I love programming, particularly OOP. My school experience was mostly in Java/OOP, and I had a job for a limited time in Java, Python, and other OOP kind of languages. However, a move necessitated a change in jobs, and what I've ended up with now is a web-development and database intensive job. I may possibly hold this job for several years. My question is, will this limit my choices later on? Will I be able to find another Java / software-development kind of job, or will I be rejected because my experience will be mostly in a different area?
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closed as off topic by Yannis Rizos♦ Mar 7 '12 at 15:01
Questions on Programmers Stack Exchange are expected to relate to software development within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.
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Well, the current opinion amongst the developers I know is that if you don't know how to wire up a database-driven application, then you're looking at standing in the unemployment line. As far as being a web developer? I personally found I create better "desktop" UI after learning how to create web pages, since the Web forces you to think a lot harder about how you present data to you user. As log as you try to keep a positive attitude towards learning new technologies, I don't think you'll find your current job limits you at all. My only other advice is that if you are worried about getting locked into web development then spend some time on your own learning stuff like Qt, WPF, or Gtk. |
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Not having a job is harder to have on your CV than having had a job that is slightly different to your ideal. I would say you can always find the work you want to do if you have the expertise. Below the interface there isn't much difference between different types of application anyway, not really. In fact having "I don't enjoy doing web work as much as regular application development" gives you a great answer when a prospective employer asks why you are leaving your current situation. So in general I would say it doesn't have to limit your choices unless you allow it to. Ultimately everything you do limits your choices to some degree, just because you are left with less time to explore alternative avenues, but you still have to make choices one way or another. If you have to choose between working with an excellent team in a good environment doing a type of work that is not the exact thing you believe that you enjoy most or working in a much less enjoyable setting but doing a type of work you prefer, you may well find the former is preferable. |
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Which type of programming do you like to do more of? Are you a mobile developer, desktop developer, web developer, [other]? First figure out what you really want to do and then work on getting there. If you prefer mobile development which would leverage your java knowledge then start writing mobile apps in your spare time to create a portfolio to showcase your work and keep your skills sharp. Experience is a big factor when it comes to programming jobs. If you have the Java background with some java experience (and can show previous java work) then holding a job as a web developer shouldn't really hinder you much. There may be a small project or two that comes up (or acquired) in your current company which requires Java as well. |
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I've done a fair amount of web development using Java, and I've done OOP with PHP, Javascript and Perl. I don't think there's anything in web development that would get in the way of you taking a Java position later. The only hiccup I could see is that you (probably) won't be qualified to take a senior-level Java position without more Java experience, but often experience with a specific business domain (e.g., CRM) can take the place of some specific technology experience. |
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Maybe the economy (read: the IT sector) is bad in 5 years. In that case, you will have a hard time to find a job, no matter what kind of experience you have. Or it will be good, and companies while hire almost everyone who knows how to turn on a computer. In that case, you will easily find a new job, no matter what kind of experience you have. Lesson learned: Don't worry too much. |
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