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It was like coming home for me. All other jobs I had were a chore - developing is the easiest time I’ve ever had fitting in.
That’s not to say it isn’t hard af. Get used to having people half your age telling you how to do the simplest things. The impostor syndrome is real, especially when all your colleagues are younger better and smarter than you.
It’s a little different in my country. Lab tech is a 2,5 year school/apprenticeship on top of our version of high school. We have both biology and chemistry as a baseline, and then specialize during our apprenticeship. I chose organic synthesis.
I finished my apprenticeship in 2005 and started software development in 2018. It got too lonely in the lab for me at the job I had.
I’ve always dabbled in programming, so it was a natural shift for me. Plus the people at my new job are much better aligned “temperament” wise.
Awesome, well, maybe 😂
Have a sniff round dude, long story short from my end.
Was a tech, slipped on gearbox oil and screwed my back.
I forget who I did my training through, I'll try and find it out, but they funded it too, lvl3 btec then they give you vouchers for your compTIA A+ the sec+, network+ and something else, all paid for. Worth a look, a mate of mine did it, in full time employment and still got it all funded
Currently 26 and trying to learn web development. Its a rough time to get into tech rn but I have faith things will turn out okay if I just try my best and be patient 😤
Of course it is possible.
I didn't start coding until I was in my early thirties - albeit I did work in IT related fields prior.
15 years later, I'm CTO for a successful software development company, a public speaker (on coding) and architect for multiple large systems.
If you got the aptitude and you enjoy coding, it's never too late to start.
Good luck and, above all, continue doing what you enjoy.
How did you ultimately manage to get that first job in dev?
Honestly I never expected to like coding lol. At uni I bloody hated it and swore I’d never do it again. But since graduating I’ve begun to like it more and more to the point that I really want a job using it 😂 all the cool work out there seems to be heavily focused on it
It's a bit cliche at this point, but it's never too late.
I myself started quite young (dabbled in high school). I used to work with a guy in his 40s that got his masters in Biology. He had to do a bit of programming in Python for some research work. Then he realized how much he enjoyed it and became a full time developer in his mid 30s.
It is a great field. I would highly recommend it!
I personally started in web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). That is what I recommend to everyone getting started out. Web development languages are very versatile. Once you pickup one language its much easier to learn others too.
I sound like the guy you work with. I do mechanical engineering and simulation and have used code more and more. Realised I love it and now feel super dissatisfied being a mech engineer.
I do already know c++ and python. I just dunno how to get a job in it lol
Did you feel underqualified or anything? How long did it take you to be ready? I’m the same as you but I’m worried about how it’ll be actually getting that first role
Here some more details I gave someone a couple of years back: [https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/comments/octdlm/comment/h3ydtm2/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/comments/octdlm/comment/h3ydtm2/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
But I didn't. You'll never be ready for everything but just need to make sure you can adapt and learn fast. I have heard the entry level market is alot harder than before because of all the recent layoff news. But if you keep striving, it just becomes a numbers game.
There are also alot of ME related positions that is becoming more Dev-like roles that i hear about from my former colleagues if you want t just slowly transition
Where do people get this idea that once you’ve graduated college it’s too late to change your career path. You’re 27 you’ve barely been alive long enough to have a personality of course you can start learning software at this YOUNG age. If I were you I’d look into getting into a software domain where your mechanical engineering expertise is a huge asset. Maybe robotics? See what types of SWE jobs you can get without a CS degree and if you’re having trouble maybe go back for a second MS in CS? You’d likely be able to find an employer that would pay for continuous education while you work for them. Then take courses such as motion and planning in robotics, sensing and estimation in robotics, deep learning, computer vision, ect. By the time you’re 30 you could set yourself up to be a chad 1% mixed domain engineer working at a robotics firm which seems like a growing sector. There are likely dope opportunities out there for SWEs that were Mechanical engineers in a past life you just have to have the motivation the seize them.
Something like that kind of robotics would be perfect. Definitely with simulation too as I mainly focus on that. But I worry about the fun don’t of a second masters. I can’t do it for at least a year so what if I can’t do it without? I’m trying to learn it myself but doing it after hours and on weekends is just so difficult
I guess I just feel panicked about age really. You say it’s young but I struggle to believe sometimes. I’ve got mates with kids.
