It is a common dream - write an app, make a million, found a big software company ... and so on. However, the reality might not be so much fun.

If you take a careful look at this infographic there are lots of small cameos that you should recognize - unless of course you haven't attempted to write an app, in which case all I can say is "take them as true". The "programming tunnel" seems particularly familiar with a few personal additions.

Click to enlarge (opens in new window, use zoom)

Space Chimp Media

The one message that does come through loud and clear is the unreasonableness of the entire challenge. It isn't enough that we have to master the technology and build something new using creativity, but we also have to put up the the treatment of the apps stores and those really annoying users.

Makes you wonder why we bother.

Perhaps the real key to happiness is in the very early part of the diagram where is says:

"Can you program?"

"I guess so"

"Good. Find a job as a programmer. There is a better chance of earning a living."

To be informed about new articles on I Programmer, subscribe to the RSS feed, follow us on Google+, Twitter, Linkedin or Facebook or sign up for our weekly newsletter.