What do you enjoy most about your cnc programmer career?

What do you enjoy most about being a cnc programmer? What do you dislike the most? Is it challenging? Are there many opportunities to learn and advance?

What keeps you at your job?

1. I enjoy creating the graphics and program, then watching the machine make the part that I programmed.
2. When machine operators have problems they always blame it on the programmer even though 90% of the time it was a setup issue on their part.
3. The job is very challenging and rewarding.
4. Yes, by learning new techniques and using technology to enhance your programming skills.
5. The pay.

i hate being a cnc programmer i think the whole machining industry is full of arogant know it alls that are very quick to point fingers at you when you make a mistake in your program. the only reasons i stick with it is because it pays my bill and i am fairly good at it. but if i had to do it all over again i would have stayed in the marines and retierd or done something outside of manufacturing. remember its and industry that nickles and dimes everything and nobody will ever be satisfied with your work exept for yourself. but maybee ive just worked for alot of jerks that dont take care of there employees after all i am in southern california.

Being an NC Programmer is something special that may not appeal to everyone. For myself, I have to agree with Jeff. It is a vehicle where I can visualize what is going on in the process and use my creativity to accomplish goals.
Can't paint... can appreciate art
Can't play an instrument... love music
Can't sculpt... Can produce complex components from difficult to machine materials
WOW, that is very cool. Programming four axis lathes and especially five axis mills to make complex shapes is like choreography. The machine dances and you have told it what to do, how to do it. When it is correct it's bliss. When you make a mistake at your desk it's a relief. If you make a mistake at proveout it could be bliss or your worst nightmare.

You can't do it for the accolades.
Do it for yourself.
If you have a family you can feed them, its an honest living.