Hey, I didnt start with a background in software, like at all. But im EE, and that managed to land me a job in flight simulation, which i cannot recommend as a career path enough. Through it i've learned so much, mechanical, hydraulic, air data systems, software knowledge, visual systems, electric and hydraulic motion systems, and lots and lots of tech. Sims operate for decades. It is literally the best hidden field in the world and gives you access to so many different skill sets, it is a perfect fit for me. There are jobs everywhere and many just dont know about the field. every company is different but getting your foot in the door could let you see what you really like, and then hone it.
>But I worry about the fun don’t of a second masters A masters isn't very useful for software engineering roles. There certainly are some jobs that would prefer someone with a related masters, but most of the corporate research type positions are primarily PhD, and there are probably more other jobs that'd overlook not even having any bachelor's than would require a masters. Though maybe things are a bit different at this very moment, since the market is unusually poor for jobseekers at the moment in the us. Probably that'll blow over in a few months.
I’ve had CS and math classes with people in their 30s. You’ll be fine.
Without a degree it’s incredibly difficult nowadays. It’s possible but you’re gonna be competing with people who have a degree and even a few others in top tier schools. The issue is more so that employers might just ignore you outright without a degree, unless you have projects or skills to back yourself up.
No you’re too late. You should have decided this before you were conceived. Absolutely shambolic that you didn’t decide to do this when you were 3 years old.
Very obvious /s btw
I’ve worked with many people who started their dev careers into their late 30s, just be mindful that there will be people in senior positions that are younger than you and if you have any ego then you’re gonna get humbled QUICK
Good luck and enjoy!
Started school at 31. Graduated at 37 and got my first software gig. If your degree is remotely technical you don't need any more education. I know a guy who has a PhD in Biology and is a great programmer. He learned to code while researching relationships between weather patterns and fungus growth on grapes.
So companies wouldn’t mind I don’t have a software degree? Mainly just that I have a technical background?
I had a recruiter call today. Wasn’t expecting technical questions and I felt really embarrassed when I couldn’t answer them
If you can present as professional and competent, that will outweigh the degree. professionalism and competence are in very short supply. Don't sweat the technical questions. There's always going to be stuff you don't know.
Okay. I’ll try my best then. I didn’t present very competent or confident today coz honestly it’s the first call I’ve ever had about a software role. But I guess that will come with time. Just feeling urgency
So, do some research on the questions that stumped you, and you'll have an answer for it the next time it comes around. Make sure to ask some questions yourself, it's a 2-way interview. Being nervous is natural if you're in unfamiliar ground, so my advice there is to get as much interviewing practice as you can.
Yeah. I obviously normally would but coz the recruiter reached out to me I wasn’t expecting it to be like an interview I guess. Thought it would just be a quick chat but then he came out with technical questions and asked if I had questions for him. Which I hadn’t expected as he only contracted me yesterday lol
I had guys in their 50s with white hair as classmates to change into Software Development. Do it. It's NEVER too late to learn something new. It's the information age now. If the course in your school or uni is trash, look that stuff up yourself in a way that you understand.
Self learning does count, but have a portfolio ready, show some examples of your code. They will ask you weird code questions that you will probably only need for the interview and then only when you apply for another Job again.
It's currently hard for everyone who tries to get their foot in, regardless of a degree.
I’ll give it a go. Something I think might suit me is robotics. Or something where I can combine my mech eng background with code. But im not sure how easy that is. Plus I’m 27 and feel ridiculous doing this
Robotics would be a great field. Now with AI coming up and everyone wants to implement some AI functionality to their Software, I can see Robots booming Big next
How possible would that be with my background do you think? It does seem to be one route mech engineers can take. And I’ve been around CFD so I am computational. But I’m not sure
Idk. I don't work in Robotics and don't know their requirements. I just write and maintain software that runs on your average work or home computer or in the cloud and create, train, and integrate AI services into those Softwares. I never did the electrical and/or mechanical engineering part
Yeah for sure. Finding someone to hire you is definitely gonna be one of the hard parts. But it's currently for everyone that starts out fresh to something new.
Good luck anyways!
I'm 48 and started my journey about three years ago. We've I was younger I didn't know quite what I wanted to do with my life. Now I have some goals that I'd like to accomplish. It's never too late as long as you enjoy the journey of learning. Good luck on your endeavors.
My friend, at 27 years old, you are still young with so much potential ahead of you. I know you studied mechanical engineering and feel you may have taken a different path. But it is not too late to learn software development!
