Re:Ask HN: I'm an 18 year old programmer; How do I get a job?
by agentultra on Wednesday August 11, 2010 @03:11PM
(#1595708)
I dropped out at 18 to work at a startup. I got the gig through a co-op placement via my high-school. It was pretty sweet.
I did eventually finish high-school, but I never went on to university or college for computer science. Things have been good without it: I'm a firm believer that anything you want to know you can learn on your own (the compiler is a good TA and the Internet a great teacher). However, in todays rat-race I'm kicking myself in the ass. Five years of experience and no one will believe that I can actually program anything. Even the most mundane programming jobs building PHP websites will probably ask for a CS degree.
It's an uphill battle if you want to go against the mainstream. It can build character if you're up for it, but be prepared to lose a number of battles. I only recommend it if you're comfortable being independent.
But I also know now that you have no idea what you want when you're 18. You'll change your mind in a few years no doubt. I recommend just doing what you want and getting on with life. Maybe even forget the career thing and just focus on partying or travelling or something.
I did eventually finish high-school, but I never went on to university or college for computer science. Things have been good without it: I'm a firm believer that anything you want to know you can learn on your own (the compiler is a good TA and the Internet a great teacher). However, in todays rat-race I'm kicking myself in the ass. Five years of experience and no one will believe that I can actually program anything. Even the most mundane programming jobs building PHP websites will probably ask for a CS degree.
It's an uphill battle if you want to go against the mainstream. It can build character if you're up for it, but be prepared to lose a number of battles. I only recommend it if you're comfortable being independent.
But I also know now that you have no idea what you want when you're 18. You'll change your mind in a few years no doubt. I recommend just doing what you want and getting on with life. Maybe even forget the career thing and just focus on partying or travelling or something.