Not just programmers, but in general people need to learn to work towards financial independence. That doesn't mean just a steady, well-paid job, it's focusing on assets, savings, etc. You know you're in a good starting place if you can easily afford to not work a whole year, yet still live as before, pay mortgage, and not have a single worry about the next day, week, month. You then build on that in time. I for one am planning to retire at 50. That is my goal.