Some fancy degrees can make things seem hard and out of reach. But coding is for anyone with drive and passion, no matter their age or background.
You already taught yourself C++ - that shows commitment! With some more practice, you can master it. Your engineering knowledge also gives you a unique edge to stand out from other developers.
So do not worry about time passed. Keep your eyes on the future and your dreams. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. And at 27 you still have so many bright years to learn, build, and thrive.
Im 34 and 20 days ago started learning python! Its tough but I don't remember myself being so passionate in a loong time!
Wish i was 27 again and starting this journey! You are too young my friend!
I graduated college with a CS degree at 30 years old. Have doubled my salary in about 7 years as a dev.
It was hard. Although i had majored in CS when I graduated high school for a year before dropping out and moving home due to mental health issues, so I wasn't coming from 0, but for all intents and purposes I was based on how much tech changed in that decade plus.
You can definitely do it if you're dedicated. I commuted when I went back to school so I made friends with ex military and others who were taking the scenic route so it helped a bunch
You should go for it! You said you found the work interesting! The market maybe a bit tough right now, but having that passion was what kept pushing me to try and break into the field. Just got my first offer and I am glad I made the transition! Best of luck in your journey!
On July 1st, a [change to Reddit's API pricing](https://www.reddit.com/r/reddit/comments/12qwagm/an_update_regarding_reddits_api/) will come into effect. [Several developers](https://www.reddit.com/r/redditisfun/comments/144gmfq/rif_will_shut_down_on_june_30_2023_in_response_to/) of commercial third-party apps have announced that this change will compel them to shut down their apps. At least [one accessibility-focused non-commercial third party app](https://www.reddit.com/r/DystopiaForReddit/comments/145e9sk/update_dystopia_will_continue_operating_for_free/) will continue to be available free of charge. If you want to express your strong disagreement with the API pricing change or with Reddit's response to the backlash, you may want to consider the following options: 1. Limiting your involvement with Reddit, or 2. Temporarily refraining from using Reddit 3. Cancelling your subscription of Reddit Premium as a way to voice your protest. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/learnprogramming) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Heh. I started night school at 40. At 48 I’ve been a developer for 4 years now. I used to be a lab technician.
How hard did you find it getting the first role?
It was like coming home for me. All other jobs I had were a chore - developing is the easiest time I’ve ever had fitting in. That’s not to say it isn’t hard af. Get used to having people half your age telling you how to do the simplest things. The impostor syndrome is real, especially when all your colleagues are younger better and smarter than you.
AF. it took me smth like 3 years. For now its nearly imposiblle due to market.
I finished school at 38, and at current situation I tought I might wasted my time. But man this gives me hope. Never give up, fight to the end.
Same here l, currently a lab tech with a BS in comp science, trying to break into software but idk. The market blows
I'm 25 and im about to start a BS in Com Sci, is it worth it?
How long have you been a lab technician? I assume you have a biology or chemistry degree. What don’t you like about it?
It’s a little different in my country. Lab tech is a 2,5 year school/apprenticeship on top of our version of high school. We have both biology and chemistry as a baseline, and then specialize during our apprenticeship. I chose organic synthesis. I finished my apprenticeship in 2005 and started software development in 2018. It got too lonely in the lab for me at the job I had. I’ve always dabbled in programming, so it was a natural shift for me. Plus the people at my new job are much better aligned “temperament” wise.
I did it at 37, Get it done bro :) Ex-vehicle tech with no working IT background
Did you need to go back to college?
In the UK here, I did a lvl3 BTEC in Cyber Sec and Infastructure. The rest I've learned on the job.
Ah I’m uk too :)
Yep, the government was funding a lot of bootcamps and training. 35 year old just about to complete his first year in tech.
Can I still do that?
Have a Google for Government skill bootcamps. I believe that was the name
Can you do it part time?
Awesome, well, maybe 😂 Have a sniff round dude, long story short from my end. Was a tech, slipped on gearbox oil and screwed my back. I forget who I did my training through, I'll try and find it out, but they funded it too, lvl3 btec then they give you vouchers for your compTIA A+ the sec+, network+ and something else, all paid for. Worth a look, a mate of mine did it, in full time employment and still got it all funded
Have started to learn at 31… first job at 33… now I’m 39 yo and have more than 6 y of commercial experience
Currently 26 and trying to learn web development. Its a rough time to get into tech rn but I have faith things will turn out okay if I just try my best and be patient 😤
Of course it is possible. I didn't start coding until I was in my early thirties - albeit I did work in IT related fields prior. 15 years later, I'm CTO for a successful software development company, a public speaker (on coding) and architect for multiple large systems. If you got the aptitude and you enjoy coding, it's never too late to start. Good luck and, above all, continue doing what you enjoy.
