I did the same thing.  Software development is lucrative, especially relative to only needing a four-year degree to get in the door (at most companies, anyway). That said, certain people do well in software development (and computer science in general) and a lot more don't, and it certainly isn't just smart vs. not so smart. There are a lot of other jobs that require just as much from an individual in terms of experience and talent and don't pay near as well.