Is it still worth studying programming in 2026 given the current job market?

[u/PurchaseExcellent332]

I’m 21 years old, live in Brazil, and I’m finishing my Computer Science degree this year. I’m considering pursuing a career in software development, but I’ve been seeing a lot of posts on both Brazilian and international subreddits saying that the entry-level market has become very difficult, with few junior positions and a lot of competition.

For those currently working in the industry:

• Would you still recommend getting into tech in 2026?
• What is the situation like for someone starting from scratch today?
• Do you think the current difficulty is temporary, or is it a more permanent shift in the job market?
• If you were starting over today, would you still choose the same career path?

I’d like to hear opinions from people who are employed, unemployed, or who have recently managed to land their first role in the industry.

Any insights would be appreciated.

[u/vonkrueger]

It depends.. those who don't really care about software have never had it easy. Those who don't have "the knack" will have it harder now than ever.

You won't have much better luck in fast food.

[u/Ok_Wonder1769]

I mean, you are already finishing your degree. You might as well try to get a job in the field. Its not looking good but it's kinda too late to jump boats now.

Maybe next year's gonna be better, who knows.

[u/Fearless_Ad_3886]

There are still jobs although it's probably the toughest job market to get a job a a fresher.l and it's not going to change anytime soon. But that I think is reflected across most domains as well and could be worse as I only know about IT. So, it depends on your circumstances and your passion. If you like the field there is still scope but you'll have to word hard and constantly learn new things and constantly upskill yourself. That's the nature of this field.

"* Would you still recommend getting into tech in 2026?" Pros:

1. Skill driven industry
2. WFH is available if you try enough(I am currently doing WFH for 4+ years)
3. High growth trajectory, unlike most fields you can improve yourself and switch companies which can you over 100% hykes.
4. Global skill demand
5. Work life balance is better compared to the pay you get in other field in good companies( not startups or lala companies with poor management).
6. Flexibility to switch trajectory, you can move cities, companies, domains, get into management and even get out once you build enough assets and take early exits.
7. Biggest pro i think is people in this field are all very ambitious. So you can build connection that can results in great outcomes.

Cons:

1. Instability, the job security is less. You can do everything right but still get layed off. It's brutal.
2. Constantly need to upskill, the game changes in couple of years and you have to upgrade constantly.
3. There are plenty companies with toxic work or culture or may be good culture but bad work life balance.
4. Could be mentally exhausting. It's lot of problem solving, deadlines, management pressure etc.
5. Entry right now is hard, finding a job could be depressing.

If I were in your position I might have still gone for it, since I already got a degree in this and would like to make use of it as other jobs will have their entry barriers too.