#ProgrammingCareer #ProgrammingJourney #CodingBeginner #CareerChange #TechIndustry
🚀Are you in your 30s and thinking about pursuing a career in programming? You’re not alone! Many people are choosing to switch careers and enter the exciting world of coding. In this article, we will explore the steps you can take to kickstart your programming career and address the common concerns many beginners face.
##Is It Too Late to Start?
Age should never be a barrier to pursuing your passions. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, it’s never too late to learn something new. Many successful programmers started later in life and found immense fulfillment in their new career. Remember, learning to program is a journey, and with dedication and persistence, you can achieve your goals.
##Getting Started
###1. Enroll in Online Courses
Online platforms like edX, Coursera, and Udemy offer a wide range of programming courses for beginners. These courses cover essential topics such as programming fundamentals, algorithms, and data structures. Start with a beginner-friendly course to build a solid foundation in coding.
###2. Learn Python
Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language widely used in the industry. It’s a great language to start with due to its readability and simplicity. Dedicate time to mastering Python and practice solving coding challenges to enhance your skills.
###3. Build Projects
Hands-on experience is crucial in programming. Start by building small projects to apply what you’ve learned in courses. Create a personal website, develop a simple game, or contribute to open-source projects. Building projects will boost your confidence and showcase your skills to potential employers.
##Overcoming Challenges
###1. Imposter Syndrome
It’s common for beginners to feel like they don’t belong in the programming world. Remember that everyone starts somewhere and that learning takes time. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek mentorship, and celebrate your progress along the way.
###2. Lack of Experience
Starting from scratch can be daunting, but it’s not a limitation. Many successful programmers began their journey with no prior experience. Focus on continuous learning, practice regularly, and stay committed to your goals. Your dedication will pay off in the long run.
##Is It Worth It?
The tech industry offers a plethora of opportunities for skilled programmers. From software development to data analysis, there is a high demand for tech professionals in various fields. With a programming career, you can enjoy job stability, competitive salaries, and the chance to work on innovative projects.
##Final Thoughts
Embarking on a programming career can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. Embrace the challenges, stay curious, and never stop learning. Remember, it’s never too late to pursue your passion and carve out a successful career in programming.
What are some questions or concerns you have about starting a career in programming? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this exciting journey! 🌟
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Good luck on your programming endeavors! 🚀👩💻
Learn side by side with your current job and see if you are getting any interview calls…
Odin Project untill react. Scrimba free react course. Fullstackopen Afterwards and they have a discord.
Then there are good Roadmaps online
Why not have a serious conversation with your brother about it?
Don’t learn python, learn a different language. Every college kid is doing python. If you learn python you’re going to have to compete with every college kid who is fresh out of Uni, and compete with them for a job. Pick a different language, preferably OO language (Java/c# are two of the more popular ones) and start there.
there are so many fields and so many technologies. Pick a topic that peaks your interest, see if you like it, then develop a roadmap that targets that skill set.
The job market is tough even for experienced people. Also, a programming language is a blip on a resume. You need to understand an ecosystem and certain frameworks to even begin getting paid. Not trying to be a downer, just giving you a reality check.
You are not out of your depth, and you are not too old. Not if you really want it. I was working in customer service full-time, and went through a 10-month software development boot camp nights and weekends. I was 41 with no practical background in technology. But I had decades of soft skills, drive and determination. I am now working as a full stack developer. It can happen to you!
Age is not a real issue in your 30s. In 8 to 10yr you and all your colleagues will be learning the latest stuff and 2024 will feel like ancient history. The trouble comes after 5 or 6 cycles of relearning, knowing that the new guys (40yr younger) are coming out of college prepped for the next decade.
Just keep grinding at the code and eventually you’ll become good at it. Hopefully.
Lot of people switch careers in their 30s.
if you’re naturally good in math, go for it. im not saying you’ll do algebra or calculus in programming, but coding requires the same level of IQ or intelligence to do well and be competitive in the IT world. if you find math hard and challenging, you can still pursue programming but you’ll find a lot of people will get ahead of you in the corporate world
You’re not going to get a job nor employable skills from EDX alone. Go get a degree in CS to be competitive in the job market
Is it worth it? … well, what would it be worth?
Would you like to spend your time solving interesting problems with computers and be given enough money to live and hopefully more / and plan ahead and do fun things?
But which types of things would be a fit? Which types of things would you like to do? Programming is a big concept. What do you want to write instructions for? Machines? Humans?
Odin project might be helpful
You’re going into poverty
Go for it if you really feel it! I used to feel strongly like that for a long time. If you feel it strongly and it makes you feel aspirational and your opportunities will expand then it sounds like something to dive into if you have the luxury of doing so.
You will be behind the curve in learning and biologically I think we learn differently as we age. You probably won’t become a tenured professor but you might land a nice job, or start a company that might be successful.
Start by just devoting time to the subject every day. Even if you take another path in life, you already started this path, and there is no reason you can’t explore both paths simultaneously. Maybe not in a professional matter.
I stated my journey just over 2 years ago at 31 and got my first job a little over 6 months in. I did Odin project every night for minimum 4 hours and as much as I could spend on weekends. I got lucky, but it’s possible. One thing I will say when you feel like you’re ready to start applying, tailor your resume to problem solving. Coding, in my experience, is just problem solving in a different language. If you have really good work experience problem solving or fixing things, it will help you at least get a call back.
I’m in the saaaame boat