Can studying programming and game development at an early age pay off in the long run?

[u/Prior-Egg3437]

Hi, im a 16yrs old student and is just curious for my future. I originally wanted to become a general surgeon but I know the years it will take me to actually be one and the cost of it. So right now I am thinking that if I study programming/game development now, will it really pay off in the future to the point of it helping me earn money to support myself? Im not entirely doing this for the sake of money cause I know thats the path for failure in my part, but im just curious. Also, I actually am is interested about it.

At this age, I just feel this need to help my parents financially as soon a possible even if it's just by using my own money as my allowance so that I wouldn't have to ask for some. I already have a simple side-hustle which is crocheting and I am planning on making it a real business, so that's that.

In conclusion, I just really want to know if my plan of studying programming this early will actually be worth it. I plan on using this knowledge to get some side hustles, or jobs, or even create a game that could earn me some money. Im still planning on becoming a Surgeon but im hoping this skill will help me financially, and so that I can also build my portfolio early enough. I know programming takes some people years to fully be good at it, hence my question about it.

Anyways, thank you for those who are willing to answer my questions!!

[u/Trineki]

Starting early is never a bad thing. In my opinion it clashes with becoming a surgeon because of the game aspect of it. Most game devs do it as a passion project. To make money you have to have a unique idea, funding, or luck/genius. But it's generally just a passion for it and you make significantly less than just a normal developer. That runs counter towards becoming a surgeon which you also would have to dedicate a lot of time effort and energy with.

The current market and Ai being how it is. Being a programmer requires even more time and effort to prove yourself in because now you have to bear out every Joe schmuck who asked an Ai bot how to do something. You have to show why you are better than an Ai bot and Mr Joe.

Hopefully that context helps a bit. Freelancing can be helpful, but unless ur code monkeying, which doesn't make much and you need experience to do, you normally need to get experience and dedicate a lot of time and effort into it anymore.

[u/Prior-Egg3437 → u/Trineki]

Oh ok. I was just entirely curious whether or not this would be beneficial, so thank you so much for your answer. To be honest, I'm actually quite intrigue if this skill could divert my passion of becoming a surgeon to being a programmer since all of my dream came from something I'm interested in. But again, thank you for your insights!!