What do we know about the profession of a programmer? It is a specialist who understands computers, creates websites, does programming, and more. However, in reality, this profession covers quite a wide range of knowledge and services, so mastering it is not as easy as it may seem. To become a qualified specialist in programming, one must learn a lot of different information, possess an analytical mindset, and have a healthy nervous system. After all, every programmer must know current standards, programming languages, complex code and scripts, and constantly improve their skills. In addition, this profession requires long hours in front of a computer and constant attention. So, it is wrong to think that programmers just have fun all day and get paid for it. This profession is quite difficult and has a significant negative impact on human health. It is precisely this aspect of working in programming that we want to discuss in our article. What are the negative sides of the programmer’s profession? Who can become an IT specialist?

Is it easy to be a programmer?

Today, one of the most popular professions is that of an IT specialist. At the same time, almost every social network offers to master this profession in just a few days. In fact, this is a pure scam. Programming is a science that requires a lot of knowledge and effort. Learning a programming language, understanding code, and various settings – all this requires training that takes quite a lot of time. So becoming a programmer in a week or two is simply impossible. That’s why we advise you not to waste time and money on fraudsters who assure you that mastering the IT profession is easy and that artificial intelligence will do everything for you. To become a qualified specialist, you need to spend a lot of time learning and have great patience. However, it should be noted that this profession has both negative and positive aspects. Let’s take a closer look.

The advantages of this profession include:

1. Demand in the labor market. IT workers generally have several employment options. Modern companies offer many programmer vacancies and are often willing to hire even beginners. But you should know this is only half-true, often exaggerated by IT courses.
2. Decent working conditions. The modern lifestyle of Ukrainians has made adjustments to the traditional approach to work, replacing office work with remote work. Programmers can work in modern, comfortable offices (sometimes from morning till night, and not always conveniently) or remotely at home (with irregular hours). In addition, programmer salaries are quite high. So this profession certainly brings good income. It is also worth noting that many Western countries cooperate with Ukrainian programmers (time zones are different, but you’ll get used to sleeping during the day and working at night), so finding a well-paid job is possible not only within our country but also abroad.
3. Self-development and self-realization. By mastering the profession of a programmer, you constantly study new technologies, shift specializations, and continually improve your qualifications, since technology does not stand still and no two projects are ever the same.

Now let’s look at the negative sides of the profession. There are many. The main disadvantage of being a programmer is the long, sedentary, and inactive work, which negatively affects human health.

Firstly, constant time at the computer negatively affects vision and posture. Therefore, after just the first year of work, many IT specialists are familiar with such conditions as osteochondrosis, dry eye syndrome, insomnia, and more. Programmers spend at least 8–9 hours a day at the computer, so this profession requires endurance and constant focus. Prolonged time in front of the monitor, poor diet, and emotional overload often cause exhaustion. Such a state can trigger the development of serious illnesses, including cancer.

Secondly, IT specialists often face professional burnout. A programmer’s communication circle at work usually consists of only a few people, so most of the working time is spent at the computer. In addition, experienced IT specialists often juggle multiple responsibilities at once – programming, layout, server setup, client communication, etc. This is emotionally draining and leads to psychological problems, sleep issues, and more.

Thirdly, a programmer must constantly improve their knowledge. Each new project requires solving complex tasks, and often this means mastering new technologies. Programmers are learning all the time, which can emotionally drain a person. Moreover, acquiring new knowledge requires a lot of free time, which programmers usually don’t have. So learning often has to be done after work or at night. This, in turn, causes conflicts within the family, as the constant absence of a husband, father, or son inevitably irritates other family members.

It should be added that English is a must for any programming specialist, so learning it is unavoidable. Every IT professional must set a fairly high bar for the minimum required level of knowledge. In short, without an analytical mindset and a willingness to learn foreign languages, it is unlikely one will succeed in computer programming.

And, of course, programmers get very exhausted, as constant focus, self-improvement, and a sedentary lifestyle negatively affect their mental and emotional state. A lot of work has to be done overtime, as project deadlines do not always allow for proper rest. Moreover, programmers’ vacations are usually short, since one project is quickly replaced by another. So if you decide to pursue a career in IT, be prepared to have very little free time.

Summing up all of the above, it should be noted that all professional programmers dedicate most of their lives to their work. So it is wrong to think that IT work is easy! Although this profession is popular, it has many aspects that negatively affect health, family relationships, and a person’s mental state. Therefore, only those who are ready to make serious sacrifices for the sake of achieving their goals can become programmers.

Advice for programmers:

1) To maintain focus – drink Pu-erh tea instead of coffee.

Chinese Pu-erh tea is considered beneficial for health, as it is attributed with a number of positive properties, such as supporting the gastrointestinal tract and lowering cholesterol levels in the body. It is also believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Pu-erh tea also provides a stimulating and invigorating effect.

You can buy Pu-erh tea here – www.puer.ua

2) Exercise daily. (1 – swimming, 2 – running, 3 – gym)