For how long should we work as a software developer(means number of years in development)?

For how long should we work as a software developer(means number of years in development in our life.)? Because I think in software development, we loose our health, specially eye sight and ofcourse hairs. So if I say not more than 3 years and then we should move to some other managerial positions. What do you think?

For how long should we work as a software developer(means number of years in development)?
i think in any job looking at screens allday you will cause damage to your sight, best thing to do is look out the window every 10mins so your eyes focus on something at a different depth (in the distance).





i worry about the same thing, but 3 years is a bit short i think 10years of it will cause damage, but if you do take breaks it should help alot.
Reply:It depends on your interest and smart way of development rules.
Reply:What ever you think is good for you. If you see your health declining due to that type of posistion, then try to move to another type of career, other wise program as long as you can. Always do whats better for you. Not the company you work for. You come first.
Reply:thats really up to you.


i think you should do it for as long as it makes you happy.





3 years is not enough to do anything really useful. i think once you have 5 years or more experinence you can justify your move to managerial roles.





in my opinion a manager who does not have enough hands on experience when it comes to programming is the worst type of boss because they can't understand the problems that software developers have.
Reply:haah ,


well why don't u ask a professional?
Reply:people who can't develop get moved into manager positions where they can do less harm.





heh heh a-hem... well.





as someone mentioned 5 years is a pretty good number for moving into positions that are more managerial.





It takes a lot more "soft skills" to be a manager than it does to be a developer and they take time to develop.





A manager has to be able to communicate effectively, make decisions, be a good leader, manage time, write project plans, etc.. these take more cooperate experience than they do technical.