When you're 30+ years old, married with kids, it may seem impossible to change careers into tech without getting a degree and potentially taking on...
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Thanks for sharing Will and very inspiring! I can definitely relate to this. I have 2 kids on my own and I was recently laid off. I'm in the middle of learning node and and brushing my js skills to get a new jobs. I've send my resume everywhere and no callbacks so far. I was about to give up but after reading your story it gives me hope and strength. I hope I can get out of this. Thanks again for sharing Will!
You can get out of it! I thought several times that maybe I wouldn't but keep putting yourself out there!
Thanks Will, I really appreciate your encouragement. I hope I can!
Hi @febby , I would suggest that you customize your cover letter/ intro email to each role. That brings better results.
Read the below article.
freecodecamp.org/news/what-i-learn...
Hi @Deji, thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely check that out!
Never give up!!! Show confidence during interviews and do not stop learning. You will get a job for sure!!!
Thanks Sandor, appreciate it :) I hope I can
Yeah keep it up Febby, don’t every give up, there is a community here to reach out to at anytime. Have you put a listing on Dev yet?
Thank you Lee, thanks for the encouragement.
I'm trying so hard not to. but it's just very difficult :(
I haven't checked the listing yet but I will soon.
This is indeed inspirational. I'm in a similar situation. 30+ and started learning coding a year ago. I'm still in a learning process. It's hard, often frustrating and challenging. I have a full time job so I'm coding at night while most of the people enjoying in front of TV watching Netflix or something else.
But at the end I strongly believe the result will make the worth all the struggle.
Totally agree. I started at 40!
It will definitely be worth it, keep showing up and putting in the work!
The best possible way to learn is to build something YOU want. Going through tutorials, it just doesn't stick the same.
One of my demo projects was building a version of the old Microsoft Minesweeper with explosions and physics. Instead of ending the game when you hit a mine, I "exploded" the nearby area which then changed the map a bit. Simple idea, but complex enough to show problem solving.
I feel so lucky to have gotten to read this! I've been following you on Twitter for a while and heard you on a podcast months ago, but until now, I didn't realize just how much you went through to change your life. And what a beautiful thing you did. You have already inspired and I know you will continue to inspire so many! Keep telling your story.
Thank you Anna!
Don't ever give up and you gonna be rewarded 🎯🚀💯
Keep in mind the image below 😉
Love this image!
Brilliant
I am still struggling at 44 after a career change in 2018. I've left my home country to be a developer, and live a better life than the suburbans of a city in a 6m2 room with my husband. I have started in warehouses, and every time a dev job failed I fell back and returned to the hated pick pack work. After losing my last job I'm here again, my bank account empty, and my heart is full of hope. I keep learning, working on side projects, improving my website, my cv, and trying to connect to people like me. However I lost trust in people for letting me down after offering the opportunity to become a full time software developer. I met jelousy thousand times, however there is absolutely no difference among us, it's just that I use the resources I have to improve and I am not willing to spend half of my life in a warehouse doing a job that makes no sense and has no actual value. Wish me luck, I wish you luck too. Keep your head held high and don't tell anyone about your plans. And Will, kudos to the person who hired you, and if you lose your job, just keep going to the next, you might have to do labour during the change, but the next opportunity is always there. Tech is just expanding, and need more and more people, jobs will not decrease in time.
Thank you for your kind word! I hope that you get the job you’re looking for so you can be at peace
very inspiring story! I try to tell people in their 30s, 40s, and beyond that it is possible to get into tech. There are so many possibilities from running communities, affiliate marketing, developement, servers so much!
keep up the good work and anything you need feel free to reach out!
Indeed, I would love to more people consider tech sales. It pays well, requires some tech knowledge and well is on the opposite spectrum of "client-facing", but can be super fun for the right personality. Same for other tech GTM jobs.
That's what I m doing right now. And one need to be serious about tht.
Man, I never knew your story till now. I am so amazed, Will. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us. I can only imagine all the people you've already inspired to keep pushing. Keeping do the great work that you do! 🏆
Thanks Joe!!!!
