Need help - Career length of a developer

Question

Hi ,

I am a 5 years exp developer ( 28 M ) and having some doubts about longevity of my IT career. I currently work for a small product/services company and have package of around 8 lpa. I know it is on lower end but I have been working here for 2 years now and last years appraisal got cancelled ( COVID ) while this years appraisal is due, which i expect to be ~20% ) A switch would easily increase my salary by 40%. But i am having a conundrum whether IT career is viable in the long run.

My father and most other relatives are in public sector jobs and despite having lower salary, have job security ( as much as possible ) till the age of 60 and pension. On the other hand I don't see myself working in IT even past 45 due to the fast changing tech. I am not a good fit for management roles and even though i love programming and solving problems, It is very much likely I would not be able to keep upskilling myself and will be replaced.

What is a realistic solution out of this ?

Answer 1

Job security is there in govt jobs but the earning potential is not much. Also I guess people joining after 2004 are part of NPS for pension, not sure if it's as good as the old scheme that existed.

What is it that you want to do? Coast through a job or do something more than just learning a new tech as time goes by? If it's the first then you can definitely find it in private sector as well (might have to ask around where this sort of env exists).

If it's latter, from what I have seen, you can try for different posts than a Dev, for example become a Project or Engineer Managar, Architect. I don't believe software is always about adopting new things, it's also about knowing how to solve something. Look at your organisation as well, what post do you think would be most suitable to you? Work towards that.

Meanwhile you could try applying to govt jobs if you still feel govt job is what is right for yoy, not sure about age restriction. Also jumping companies will definitely give you a good hike.

P.S: Seeing the privatization going on, I would only go to public sector if I have a backup in private sector. There won't be such thing as job security, thanks to overpopulation, and deteriorating quality of life/resources.