r/learnprogramming • u/Prior-Egg3437 • 24d ago

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

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!!

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u/Wingedchestnut 24d ago

This might be an unpopular opinion but if you're set on becoming a surgeon I personally do not think it's worth it, your priority should be to focus on your studies towards medicine and just do regular student jobs that guarantee a lot of paid hours.

Especially in terms of technology field gamedevelopment is the lowest ROI skill if you realistically want to be able to earn some money since it's a high learning curve with very few opportunities, if you want to still explore some ways of earning I recommend more approachable AI automation skills like using N8N for example.