Why You SHOULDN’T Become a Programmer

So, you wanna be a programmer? Dreaming of six-figure salaries, hoodie-clad coding marathons, and the sweet, sweet sound of mechanical keyboards? Well, hold up. Before you dive headfirst into the world of loops, semicolons, and endless Stack Overflow searches, let’s talk about why programming might NOT be for you.

If any of these points hit too close to home, you might want to reconsider.

1. You Hate Building Stuff

Programming is all about creation. Whether it’s a game, a website, an app, or even a tiny script that automates your morning coffee order, coding is about bringing ideas to life. If you don’t get a rush from making something from nothing, then this field might not be your best fit.

If typing out Hello World fills you with zero enthusiasm, maybe try something else.

2. You Have Terrible Working Memory

Sure, everyone Googles things — Stack Overflow is practically a second home for devs. But if you need a refresher on how to print a simple string every time you start a new project, that’s a red flag. Coding requires pattern recognition, problem-solving, and, yes, memory. If your recall ability is closer to that of a goldfish, expect some serious frustration.

3. You Hate Sitting… A Lot

Think programming is an action-packed thrill ride? Nope. Get ready to sit. A LOT. Hours will disappear as you debug a single semicolon issue. If sitting still for long periods makes you feel like a caged animal, this career path might not be your jam.

(Pro tip: Stretch. Your back will thank you.)

4. You Can’t Handle Difficult People

Surprise! Programming isn’t just about writing code — it’s about working with PEOPLE. And people, especially programmers, can be… let’s say “opinionated.” Expect heated debates over architecture, getting roasted in code reviews, and at least one argument about spaces vs. tabs. If you don’t have the patience for egos, strong opinions, and the occasional condescending “Well, actually…,” you might want to steer clear.

5. You’re Not Okay With Feeling Dumb… For 10 Years

Programming is a humbling experience. No matter how good you get, there’s always a new framework, a new language, or a mind-bending bug to remind you that you know nothing. If you can’t handle constantly feeling like a noob, this might not be the right career for you.

6. You Lack Curiosity

Programming requires a deep love for learning and an almost obsessive curiosity. You need to enjoy diving into weird, hyper-specific knowledge, whether it’s database indexing strategies or obscure JavaScript quirks. If spending hours researching a bug sounds like torture, this job will be painful.

7. You Hate Change

If you’re looking for a career where you can learn once and be set for life — HAHA, NOPE. Tech moves fast. What’s hot today might be obsolete tomorrow. If the idea of constantly adapting to new tools, languages, and frameworks exhausts you, this might not be your scene.

8. You Lack Linear Thinking Skills

Programming is all about logic. Breaking down complex problems into simple steps is the foundation of coding. If structured, step-by-step problem-solving makes your brain hurt, you’re gonna struggle.

9. You Struggle With Memory & Comprehension

Great programmers don’t just memorize syntax — they understand concepts, architectures, and how everything connects. If you have trouble keeping a mental map of a system or understanding documentation, debugging will be a NIGHTMARE.

10. You Don’t Want to Live, Breathe, and Eat Code

To get really good at programming, you have to immerse yourself in it. It’s not just a job — it’s a mindset. You’ll spend hours deep in code, lose track of time, and still need to keep learning. If that sounds miserable, this ain’t for you.

Bonus Round: More Reasons This Might Not Be for You

• You hate computers? Yeah, big problem.
• You don’t like exercise? Sitting all day will wreck you.
• You can’t handle being stuck on a problem for hours? Oof.
• You hate interruptions? Context switching is part of the job.

So, Should You Still Be a Programmer?

If none of these reasons scare you off — congrats! You might actually have what it takes. But if you found yourself nodding along, questioning your life choices… well, maybe it’s time to rethink. Either way, programming isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

What do you think? Are you cut out for programming? Let’s discuss!