Second career dev - the scary bit

Learning to code and changing career was one of the best things I've ever done. I love being a developer and thoroughly enjoy my job. But, early on there were some lonely days, so I thought I'd write about my experience in case it helps anyone else going through it.

When I changed career, I left a company and job I'd been doing for a loooong time. I left behind team mates I loved, where we had years of memories and in-jokes. I knew my job inside out, was a subject matter expert, and a line-manager.

Starting in a new company as a junior developer was wonderful. It was a dream come true and I'd worked really hard to get there. It was also really freeing. I had no baggage or office politics to worry about, no line reports or responsibilities, and I had the space and support I needed to focus on learning and progressing as a developer.

But at the same time it was scary, and lonely. I knew nothing! Ok...maybe not nothing, but that's how it felt. I felt exposed and vulnerable. Getting our of your comfort zone is scary but rewarding. Going from "go-to person" to "junior newbie" is a leap of faith.

So what can you do to get through it?

• Accept it is going to be a bit scary! It means you're out of your comfort zone and that's where you'll grow and learn.
• Don't do it in your own. Reach out to your line manager, your team, and your network. Be open and honest about how you feel. If you're too scared and worried you won't learn effectively.
• Don't have a network? Find one or make one! Find friendly coding meet-ups, use social media/online forums, reach out to other new developers in your organisation. It really helps to talk to others at the same stage of their careers/coding journey.
• Try not to worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes them, especially early on, and they'll make you a better developer in the long run. A good team will catch you and help you fix it.
• Don't forget about your transferable skills. You may feel like a code newbie but you will bring a load of transferrable skills to your 2nd career. It's your super power! Software Development is much more than just writing code and you'll use those skills more and more as your new career develops.
• Document what you learn - whether it's writing a blog or just keeping a note of what you've learned each day/week. It'll help consolidate your learning and you'll be amazed after a few months to look back and see how far you've come.
• Keep a note of any nice feedback you get. When you're having a bad day (and there will be some!) you can read through the good stuff and give yourself a boost.

It's been 7 years since I switched careers and I'm now a Senior Developer. I still feel scared somedays but then I guess that's how I know I'm still learning and growing! :D