I work in a school, I'm a technical teacher, so I don't have a computer company for which I make programs.
I make software for myself and for my friends and I have purchased and purchase the lib fwh with the salary I earn every day with so much effort
....and I also paid for the trip to Sillian (travel + expenses) all at my expense while there were many who participated because they were sent by the company where they work, and if Otto reorganizes a new meeting I will be the first to participate....I have yet to taste other Austrian delicacies!!!!
Silvio,
Many of us are independent programmers. We don't have other jobs or work for a big company. We are the company. We pay our own way. Over the years I have traveled to many conferences, and paid all the fees out of my pocket. When I need software tools, I pay for those myself. The same holds true for all the computer equipment I've needed to purchase to stay current.
We also have families to support, which includes providing a home, cars, schooling, food, clothing, medical care, and ultimately weddings. For those of us who have been blessed with kids and grandkids, we help out in many ways.
Our ability to do all of this is dependent on making our customers happy. I have many who still pay me to keep their software current with the newest capabilities, and help them when they encounter problems. Many have been with me for over 30 years. I do have 4 kids, and 15 grandkids. I feel very fortunate to have been able to use my God given talents with programming to support my family, and to help others in need.
Yes, we do get paid for our work, but we also have invested a lot of time, and money, in learning the skills we need and applying them. It involves long days, sleepless nights as we try to figure out coding issues, and continually learning new skills. It's what we do.
Tim