IT Demographics and Logan’s run

I have a few baseless theories about the IT workplace – here’s one.

Logan’s Run is an old sci-fi film starring Michael York and the much loved (by me anyway) Jenny Agutter. The basic premise is that in a post apocalyptic society youth is prized above all else. So much so that when a citizen reaches 30 they are executed. And don’t try to run off because Michael York will don his leather pants, run after you and shot you to bits. Ouch!

I’ve often thought that software development must work in the same way. When you reach a given age, probably about 40, you’re taken quietly into a room for a bit of professional development and quietly exterminated. What else can explain the lack of older developers in a profession that’s been going in strength for 30 years or more.

Ok, there may be other explanations.

1. Lot’s of people leave the profession after 5-10 years. The plasterer that did my dining room was an ex-IT worker. I think he was happier with his trowel.


2. People get rescued into management/project managers etc…. But there aren’t that many management positions.


3. People go into related position because the rate of change in IT is too much. I’ve known a few testers in that position. There are undoubtedly IT trainers in the same position.

Alternatively maybe Michael York is stalking the older members of the profession. Beware of blond actors in leather pants everyone.