Same here. 15 years in the industry. I never wanted to be a programmer. I did the degree because my dad said it was a good idea and everyone said that just getting any degree would open the doors to all kinds of job, not just programming. I convinced myself that it was a good idea and pushed myself through the degree. Originally I had thought there would be content I would be interested in, that I now realise are more to do with philosophy or really deep physics. Computer science was the worst possible choice for me, I have no interest in coding.
I’ve struggled through for 15 years just hoping that a management position would open up. Do you know how many people I have seen promoted into management in 15 years at 7 different companies. None. Zero. No one. People do not get promoted out of developer positions, it just doesn’t happen outside of FAANG companies.
Computer science is a tar pit degree. Once you start on this path there is no escape from programming. For the love of God don’t do it unless you want to be a programmer.
I’ve been suicidal from the misery and the stress and the pain of doing something you hate day after day, year after year. I’ve applied for what must be literally thousands of jobs in other areas - no deal. And I know that I’m well presented, articulate and come across well. I’m pleasant, have a good sense of humour and get on with people. But once you stink of programming no one wants you for anything else.
Even going to get an MBA wouldn’t help me.
I’ve been burnt out for 5 months sitting at home, trying to come up with some other way of making money. Burning through savings and now I’m facing the horrifying reality that I’m going to have to program again. I can’t even kill myself, I have young kids.