I took a job working as an IT guy (SQL programming, helpdesk, etc.) because I ha
ID: 654354 • Letter: I
Question
I took a job working as an IT guy (SQL programming, helpdesk, etc.) because I had need of a job (to pay back student loans accumulated from school).
I'm very happy to have a job, but I eventually want to be a c++ programmer. I'm studying my c++ textbooks in my spare time and starting to do some projects with my newly acquired SQL skills.
But the question that keeps rolling around in my head is "will I be a SQL programmer for the rest of my life now?"
In your experience, will spending a year or two at my current job be a detriment in getting into C++ programming?
Explanation / Answer
Have a look at this article by Scott Ambler on Generalizing Specialists.
Short version: Yes, anything that pulls you away from programming will indirectly decrease your skill development within programming.
However, the other skills you gain may offset and complement your programming skills. Net effect is that you may be better off by taking a side-track.
In my own anecdotal evidence, a significant detour into the land of IT-not-programming has made me a much stronger programmer. I understand the context of my solutions with a much greater degree of clarity. OTOH, it certainly put a pause on my career progression as a programmer and had an impact upon my salary. All else being equal, that's becoming a fairly ephemeral observation. My path has been programmer -> IT guy -> programmer.
In your own particular case, you're not going to see a loss. "Any" IT gig is better than "No" IT gig and you can keep working yourself towards your nirvana of being a C++ programmer. Keep developing depth; understand the business model; keep working towards programming. Build your credibility as a C++ programmer and keep working towards that goal.