I always believed that being stuck or coming up at a dead end is a choice: That I have control over both my immediate and long term future. Whether it is in life or in my career. These days we spend at least 50% of your time - and sometimes more of that at work. We have the power to choose our course, to set our own pace, etc. there is always new tools and tricks you can spice your code up with; or new people to meet; or a course you can do to learn new things... Or a project that comes up where you work with new people or with a new product that you are excited about. Life does sometimes throw one curve balls. But when they come, you will be ready to handle them from experience you have gained. There is always someone who needs a developer. Take on projects you enjoy; and work with people you like. For me, these are lessons I have learned through my experiences. And ya... I suppose I am no longer twenty, but I guess that is both the positive and the negative in growing older :)