Who knows where your experience working with code will lead you to. There's a good chance that even more opportunities will show up later. Networking and experience are gifts that keep on giving.

As Steve Jobs once said, “I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think. I view computer science as a liberal art.”

If you’re wanting to go freelance, or have the ability to work while traveling, coding may be a great way to get into this. As coding is a highly valued skill at the moment, many companies are willing to outsource the work. This means skilled coders have the ability to create their own schedule (and charge a nice rate for it at the same time).

If you can code your entry salary is already above the average and will only rise and rise as you gather more experience. This means you will be well rewarded for taking the time to learn more coding languages and different libraries within them.

As your coding skills develop, you’ll gain a clearer idea of where you’d like to specialise. This is an exciting and ever-changing world in which new opportunities will continue to arise. As your career progresses, you’ll be keen to add to your coding skills through further practical experience and programming courses. 

Another important aspect of software development is the versatility of the role. Versatility, here, refers to several things: from the range of different companies to the number of roles within those companies and the tasks and actions you can perform.

Outside from the implications of coding which look good on a resume, coding actually does boost skills which are actually useful to most jobs. Problem solving and logic are the main two. Learning to code is like an exercise session for the “left” side of the brain.

Recruitment companies are crying out for top coders and developers. If you can code you will be in demand, and actively sought after.

Even knowing a little bit about computers and programming puts you in front of about 99% of the population. You’d be surprised how many friends and favors I’ve earned because I helped people fix very simple problems they were having with technology. This is the kind of thing that can have a big impact on your career even if you aren’t working directly as a programmer.

Unlike a lot of items on a position’s person specification, like a university degree, pretty much anyone can learn to code. It doesn’t take several years or cost thousands. In fact, it can pretty much be done online and from the comfort of your own home, and can be learned flexibly around your other commitments.