You’ve probably read a thousand articles, watched a thousand videos, and talked to a thousand friends about the great rewards that will come into your life once you become a developer.

Well, to be honest, that “talking to a thousand friends” part doesn’t really apply to those of us who have chosen this profession.

Yes, we tend to be somewhat less gregarious.

But not antisocial.

We just see life from a different perspective, and we tend to get along better with those who share that view.

Back to the point: becoming a developer for the sake of financial reward is true to some extent; there are huge opportunities nowadays that usually come to those who have accepted the challenge of dedicating their lives to the dark corners of the “all-powerful” computer code.

That said, it’s worth noting that not everyone reaches those rewards—but that’s a topic for another time.

Beyond the financial reward, what is guaranteed for everyone is the intellectual reward.

But it doesn’t come without a price.

And this is where the idea I mentioned in the title comes in: there are few things worse than becoming a coder.

Not because it won’t be worth it later in life.

But because mastering code—whatever kind, for whatever purpose—often takes you down a winding path where frustration and the feeling of “I don’t have what it takes” are the most abundant companions.

Seriously, if you think about it, it’s one of the few professions where you’ll spend hours sitting in front of your computer, doing nothing, not saying a single word, trying to understand why what you wrote isn’t working.

Only to finally discover that a semicolon was missing or a parenthesis was extra.

This profession filters those who pursue it from very early on.

It’s as if it wants to make sure that everyone who reaches the top does so on their own merit.

And yes, I know, you might tell me that thanks to AI, anyone can program now.

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but if you think AI programs, then you haven’t really programmed in your life.

It’s an unpopular opinion, but it’s the truth—the sad truth.

That said, is it worth becoming a programmer?

I think the answer is obvious: of course it is.

The question isn’t whether it makes sense to do it, but whether you’re truly willing to endure the infinite frustration of actually becoming one.

If your answer is yes, then welcome.

I’m sure we’ll have a great time.