How to become a Software Developer – Your WHY

It’s hard work transitioning to any new career, especially Software Development.  Have you really thought about why you’ve decided to start this journey? Is your WHY strong enough to push you forward, even through the tough times?    

I’m writing to encourage you with the many benefits.  Some motivators that I see, after over 10 years in the field, are as follows.

• Money – It could be that this isn’t really a factor for you and that’s great!  But for most, it plays a part if not the primary motivator. If compensation is part of your WHY then that’s fine but it definitely shouldn’t be the only reason for pursuing any career.  Dig deeper to understand what is driving you down this path. 
• Creative Drive – Do you have an itch to build things and work creatively?
• More opportunities and room for growth – As you gain experience you will see more job opportunities and growth within companies.
• Status – Do you see a career in development as being a ‘step up’ in society?  
• Versatility – A development skill set will give you the ability to work in different areas of the field.  This variety and ability to apply yourself to multiple areas may be appealing.
• Family Legacy – Do you want to create a better story for your family?  Getting into Software Development may help with that.
• Learning Opportunity – Every day should be a learning opportunity in life.  It has to be when you’re a developer.  For most, this is a benefit of becoming a Software Developer and could be part of your WHY.  What are your thoughts about this?  Does being a continual learner excite you?  
• It’s ‘cool’ – Do you see the career being something that intrigues you?  This goes along with learning new things, but not just any new things.  It’s the possibility of using new technologies to build something great.
• Synergy – Do you like working with others?  You’ll probably have the opportunity to work the some smart people.  Do you like the idea of making things happen on a team?
• Start a Business – Do you want to do your own thing?  Software Development is a career where you can start your own business as a freelancer or even build your own product.
• Work from Home –  Remote work for developers is more common these days.  Avoiding a long commute, saving time & money, is appealing.  This is another one of those that is a good reason but shouldn’t be the only one.

I’ve listed the most common reasons that I can think of.  Do you have one that’s not on this list?    

Thinking further, consider your past experiences even going back to childhood.  Did you or do you enjoy things that could relate to development or creating/building software.  A lot of developers that I know like to ‘tinker’ with things on the side and build physical things.  That desire to explore and build could be a big part of your WHY that you can grab on it.

If you have a spouse or significant other then are they on board?  Do they see you being a developer for a living? Talk to someone about your aspirations and get some perspective.

I hope that this has caused you to think a little further into your WHY and helped you to develop a stronger one.  I want you to grab onto and embrace your WHY to help propel you forward and keep you going as you pursue this.