I think the only reason why programmers are paid so well is because the general public thinks that "computers are hard". When I tell people that I am a software engineer, their eye widen and automatically categorize me as a "smart guy".

But recently, I've been seeing programming being marketed as something that is easy and fun (which is true to some extent). For example, that Hour of Code video that was posted on Google the other day really tried to promote programming to the general public.

I even saw a recent thread on Reddit about job hunting, and I would say about 70% of the comments were about how you could get a job as a programmer within just 6 months of learning... and I agree with what they are saying. I personally know about 2 people who were able to get a job as a junior developer in less than a year of programming (one 8 months, the other 11 months).

Anyway, my point is that the public is starting to see computer programming as something that is accessible to everyone. Which is great! I truly believe that programming is an incredible skill that will improve the life of anyone who learns it. But the thing that I am worried about is how this will effect our industry. If almost everyone knows how to code, I feel that available jobs will be more scarce and competitive. Our salaries will follow. I don't want to say that I don't want people to learn to code just for this reason, but at the same time, I am worried about my vocation being marginalized. Also, a tinfoil hat part of me is saying that this is a plan by the higher ups to drive the cost of software down so that they can make more profit... but never mind that.

But then, another side of me is saying that our jobs will never be marginalized because I find myself studying and practicing hours a day, and it's still not enough to keep up with some of the smartest guys in my company. But will the management know how to recognize talent?