Why 35‑Plus Programmers Still Thrive: My Two Proven Career Paths
The article examines the common belief that programmers become obsolete after 35, analyzes four reasons behind this bias, and proposes two viable development routes—deep technical specialization and line‑level management—so senior engineers can continue to add value and grow.
Recently Alibaba CEO Zhang Yong sparked a debate by saying he worries not about programmers over 35 writing code, but about them not writing code at all, and that technical teams should be lean and focused.
He emphasized that the company fully supports anyone over 35 who wants to stay on the front line, encouraging them to continue coding.
The article outlines why many Chinese IT firms treat programmers over 35 as less desirable: (1) rapid technology iteration makes learning new tools harder as people age; (2) longer work hours and recovery needs reduce productivity for senior engineers; (3) family responsibilities divide attention; (4) higher salary expectations increase labor costs, especially when experience does not translate into cutting‑edge skills.
Despite these challenges, the author argues that turning 35 does not mean giving up career aspirations. Two promising paths remain:
1. Deepen Technical Expertise
Continuously improve in a specific domain, aim to become an expert, and master the latest developments. Even without becoming a global leader, being a recognized specialist can bring respect and opportunities.
2. Remain a Hands‑On Manager
Management should not mean abandoning code. Instead, leverage technical background to lead teams while staying involved in day‑to‑day development, ensuring realistic project planning and risk management.
The author concludes with a call for confidence: senior programmers should believe in their abilities, choose a path that fits their strengths, and keep contributing to the industry.
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Programmer DD
A tinkering programmer and author of "Spring Cloud Microservices in Action"
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