CHOOSING A STACK IN THE TECH SPACE

The dilemma between following passion or cash

This topic has been a problem for many people entering or currently working in the tech sector: what path should you take? Will you go for the passion or the money?

What is a Stack ?

A tech stack is a collection of technology, software, and tools for building websites, apps, and other digital products.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

I was once in that dilemma, and sometimes I still wonder if I am doing the right thing. Most people don't mind doing what interests them for the cash, but I can’t bring myself to do the same.

I recall times without numbers, being told to go into backend development because of the demand and high pay attached to it, but I just can’t stand writing code that I only get to see the output on the terminal. I hate not seeing the UI and the colours. I like seeing my GUI, so backend isn't really my thing.

I also had the issue of not having the right laptop to build mobile software. Then, I started with languages that were not scalable—tkinter and pyQt. I was later advised to learn C++ and then move to C#. It was disappointing to hear that I wasted time and energy learning tkinter and pyQt. I don't see it as a complete waste though.

My Advice

If you really want to pick a stack in programming—and believe me, there are so many— I wouldn’t generally recommend following your passion. I would rather you look inwards and find what you can cope with. People will swear that you can later develop enthusiasm later for the stack you chose for money. You just need to look deep to discover what you want.

There is more than one stack in the tech space and they don't all involve writing code. And believe me, they are all lucrative.

You can carry out your own research to find out what would interest you. The links below are a good place to start.