On: Do you want to be programming at 50?

[nbaksalyar]

There's nothing wrong with programming at 50. I think it's wrong when at 50 you write code for someone - not for yourself or your own company.

> ageism is a problem

Is it? With 18+ years of experience you would have a great chance of starting your own business. And customers just don't care whether you're 50 years old, or woman, or disabled, or anything - they care just about a product or a work you do.

[psykotic → nbaksalyar]

> I think it's wrong when at 50 you write code for someone - not for yourself or your own company.

If it's not wrong at 30, why would it be wrong at 50? Not every programmer sees their individual contributions as a stepping stone to becoming a manager, so why would it be any different with starting a company? I see no reason to begrudge someone for doing what they love, no matter their age.

[nbaksalyar → psykotic]

> I see no reason to begrudge someone for doing what they love, no matter their age.

You're right - sure, one size doesn't fit all. But in my opinion it should be a good reason for someone in his 40s to not protect his future.

First of all, working on your own is a matter of independence, as it just doesn't guaranteed that he wouldn't be fired someday and can find a new decent job at 50+.