Hello everyone,
I don't know if sharing my story here is suitable or not but I really need to talk to someone.
I'm a self-taught programmer from Vietnam. As you all know, being a self-taught programmer isn't that easy, especially from where I'm living.
I'm starting out as a banker, after 5 years working fulltime there, I've left my job 5 months ago to pursue my dream to become a freelance web developer.
To tell the truth, I don't think very much at first and just want to code and work with my computer. At that time I followed The Odin Project curriculum and freeCodeCamp, alongside with courses on Udemy and some programming books. Now, I've finished the Odin Project and got 4 certifications at FreeCodeCamp. Now, I am able to code my personal site to share my portfolio, write some tools for my own need with Ruby and JavaScript with Node.js.
But recently, I usually have a feeling like I don't have the motivation, and I'm feeling lost. I feel lonely because I don't have any friend working in tech, also don't have a network of local developers, also because I'm an introvert. I doubt my ability and afraid whether or not I can pull it off, can I have a life I want as a developer. I don't know what I should do next?
It would be great if you could share with me some tips, your own experiences/stories, cohorts, groups, or anything would help.
Thanks so much!
Top comments (3)
I don't know where in Vietnam you live but what about these user groups?
and I'm sure there are others.
My point is: find a way to go to one of these meetings and seek conferences, so you can fulfill your need to connect and hopefully make friends in tech
Regarding the idea of becoming a freelancer, nothing is impossible BUT making it as a junior freelancer is harder than having a little bit of experience before diving into freelancing.
What about the local job market?
I'm going to check those groups. :D
It's growing now, but mostly in big cities. In small province like where I am living, there aren't a lot of jobs to do as a freelancer, especially for freelance web dev.
Thanks for your reply.
Good luck!