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Discussion on: Will software ever become "blue collar" work?

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theringleman profile image
Sam Ringleman

I really don't care for this perspective. In my mind, there is a negative connotation with blue collar work amongst the "white-collars".

Coming from a lifetime of blue collar work, railroading, manufacturing, construction, I have had the fortune to live both lives. I will tell you, no, coding is not blue collar work. However, coding is brutally exhausting in a different way.

Just because the world of code is open to the "common person" does not mean it is blue collar. I am not working my ass off in a physical manner. I get the great pay, and the benefits of working in an office. I solve complex problems and build amazing systems for very large corporations. And guess what, I did not go to college for it. However, I am working my ass off in a mental way.

With my past experience, I will say that I have met some of the most brilliant people in my blue collar work. Some that would put our 10x engineers to shame if they ever met. Note of heavy sarcasm here please amongst the term 10x engineers.

I think we, as white collar workers need to realize we would not be where we are with out our blue collar brothers and sisters and vice versa. Yes, we may have different working conditions, but I will say that my life as a blue collar was much, much harder than that as a white collar. And no, coding is not or never will be considered blue collar work just because it is open to the "common man or woman". As far as I am concerned.

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martineasy profile image
Nathan Martinez

I have the same problem with the binary of 'skilled' and 'unskilled' work. All work takes practice and commitment to really get good at it. It seems to me like it's all just a way to overvalue a select few people's contributions by undervaluing a lot more people's hard work and dedication.

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theringleman profile image
Sam Ringleman

Beautifully said!

I could not agree more with you on this. There is always a symbiotic relationship that everyone needs to understand.

One can not do without the other. We all have to chase our passions and It is just fine if they differ. Let's not shame anyone for doing whatever they so choose to do.