What Are the Benefits of Being a Software Developer?
No job is easy, and being a software developer is not an exception. But why does it remain one of the most pursued types of work today? Because it comes with several benefits, which we’re going to talk about here.
Why Should You Consider Being a Software Developer?
Working as a software developer often comes with a steep learning curve, especially if you don’t possess solid tech knowledge in the beginning. But it is often worth the challenges because of these reasons:
1. High Demand
If you’re searching for job security, being part of a SaaS development company, for instance, offers it.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for software developers from 2021 to 2031 is 25%. That makes its demand faster than average or most types of work, in general.
In today’s economy, businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to increase efficiency and cut costs, and one way they can do this is by investing in software development. They need you to create custom applications that meet their specific needs.
2. Good Salary
Here’s another reason to become a software developer: the salary is good. BLS data reveals that the profession paid over $100,000, on average, in 2021. That translates to at least $50 an hour. As a comparison, the average US wage around the same time was a little over $70,000. It was even smaller in other states.
Besides salaries, software developers also receive many non-economic benefits:
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
3. Professional Development Opportunities
In most cases, being a software developer is not a dead-end job. It offers you the opportunity to move up the corporate ladder if you’re talented and hardworking enough.
For instance, you can become a lead developer or project manager after working as a regular software developer for some time. Alternatively, you could also open your own software development business if you have the entrepreneurial spirit.
The point is, there are many professional development opportunities available for software developers. It’s up to you to take advantage of them.
4. Work from Anywhere
One of the best things about being a software developer is that you can work from anywhere in the world as long as you have a laptop and an Internet connection.
If you get tired of living in the city, you can easily move to the countryside or even to another country. And if you ever feel like working from a coffee shop or beach, that’s fine too.
Of course, this is only possible if you’re a freelance software developer or if your company allows remote work. But more and more businesses are starting to see the benefits of letting their employees work from home, so this is likely to change in the future.
5. Work Variety
Another benefit of being a software developer is you seem to never run out of work to do. You may develop new applications or websites, maintain them, or and update products and services. The company may also ask you to create user interfaces or develop code for new features.
As a result, no two days are likely to be the same for a software developer, which can make the job interesting and exciting.
6. Creative Freedom
While some professions are all about following orders, being a software developer gives you the opportunity to be creative and use your imagination. After all, you’re often tasked with coming up with new ideas and solutions to problems.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you want. You’ll still have to follow the company’s guidelines and the client’s specifications. But within those parameters, you have a lot of freedom to be creative.
7. Help Make a Difference
As a software developer, you have the power to make a difference in the world. You can develop applications that make people’s lives easier or create websites for charities and non-profit organizations.
Of course, you don’t have to use your skills for good. But it’s nice to know that you have the option to do so if you want.
Conclusion
No job is perfect, and being a software developer has its downsides too. But overall, it’s a great profession to consider if you’re looking for a stable career with good pay and plenty of perks.
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more