I know someone who was in their 40s. Never had a software development job in their life, but worked in tech in a side-verticle.
When he lost his job, he looked up popular programming languages and picked one up and built a small app for a resume. Then he studied interview questions around that tech stack, not just the answers, but took the time to learn "why" each answer was what it was.
He ended up getting hired as a senior developer. The crazy thing is, he kept up that work ethic and constantly studied everything. He would drill me with questions spending his evenings researching how to solve his JIRA tickets for the next day. And although his code was likely not super great - it was accepted as production ready AND he got promoted to engineering manager within a year and has continued to grow in software development.
The interesting point about modern software development is:
If you are focused on the more hyped stacks (Typescript, Node, GoLang, Rust, Serverless, NoSQL, Mobile development, etc...), you will find that they are changing rapidly. So much so that EVERYONE has to constantly learn. As long as you are dedicated to learning, it is possible to quickly rank up.
Soft skills and management skills are in desperate need in software development. If you can lead people or you can communicate with a client in a professional way - there are great opportunities. I'm sorry to say that I've personally interviewed so many engineers over the years who clearly don't link appearance, hygene and affect with success. When you can bridge tech with sales and management, you'll get your VP and CTO's attention way faster.
We keep building the same thing over and over. Literally. I can go into why I think that, but the point is that almost every "new" hyped library in any stack has already been invented in some similar way elsewhere. Take Redux and immutable data. This pattern was not some Facebook invention. Immuatble data structures were invented in the 70s I think and immuatble state has existed in other language stacks. It's just all those 20-something developers in Facebook had never run across it - nor did they bother to do a lot of research on what might have existed (it seems anyway)
ML and Data Science is a really new field. This is another area to drop into easier. Quite honestly, it is a lot of data denormalizing more than anything from my limited experience. Like 90% getting tons of data in the DBs in the right format, then 10% writing some ML scripts for something like TenserFlow. Maybe even more like 95%/5%. Because of this, real world experience can help in creating useful data structures.
AND although I firmly believe that the software development space is easy to get into, there are many areas you need years of experience. You probably won't be a great UI/UX designer to start. You won't be building any game engines or low level chip firmware for sure. Any area that needs really high-performant code (which is suprisily not often) won't be a good fit.
Finally, none of this works if you are not willing to learn on the job. By that, I mean, everything you didn't understand that day or week you learn by the next day or week. You don't need to be an expert, but you should know the why of the problem and how to find/implement a solution.
This is probably sloppy. I don't have time to do a lot of edits. I'll end with, don't move into software development because you think it might be easy or "good money". Bad developers, uncommited developers, fail like any professional does in any industry. Try it out and if you like it, then dive in. Within a few years on the job you'll be considered the expert (as long as you keep learning)
People do whatever makes you happy because at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. No one is gonna be on there death bed wishing they understood compilers better
It's always fantastic hearing another person's story who also was able to get into this field with nothing but hard work and dedication. I too do not have a degree, but after ~6 years of freelancing doing super cheap basic "brochure sites" I decided to step it up and try to get a job in the tech field after being at an auto shop for 4 years. I landed my first "real job" as a front end dev 3 1/2 years ago. Still at that same company and have grown WORLDS more than I ever would have on my own freelancing. Keep with it!
Thank you!!
This is amazing. Thanks for for sharing your story.
Thank you for reading Brian. It was a wild ride for sure lol
Actually you will be surprised most companies don't require or care about degrees. I have been in tech for 28 years, I manage a large team of 14 engineers at a F500 Company and we rather have folks who have passion and some experience over degrees.
You're right most companies didn't care if you didn't have a degree if you had the experience, I had neither. I was getting rejections left and right lol
It's ok! Consider it as an experience. I was rejected a few times when I was already experienced with production projects built. It's not always your fault so just keep on going and learning. You will find people who can see beyond common useless interview questions and will see your potential.
