Probably you will say simply because they like the IT? I thought so too! However, once I have started questioning people around it appeared that there is way more reasons than I expected.
So, what’s so special about programming? Why does it involve people? Some of those “icebreakers” were absolutely unexpected.
FAMILY HERITAGE
Ok, maybe not literally, but for some early start was nothing else but their home environment. For example, observing how family members do IT related stuff and following their steps. As an example, one story started from the family business selling used mobile phones. Some of them needed hardware/software renewals. At the very beginning it reminded a domestic way of learning about the engineering stuff basics. Then, at some point it appeared that software and customization is the thing which “makes the world spin”. That’s how it further led to IT studies and the professional programmer’s path.
HARDWARE IS FOR A LEGO LOVERS?
There are lots of programmers, who’s early IT carrier started from gaming. Well, that’s quite predictable, isn’t it? They tried to customize everything what’s possible and ended up with an idea that it should be pretty cool to create their own game. Or they had a fellow programmer whose mysterious activities seemed very attractive to try. This encouraged to dig for more information and intensively learn on oneself. This further shaped the carrier goals.
To a question why software, not a hardware I got the answer “…because assembling a hardware is as challenging as constructing a Lego. “. Well, fair enough, point taken.
AN ANIME SERIES EXTENSION
I would never imagine such a scenario! The story behind this is about the developer, who was really enjoying one of the anime series. Once it ended, that person came up with a bold idea to create an epilogue. A super popular at that time Flash became a runway for the further IT knowledge deepening.
SISTER CHALLENGE
Yes, that also happens. “When I was a kid, it seemed that my sister knows really a lot about computing. So, this became my propulsion. I simply couldn’t afford myself knowing any less than my sister does in this field.” – says one of currently highly professional developers.
FREEDOM
Even if this wasn’t the main reason, which encouraged to step into the IT world during time it appeared to be a wonderful additional bonus. Actually, it’s easy to understand why this aspect highly motivates people. Just imagine yourself travelling any direction in the world you want without losing your connection with work. You admire new places and cultures in the morning and work in the afternoon. Or vice versa. It’s totally customizable!
“WHY NOT” CASE
“In several of my former workplaces I always used to be the one, who helps colleagues sorting out most of IT issues. Even if originally my job position had nothing to do with this field. One day I came up with an idea that probably it’s worth to try changing my career direction. So. That’s how IT started from my perspective.” – remembers one of our colleagues at Xplicity.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Or, if to rephrase this famous saying, people often tend to execute daily working task willingly and efficiently in the in areas where they feel it is their strength. When they simply feel that belong in a defined field.
In relation to this, I wish for all the developers, programmers and coders to keep loving what you do. Sometimes it’s stressful or even annoying, but more often it makes you to be proud of yourself. This is an agile lifelong learning path where the sky is the limit.