Personally, I wouldn’t worry about it. I have never turned down a highly skilled older developer. On the other hand, I’ve not even met that many programmers in their 50s, and the one time I interviewed one, they were trying to switch into programming from a different nontechnical career. Several current coworkers of mine are in their 40s, and they are easily an order of magnitude more competent than everyone in their 20s. I suspect this “trend” is a combination of FUD, ageism, and a genuine lack of supply.
Also, I think worrying about current trends and ageism in the Valley is wasted emotional energy. By the time you are in your 40s, I hope we all look back at the ageism of this era with shame.
It’s scary to think that there might be an age limit on programming. Especially since I’m not going to finish my CS degree until I’m 29.
Hopefully the 6+ years experience I already have will help me climb the ranks faster than a regular grad.
I got my CS degree when I was 28, I am 31 now. I had no problem finding a job after graduation, and I only had 3 years of experience at that point.
Personally, I wouldn’t worry about it. I have never turned down a highly skilled older developer. On the other hand, I’ve not even met that many programmers in their 50s, and the one time I interviewed one, they were trying to switch into programming from a different nontechnical career. Several current coworkers of mine are in their 40s, and they are easily an order of magnitude more competent than everyone in their 20s. I suspect this “trend” is a combination of FUD, ageism, and a genuine lack of supply.
Also, I think worrying about current trends and ageism in the Valley is wasted emotional energy. By the time you are in your 40s, I hope we all look back at the ageism of this era with shame.