I'm sorry you went thru that, I thrive on hiring Jr engineers on my team and help them with goals. Your story is inspiring, hope you post more!
It's all good I landed at a great company that supports my growth. I couldn't be any happier
Thats awesome
Will!!! Your story really resonated with me-- I just want to have a fulfilling career that will definitely take care of the SO, kids, and bills. I started when I was 25, pivoted to attempting to get a UX role (failed), and then made a pivot back to coding at 30. You give me so much hope. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Thank you for reading! I know you’re working Cat! Can’t wait to read your “success” story soon
Thanks for sharing this story Will this is motivational and inspiring.
A lot of people have, unfortunately, similar problems because they're "old" - and this is a story about how to win that battle.
"When I was studying I stopped doing anything fun, no TV shows, no video games, no sports, and no Netflix. I think I saw two movies(Avengers). It was just work, code, and reading books. "
Thanks Derva, weird thing is I have a hard time getting back into these things again. I read business books for fun now. It’s so weird
Just the inspiration I needed to continue to push towards my dream. I have a good job with good pay, just isn’t what my passion is. I started freelancing in 2007, but had to stop in 2009 when my son was born. I have a degree, but in business. It has always felt like I gave up on that dream of working in web development. I started doing nearly exactly what you have been doing back in April. My wife is super supportive too.
Since I didn’t started from pure scratch, I’m already decent with React, Typescript, and node. Really just focusing on frontend and pumping out projects to showcase. Doing free work to get those relevant repetitions.
I sincerely appreciate you sharing your story. It gives me a lot of motivation to see this to the end. I am a terrible networker, even though I know the steps to do what I need to do. Any advice on connecting more intimately with the dev crowd?
Hey Caleb! Thanks for reading! That's dope you have supportive wife!
It's conversations going on try to get involved and add your input and anything helpful. the key to networking is being helpful. if you're decent with React it's plenty of people who would love to be decent. Blog about what you know
Great story! For those who want to read another true story I wrote a blog post on my journey from bootcamp grad to senior software engineer medium.com/dev-genius/how-i-went-f...
Thanks for sharing will, I have been stuck on what to start with.
I know little of html and css, but javascript just look like an "alien" language to me.
I'm so tired. I want to start with something interesting, something outside javascript that can get me a virtual employment, then I can start javascript gradually as I earn.
Do anyone feel me?
I would say just learn it if those are the opportunities that you have. Go for what’s going to get you the best outcome
Thanks for sharing! I like hearing about people who think they are late to the "game" but follow it and get it done!
I took didn't really get into a coding career until my 30s. I went back to school for 2 years (fulltime) so that companies would look at my resume.
Then I got in right out of my 2-year course as an embedded Linux developer and been doing it now for close to 8 years? I have always wanted a full programming career and now I have it.
I'm in the middle of a career transition myself at 30 yrs old; no kids yet so I could only imagine the added pressure from that. It was really inspiring reading this as I come from a similar work background. Thanks!
Thank you you got this! I hope to see you win
Inspiring story Will! I feel compelled to point out how important your multi-pronged approach was... learning not just the technical skills, but also building your network in the industry. It's not enough to just learn the technology and then send out hundreds of resumes proclaiming your brilliance. You also need to be part of the community and you have some great tips for doing so! Sure, if you're one of the top 1% absolutely brilliant programmers who hermits in their basement all day, you'll probably get hired for your skill, but that's not most of us. It's important to get out there not only to network, but to also show that you have highly developed EQ (Emotional Quotient) and personal skills, which, let's be honest, will give you a leg up on many other candidates in our software industry.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm a nurse with 21 years experience in healthcare. I've been working to transition to the technology field for a couple years but, I always end up back in the healthcare field mainly due to feelings of inadequacy in the field. I also have five teens ages 19 yrs, 17 yrs, 17 yrs, 15 yrs, and 12 yrs old. So my life is pretty busy if you can imagine. Once again thank you!
