It would be great to become a programmer, to create incredible magic from characters, sit behind the computer, and earn a million in foreign currency... Stop, stop, stop. It seems it's time for us to take a dose of reality and dispel the mythical aura surrounding IT professions. Here we go.
MYTH #1. ANY PROGRAMMER CAN DO EVERYTHING
It's not quite true. Many still think that in IT, everything is simple: if you write code or even have a basic understanding of computers, you can create any program. This was the case at the beginning when IT was still evolving, and people were generalists. However, things have changed. There are more programming languages now, some fade away while new ones emerge. Developers usually specialize in a specific stack of technologies and often become highly specialized if they excel in their field. A simple example: school is like programming, and teachers are like developers, each with their own "subject".
MYTH #2. A MALE-ONLY PROFESSION
Maybe it used to be a predominantly male profession, but nowadays, there are more and more women in the developer community. So, it can no longer be called a purely male profession.
MYTH #3. ALL PROGRAMMERS ARE A BIT ECCENTRIC
This is the most common stereotype we hear. However, it's more about personality traits. They tend to live "a bit in their own world" and are passionate about their work. They can sit for hours in one place, writing and reading, forgetting about basic bodily needs or social norms. That's why they may seem strange to us. But if you think about it, in IT, like everywhere else, there are all kinds of people.
MYTH #4. ANYONE CAN BECOME A DEVELOPER
There are many courses promising to turn you into a developer in just 3-5 months. But this is only 1% of what you need to know. It's important not only to learn the theory but also to skillfully use the technologies you've learned. And for a successful career, you need even more. The IT field is evolving rapidly. Continuous learning, embracing the new, improving skills, and expanding the tools you use are essential. It's definitely not for everyone.
MYTH #5. PROGRAMMERS' SALARIES ARE HIGH
Yes, they can be high if you're experienced and competent, always keeping up with the times and constantly learning, elevating your knowledge. Russian newcomers are paid around 30,000–35,000 rubles after training. The work of more experienced specialists is worth more – 100,000–200,000 rubles and more. You need to work your way up to that.
Conclusion
We've gone through the main myths, and we hope we've been able to dispel them, and you'll stop wandering in the maze of misinformation. Being a programmer is an interesting and well-paying profession at a certain stage, but it's also complex. You need to be prepared to learn throughout your life, improve your skills and abilities, and have a genuine passion for what you do. Simply entering the IT field for the money is a losing proposition.
