tech Jobs You Can Get Without It
Coding Is Not for Everyone
While anyone can learn how to write code, that's not the same as enjoying a long career
doing something you feel like you were made for. It's entirely possible to be a talented
developer and still not �nd a perfect �t.
If you have a heart for business but want to remain connected to the software industry,
you'll always be able to �nd a place in tech to learn and grow. In our bustling world, leaders
who understand the intricate process of programming are always in high demand.
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programmer
10 Basic Programming Principles Every Programmer Must Know READ NEXT 
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anthony Grant
(39 Articles Published)
Anthony Grant is a freelance writer covering Programming and Software. He's a Computer Science major dabbling in
programming, Excel, software, and technology.
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8 Signs You Aren't Meant to Be a Programmer https://www.makeuseof.com/signs-you-arent-meant-to-be-a-programmer...

8 Signs You Aren't Meant to Be a Programmer

1. You Lack Experimental Creativity

2. You Aren't Independently Driven

3. You Can't Stand Logic Problems

It's a common misconception that you have to be a mathematical genius to understand

The 10 Best Beginner Projects For New Programmers

4. You Aren't a Fan of Doing Research

The Best Ways To Learn How To Code For Free

5. You Prefer Normal Work Hours

6. You're Focused Primarily on Salary

7. You Don’t Enjoy Constant Learning

8. You're Not a Fan of Networking

I Don't Like Coding. What Should I Do?

Coding Is Not for Everyone

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

More From Anthony Grant 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

How Much Does YouTube Pay Per View?

Why Installing an Antivirus Suite Isn't Enough

Do You Need to Buy a Flagship Phone in 2022 and Beyond?

The 20 Most Popular Android Apps in the Google Play Store

What Is the Windows Recovery Environment, and How Does It Work?

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on a Mac

How to Record Your Screen Using VLC

5 Warning Signs Your SSD Is About to Break Down and Fail

Excel logo on a canyon background.

How to Auto�t in Excel and Format Your Data

photo of the instagram app on the app store

How to Check and Clear Your Instagram Login Activity

linkedin learning vs udemy logo

LinkedIn Learning vs. Udemy: Which Platform Is Better for Upskilling?

Spotify Car Thing on dashboard

How Does Spotify's Car Thing Stack Up Against Alternatives?

Person working with a Mac on a Beach

How to Share Environmental Sounds in FaceTime on Your Mac

A man watching YouTube on a tablet

How to Download YouTube Videos

Woman sitting at desk in front of computer and using multiple phones

Corrections Policy Ethics Policy Ownership Policy Partnership Disclaimer

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