Hi, please look up imposter syndrome, best video is this: youtube.com/watch?v=sard25VQ2HU
You’re welcome Amanda, don’t feel inadequate i know it’s hard to shake but you’re worthy
Truly inspiring stuff. A huge congratulations to you - not enough people are still aware that working in the dev sector isn't just for people who fit a certain hiring mold. Having real life experiences is a huge addition to this kind of work, to teams, and is a huge step toward taking down gatekeeping for so many amazing opportunities. I hope your story inspires even more people to make the shift regardless of where they are, if it's what they want!
Thank you for sharing your story Will. I'm a flight attendant and my job takes me away from my wife and 6 month old son for up to 7 days at a time, effectively leaving my wife to solo parent which I'm hating. I started to learn to code earlier this year, its something I've been interested in for a while and I decided to use my time downroute in hotels to learn code so I can change my career path and be there for my family more. Reading stories like this keeps me on track and makes me feel like I can make that change. Thank you again Will.
Hey Adam that’s cool you’re using your downtime to learn, do you network at well?
Not networking yet. I’m going to be working on that soon.
Great story! One quibble I have to take: I very much recommend against someone with only 2 months spent learning programming teaching others. Unless you're a savant, you're likely to do them far more harm than good! Which is not to say don't encourage other learners, but make sure you're honest with yourself and others where you are in your own journey. Not to suggest you weren't up front with everyone, just making a general comment.
That said, I'm glad things are working out for you! Once again it shows that it takes hard work to make something of yourself, whether you hammer away in your "free" time or dedicate the bulk of your time to getting a degree. But for those who want to learn, the resources are out there, moreso now than ever! And the programming world is pretty welcoming. If your local meetups aren't welcoming or just don't exist, there are plenty of communities online that love and support learners.
Honesty is always the best policy, I let everyone what my status was, and they were very welcoming
It’s always nice to hear a heartening story from someone who overcame and achieved their goal. I’m getting moving myself and this is officially the first time I’ve reached out to the community. You’re and inspiration and I hope it all works out just how you hoped!
Beautiful story Will! So glad it worked out for you all.
Changing careers is always difficult and stressful (speaking from experience). Especially when you're surrounded by people with doubts, who think you don't belong here because you don't have the same experience or education as they do.
That's why it's so important to reminisce, to remind yourself how far you've come and enjoy it.
Welcome, and I wish you all the best!
Thanks Filip! You’re right remembering the journey has been quite the experience I’ve been working for about a year and kind of forgot what it took to get here
Your story is indeed an inspiration to many and particularly me. Am a mother of two also in my mid 30s and am learning Nodejs. Although am in academy, my ultimate drive is to be able to introduce my kids to tech early.
I believe as long as you keep your focus you’ll reach your goal!
Thank you so much for sharing your story Will. I cannot image how hard has being for you and how much you had sacrifice during this journey. I started my journey in the beginning of this year, and my first course was with Colt as well on Udemy :) . I wish you all the best and a very successful career. Keep up the good work
Thank you for reading! I wish you the best as well!
Will this is a beautiful story, I am always trying to get more people to just try and code a little, it’s rewarding, the constant self learning even if the struggle is real at times, in the end you walk away with real added value.
I’m genuinely happy for you, you clearly deserve this first step and so much more. Six kids!? That’s crazy, I have two and it’s hard work.
I sent you a follow. Have a truly great day!
Thank you Michael! I want to help more people get into tech as well
Thanks for sharing Will that is the most powerful career change story I've read so far!
Even though there is market for everyone that turns that path, and even though the work conditions (pay+...) are worth 1-2 years of high effort, I think you are one in a million.
I have to reinforce that the sacrifice is huge for everyone and specially for those with families. Trading evening time on TV/netflix/videogames for learning to code is the very best investment anyone can do. Your time is money and it will be worth a lot more those 2 hours a day investment than putting in 1000$ on stocks (a lot more on short-med term).
Why I think you are one in a million: besides taking the time to learn to code you also
went to meet-ups, you started teaching kids to code and went to conferences!!!
