Key Takeaways

  • Lack of experimental creativity hampers programming; open-mindedness and willingness to try new approaches are essential for success.
  • Independence and self-motivation are also vital; the ability to solve problems and continuously learn is necessary to thrive.
  • Logical thinking and a passion for solving puzzles are crucial. Without these traits, coding can be frustrating and unrewarding.

Is programming right for me? Will I like coding? Asking yourself these questions and answering them honestly may have you thinking twice. The reality: some people just hate coding.

If you're unsure whether you're meant to be a programmer, here are some signs that may indicate a bad fit.

1. You Lack Experimental Creativity

I hate programming. Is coding for me? You may have just answered your own question.

Despite its foundation in logic, programming is very much a creative art. A new program is like a blank canvas. Your paintbrushes and palette of colors are languages, frameworks, and libraries. You need a vision for your creation and the creativity to bring that vision to life.

Coding purists will tell you that there's only one way to write good code, which is far from the case. That's like saying there's only one way to build a house, write a novel, or bake a cake. There are many ways to code software; you should be willing to experiment.

Without a natural sense of curiosity, you'll develop tunnel vision. You'll have a hard time coming up with new ideas. At that point, programming becomes mundane work and loses the spark of excitement that likely drew you to tech in the first place.

2. You Aren't Independently Driven

Am I cut out for computer science? If you've got the drive, you most certainly are.

You won't be successful in anything unless you're incredibly driven. That's a universal truth, but it's especially true in programming.

A good programmer is able to motivate themselves. Peel back all the other layers; programming, just like any trade, is fundamentally repetitive. If you have trouble investing yourself in the type of work that being a developer demands, you're going to struggle and will likely burn out.

You have to be able to solve problems using your initiative. A lot of new problems will resemble the problems from last week. A plumber doesn't ask for a new type of sink to fix when he shows up at a client's house. They just solve the problem and prepare themselves for the next one.

Because of this, you’ll find the solutions to some problems by working on others. Experienced programmers will gain a wealth of knowledge over time. You have to be passionate in your drive to seek these recurrences and patterns out at every opportunity. Tomorrow, things will be easier as a direct result.

3. You Can't Stand Logic Problems

How to know if coding is for you? You have to ask yourself that question.

It's a common misconception that you have to be a mathematical genius to understand programming. You're not at a disadvantage if you weren't an A+ student in school. You do, however, need the ability to solve problems using logical, algorithmic thinking.

Do you have a natural fascination with puzzles? Are you inquisitive and eager to learn why our digital world works the way it does? If not, you're going to find yourself frustrated when you run into these pillars of the craft. They should intrigue you. If they don't, you may want to reconsider.

Much of the intellectual payoff that programming offers comes from solving a puzzle. The more complicated the puzzle is, the more rewarding it feels when you finally crack it. If this feeling doesn't light your fire, programming will be nothing more than an endless parade of frustration and disappointment.

4. You Aren't a Fan of Doing Research

coworkers working together

No matter how much you know about coding, you're always going to run into uncharted territory. Perhaps you're working on a web app, and you can't quite get a framework to cooperate. Maybe your latest project uses Python and you’ve spent ten years mastering Java.

How do you overcome these challenges? There's no master handbook to pop open; the answers must be sought after of your own volition. All you have is code documentation, Google, and the drive to ask the right questions.

If you're not comfortable getting down into the weeds, you won't thrive in a career in programming. It's not always the brainiest developers who end up being the most successful. It's the ones who understand how to break down problems and build the pieces back up into solutions.

5. You Prefer Normal Work Hours

Is programming for me? Absolutely not. I hate working late at night.

Programming jobs are flexible. Some jobs in tech will have you work on-site in an office. Some allow you to work remotely. You can work for a start-up as a freelancer to pave your path, or you can choose a FAANG company for a more traditional corporate career.

In either case, a successful programmer needs to be dedicated. It's not uncommon to hear stories of late nights, long coding sessions, and a diminished work-life balance in either scenario. Software development comes rife with strict deadlines; meeting these deadlines isn't always possible if you're dying to hit the road by five PM.

To get all of the necessary work done, developers often invest plenty of personal time into their work. Even freelancers have to grind through long hours to stay ahead of the competition.

And when do you finally get off the clock? It can be hard to disconnect yourself from your work; you'll likely face long nights lying down for bed, your brain rattling off syntax and possible workarounds. Coding is a labor of love.

How to know if programming is for you: you enjoy the feeling of this constant companion, even when you're supposed to be sleeping. So, if you hate programming, it will be tough to survive the continuous grind.

6. You're Focused Primarily on Salary

hand holding fan made of USD bills

Programming can provide a good living, there's no doubt about it. Perhaps you were skimming job sites and found yourself taken aback by what the top companies in the industry offer entry-level developers. You're not the first, and won't be the last, to try your hand at coding to earn your slice of the pie.

As the market becomes saturated, you'll need to invest in yourself continuously to remain competitive enough to shine in a professional setting. A four-year degree is often (though not always) required, with master's degrees becoming increasingly common in higher-up positions.

Can you make a lot of money as a programmer? Absolutely. But it won't be an easy road—if you're looking to get rich quickly, you might as well play the lottery.

7. You Don’t Enjoy Constant Learning

Man working on a code

Just like with medical studies, coding requires a specific, evolving skill set that benefits from regular upgrades. As technology evolves, so too does the developer's required knowledge base.

Despite Python and Java consistently topping the market as far as popular languages go, there's seemingly a new language or framework to learn every day. New workarounds, solutions, workflows, syntax... the list goes on.

If you're not someone who wants to keep upgrading their skills, again and again, programming might not be up your alley.

8. You're Not a Fan of Networking

Woman writing down while talking on a video call

While research and analysis are important aspects of coding, there's a necessary soft skill that all programmers need: networking. Community support is extremely helpful when it comes to crossing bumps in the road.

Just like writer’s block, even professional coders need some help to get them through the rough patches. In this regard, the opportunity to reach out to experts who can assist you is invaluable.

While introverts often gravitate towards a career in programming, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding if you’re not afraid to network. If you aren't comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone to secure a job or get help on your latest project, you might want to think about another line of work.

I Don't Like Coding. What Should I Do?

Programming is not for everyone, but you shouldn't give up before you've given coding an honest effort. The best way to find out if coding is right for you is to jump right in and try it. Learn how to script, learn a language, learn from programming books. Anything that broadens your understanding of the craft will help you decide, and this takes time.

The good news: there are many niche opportunities in tech if you're adamant about finding a career you enjoy. If you've already got the degree but discovered coding is not for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of non-programming jobs for computer science graduates that you can consider.

Coding Is Not for Everyone

While anyone can learn how to write code, that's not the same as enjoying a long career doing something you love. It's entirely possible to be a talented developer and still not find a perfect fit.

If you have a heart for business but want to remain connected to the software industry, you'll always be able to find a place in tech to learn and grow. In our bustling world, leaders who understand the intricate process of programming are always in high demand.