> I do complicated stuff, daily. Multithreaded communications patterns. Cross platform code. Memory / performance optimizations. Etc. All syntax from plain C to C++14 plus extensions. When I have to do a basic data structure operation, on a single thread, it's actually relaxing.
What about those who don't? Plenty of programming jobs don't require this kind of stuff, at least not everyday. These kind of jobs that keep your mind fresh are the most desirable as you get older, but they're limited.
I had a 9 months hole early in my career (personal reasons). I started coding a game from scratch. I never finished it, but learned a ton and it's actually a great talking point in interviews.
I had a government job at one point. Turned out to be different than advertised. No brains required ( except people being nasty to each other it seemed). Most poisonous place I've seen. I left that.
It helps that I'm in Toronto and there are job offers around, but it still takes me a week and 400-500 resumes sent when I hunt for a new job.
Bottom line: one has to keep pushing to get where he wants to be.
What about those who don't? Plenty of programming jobs don't require this kind of stuff, at least not everyday. These kind of jobs that keep your mind fresh are the most desirable as you get older, but they're limited.