Then just stick to being a programmer. Rule one for soldering, don't solder while wearing shorts. Rule 2, thoroughly understand which end of the soldering iron to hold before starting.
I would think to flip those around; a drop of solder hitting your leg or foot is nothing, really - you can get used to it. Now, welding, on the other hand - yeah, no shorts there unless you like it that way!
;D
I would also recommend a pair of safety goggles or glasses; its very easy to be soldering, and have the flux boil off just wrong and eject a small drop of hot solder right at your face and eyes - you DON'T want that!
<- /heh, maybe he shoulda worn some goggles, hmm?
The three most dangerous things in the computing world:
1 - a hardware guy with a compiler
2 - a software guy with a soldering iron
3 - a user with an idea
I guess you're hosed if you're into robotics, eh? ;D
And any of them with a credit card.
Oh-so-much THIS. 