1) Wherever you work, find at least one good mentor who is better at coding than you, and who can hopefully teach you a little about soft skills too: negotiating, company politics, making presentations, and so on.
2) Most companies have zero loyalty to you. They will fire you and thousands of others the minute they are in trouble, and without hesitation. If you're loyal to a company it's a one-sided relationship. Take care of yourself, the company will be fine without you.
3) Age discrimination exists, and it is VERY harsh. And your brain will eventually slow down while technology ruthlessly and quickly marches on. You might find it tough to keep up due to either or both of those factors. Save up early. Be able to retire by 45. Keep working if you still love it.
EDIT 4) Get EVERYTHING in writing. Happened in a conversation? Follow up with a simple email "Just so there are no misunderstandings, I wanted to confirm that..."
2) Most companies have zero loyalty to you. They will fire you and thousands of others the minute they are in trouble, and without hesitation. If you're loyal to a company it's a one-sided relationship. Take care of yourself, the company will be fine without you.
3) Age discrimination exists, and it is VERY harsh. And your brain will eventually slow down while technology ruthlessly and quickly marches on. You might find it tough to keep up due to either or both of those factors. Save up early. Be able to retire by 45. Keep working if you still love it.
EDIT 4) Get EVERYTHING in writing. Happened in a conversation? Follow up with a simple email "Just so there are no misunderstandings, I wanted to confirm that..."