But the most important thing that powers more than 50% of the journey is the family support. To endure 1-2 years through all this is terribly exhausting, you will feel like giving up a 1000 times and you will feel frustrated a lot. If you have your family support it will feel easier. Going to meet-ups, conferences and networking is another mood booster.
Not everyone has what it takes to endure through all of this, but believe me that when you do you'll feel like god and it will always be worth it terribly worth it.
Conclusion: it is hard as hell but it is worth it!!! Always!!!
🙏 Thank you! I don't what to say
I also made that move when I was 30 :) and had two kids. But I started in 2008. It was a different story because there were less online opportunities to learn. But it was an amazing journey.
Amazing journey indeed
This is very inspiring story Will. Congratulations 💪🏻.
I am another person who can relate, changed career after 20 years in totally different field.
Rock on. 🙌
Thanks Jan! Glad you were successful on your switch as well
Thanks, my switch is still on probation mode ( I am on 6m trial period ) after that we will see if they extend, so I have to prove myself and bring value to the table. But at least I doing what I love.🙌
Awesome story! I just turned 35 recently and have been learning to code for a year or so. I appreciate you writing this. I don't know many my age yet that are just getting into coding.
Amazing story. Your story is a motivation for me to do more.
Glad I that motivated you, as long as you're doing your best!
I love your story. Its easily an inspiration to everyone out there trying to break into this world. 👍
Thank you Brian! I definitely hope this can’t give people inspiration. Just like so many people gave me
You have a seriously awesome story. Just to say, wow, you earned the heck out of this. Congrats!
Thank Michael I appreciate that
reading this being at 26 and thinking life is hard, well your story inspires me to even persevere more.
This inspired me. Am presently taking the course and thanks for sharing.
Thank you Felipe! I appreciate that!
Really glad to hear you turned that around. Getting into tech at this point isn't easy. Especially when it feels like there's a new framework every day.
Hope you continue to hussle and do well man!
Thank you! I’m focused on getting better and improved excited for the journey
This is an inspiring journey! I love to hear these stories. I also have a family and balancing family, career, and learning new skills is incredibly difficult. You rock sir!
Thank you Nikiya, yes the balance is a tough one but if they hang in there it will be worth it
Hey, Im factory worker too and work in Frontend is my dream)
You’ll get there Viktor!
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing. You and your wife showed much determination and grit and I am glad for you that you made it. Congrats!
Thank you 🙏🏾 we kept super focused even though it was super hard
This is really inspiring, I am also learning to code at 30 and posts like this give me a hope that it's never too late to code.
It’s definitely never too late
Well done, sir. Please contact me, if you'd like to do some "how-to" tech writing.
Thanks for your inspiring story Will.
It was super encouraging, as a fellow husband and father I know that drive to want to improve life for your family.
Glad you took the first step and kept going.
Thanks! Appreciate you for reading
This was a powerful testimony! All I can say is you (and your supportive wife!) have my deepest respect. Thank you for sharing!
Thank for reading!
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story, this helps me alot
You’re welcome
Also I think your auto spell made a mix up with Ruby on Rails (Rugby). 😊 Reply here once fixed and I will delete this message!
Thanks for sharing Will. Awesome to see your journey!
Thanks Andy!
This is so motivating. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your journey — the good and bad!
You're welcome! I wanted to keep it real and honest. Thank you for reading!
Wow. Best story I have read for ages 👊🏽👊🏽
Wow! Thank you!
Will, you are inspiring and legit AF. It's been awesome seeing you grow from meetups to where you are now. I'm happy for you.
Thank you for all the support Mat. You made speaking at JavaScriptKC was a super fun point in this journey!
With this kind of stories, it gives me the hope and faith to resume with ninja soul to achieving my goals
You got this!
Awesome story Will. I have no doubt it's only up from here for you. Can't wait to see it all!
Thanks Kyle!
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm going to send this to some friends that need to hear it.
Thanks Jordan hopefully this can help them out
The inspiring text of the month 👏
Thank you 🙏🏾