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I do. But I had this conversation with my colleague whose is one of the top IT professionals I've ever met. He does not want his kids to become programmers.
I have two sons and one of them has graduated form a non-programmers college. He's got his BS in Fine Arts and now works as an animator. He draws cartoons for various TV shows. My life would be so much easier if he'd chosen the IT career, but... he's a talented kid, and my wife and I decided to let him do what he likes. My younger son is a seven grader, and I would not mind if he'd decide to become a programmer.
My colleague's argument was that 10 years from now all programming will be done in India anyway, and there is no reason to send your kid to a CS school. I absolutely do not agree with this. Animation industry does not have these outsourcing issues yet, but my older son had really really tough times finding his first job. His friends who have graduated with CS degrees, did not have any problems finding well paid jobs.
In terms of return on investments, I do not think that there are too many professions that would pay you $50K a year right off a second-tier college. And if you get BS in Computer Science from one of the well known schools, you'll start with $70K or more.
The low cost labor from India will not change the landscape in 10 years. In many cases low cost means low quality, and the real cost of outsourced projects is the best kept secret. Good programmers in India are already demanding higher rates, and this trend will continue.
I won't push my younger son in this direction, but will be happy if he decides to become an IT professional. And what about you? Will you advise you kid to pick a software-related degree?
I agree with you. Outsourcing ships more of the tedious jobs to India. But
that does not necessarily equate to no jobs in the US. On the contrary, the
jobs will be of more of a research nature, higher quality programming,
design etc name your pick. Everything will even out, no worries there.
Ultimately everyone should do what they love, not what pays best.
If I could live my 20s over again I would become a medical doctor. Of
course everyone seems to focus on salary confusing that with quality of
life which is closer tied to stability and whether you like what you do.
Medical doctors have stability, great pay and benefits and many enjoy their
work. The animator and programmer are at much higher risk of doing mundane
work or being fired when market forces change directions.
Letting your kids do what they want is great for society as a whole but
when my kids ask ...
I would not want to get treated by a doctor who picked this profession just
because of job stability. If you are 22 and can afford it, do what you
like. I know a guy, who is a well paid software consultant (he's 40 years
old). He decided to become a lawer, passed the exams, and is completely
changing his career. Let the young kids do what they like... if they know
what they like.
I'd say a qualified no.. IT has been good to me, but at 40-50, you need a
plan B. It's a good half-career. My wife was laid off after 20 years in IT
and hasn't been able to find another job.
Doug, that was a very interesting comment. I don't think the future is as
bleak as you paint it but there is definitely something to ponder there...
