Posted 8 years ago

Although that's probably not a big surprise since everyone is looking for a 'rockstar programmer' or 'ux ninja' these days. I feel bad for my friends who don't posses these skills, it seems like that's all anybody cares about in the job market. And that reality is tough for job seekers, but it has an entirely different effect on youth.

Back in my day if you wanted to be cool, popular and get the girl/boy, you would simply need to start an awesome band with your friends (preferably in one of your garages). You didn't all know how to play your instruments but you'd pick it up as you go along. You would learn a thing or two, and some might play some local shows, some may even go on national tours. A lucky few may become Rockstars, trashing hotel rooms, doing cocaine in private jets, and proclaiming their idolization from rooftops.

Back then peoples heroes were the likes of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant or Bob Dylan. Today it's Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, or Reid Hoffman. An entirely different breed.

We've got more teens than ever building apps, starting businesses and getting rich. And why not? It probably takes the same amount of time learning to play guitar or learning to program. And it seems like the success rate is much higher for folks building apps, but don't ask me for the numbers on that. Also, it's probably just cool.

I can only imagine the pride and joy a teenager must feel if a good deal of their high school or even circle of friends is using an app he or she built. The media covering tech companies is only getting wider, and every day there are new stories of entrepreneurs under 25 doing amazing things. Not every teen who builds and app will strike it rich, or even become a programmer, but the low cost and high return of software development is attracting lots of young people. Young people who know that building an app can make them rich and famous.