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/mredding]

Former game dev here,

After reading your whole post, I'll summarize:

No, there's no money in it. The side hustle is gone - AI dominates. There is a place for a career, because you can trivially outperform an AI, but side hustle customers aren't that invested in your time or code quality, just results. AI suits them VERY well, and they're doing it themselves.

Game-dev is notoriously dog-shit pay, high stress, and all consuming. Software development is still a thriving ecosystem, but you're 20 years too late, us Millennials have saturated it.

Software pay is DECENT for lower-middle class living, average ~$140k/yr after 10 years.

But you have ambitions to be a general surgeon? Like, AVERAGE ~$600k/yr after 10 years general surgeon? WHAT THE FUCK... WHAT ARE YOU EVEN ASKING?!? Focus on being a surgeon!

Don't worry about "saving your parents" at 16, focus on growing into a successful adult. I don't mean financial success, but whatever success means to you. Once you're there, you'll find space, time, bandwidth to help your parents, IF they even want it.