Programming is cakewalk. Once you get there. Getting there is challenging from dead end job, sure. Anyone saying otherwise, either hasn't worked as a programmer or hasn't worked regular jobs. Kind of makes you appreciate being able to sit behind desk, sip coffee and think how to solve problems, from anywhere in the world.
I think the misunderstanding here is that other jobs require the same qualities, time management and effort, yet some jobs have much more responsibilities and paid much less. Which is a major paradox to me.
