I’m a senior in high school right now and definitely need to consider what I’m going to do in college and for work.
For a very long time I’ve been into computers, and am a developer with a few big projects under my belt (this is a burner account for privacy). So, my logical choice for a while was to become a software developer professionally.
Nowadays that plan doesn’t look too promising. AI has basically replaced junior developers (with dubious results) and the competition has gotten much fiercer. I’m not even in college yet so I have a good amount of time to potentially pivot to something else before choosing a major.
I’ve got quite a bit of experience with Linux and I manage a home server, but that probably doesn’t differentiate me much. I’m honestly interested in most things computer related, but don’t know of any specific fields to seek out. If it’s so hard for fresh CS graduates to get jobs, why would any other option be different?
If you’re in the position to do so: try getting a job as a software developer for a year before going to college. If you’re able to demonstrate you’ve already worked on your own projects, you will be taken more seriously than cs majors fresh out of college who’ve only seen code in home work assignments. Do this to get to see how software development works as a career and see if you fit in it.
You don’t generally need a degree to be a programmer and in this field, experience is often more valuable than a degree. What college can offer is connections and the opportunity to find your actual calling.
You are WAY better off keeping that job than going to college. You know what is more desirable than someone with one year of experience? Someone with five years of experience. Plus, you won’t have a house payment worth of debt on the other end.