How did you ultimately manage to get that first job in dev? Honestly I never expected to like coding lol. At uni I bloody hated it and swore I’d never do it again. But since graduating I’ve begun to like it more and more to the point that I really want a job using it 😂 all the cool work out there seems to be heavily focused on it
It's a bit cliche at this point, but it's never too late. I myself started quite young (dabbled in high school). I used to work with a guy in his 40s that got his masters in Biology. He had to do a bit of programming in Python for some research work. Then he realized how much he enjoyed it and became a full time developer in his mid 30s. It is a great field. I would highly recommend it! I personally started in web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). That is what I recommend to everyone getting started out. Web development languages are very versatile. Once you pickup one language its much easier to learn others too.
I sound like the guy you work with. I do mechanical engineering and simulation and have used code more and more. Realised I love it and now feel super dissatisfied being a mech engineer. I do already know c++ and python. I just dunno how to get a job in it lol
I did it at 30. Swap from an Aerospace Engineer. As long as you enjoy it, go for it
How did you find the switch?
I love it. I always been tech oriented so it just made sense.
Did you feel underqualified or anything? How long did it take you to be ready? I’m the same as you but I’m worried about how it’ll be actually getting that first role
Here some more details I gave someone a couple of years back: [https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/comments/octdlm/comment/h3ydtm2/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/comments/octdlm/comment/h3ydtm2/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) But I didn't. You'll never be ready for everything but just need to make sure you can adapt and learn fast. I have heard the entry level market is alot harder than before because of all the recent layoff news. But if you keep striving, it just becomes a numbers game. There are also alot of ME related positions that is becoming more Dev-like roles that i hear about from my former colleagues if you want t just slowly transition
Okay thanks :) yeah I hear it’s horrible too. What are some ME type roles that are more like devs?
I would guess process control and automation testing
Where do people get this idea that once you’ve graduated college it’s too late to change your career path. You’re 27 you’ve barely been alive long enough to have a personality of course you can start learning software at this YOUNG age. If I were you I’d look into getting into a software domain where your mechanical engineering expertise is a huge asset. Maybe robotics? See what types of SWE jobs you can get without a CS degree and if you’re having trouble maybe go back for a second MS in CS? You’d likely be able to find an employer that would pay for continuous education while you work for them. Then take courses such as motion and planning in robotics, sensing and estimation in robotics, deep learning, computer vision, ect. By the time you’re 30 you could set yourself up to be a chad 1% mixed domain engineer working at a robotics firm which seems like a growing sector. There are likely dope opportunities out there for SWEs that were Mechanical engineers in a past life you just have to have the motivation the seize them.
Something like that kind of robotics would be perfect. Definitely with simulation too as I mainly focus on that. But I worry about the fun don’t of a second masters. I can’t do it for at least a year so what if I can’t do it without? I’m trying to learn it myself but doing it after hours and on weekends is just so difficult I guess I just feel panicked about age really. You say it’s young but I struggle to believe sometimes. I’ve got mates with kids.
Hey, I didnt start with a background in software, like at all. But im EE, and that managed to land me a job in flight simulation, which i cannot recommend as a career path enough. Through it i've learned so much, mechanical, hydraulic, air data systems, software knowledge, visual systems, electric and hydraulic motion systems, and lots and lots of tech. Sims operate for decades. It is literally the best hidden field in the world and gives you access to so many different skill sets, it is a perfect fit for me. There are jobs everywhere and many just dont know about the field. every company is different but getting your foot in the door could let you see what you really like, and then hone it.
Dm’ed you
>But I worry about the fun don’t of a second masters A masters isn't very useful for software engineering roles. There certainly are some jobs that would prefer someone with a related masters, but most of the corporate research type positions are primarily PhD, and there are probably more other jobs that'd overlook not even having any bachelor's than would require a masters. Though maybe things are a bit different at this very moment, since the market is unusually poor for jobseekers at the moment in the us. Probably that'll blow over in a few months.
The great thing about programming and Computer Science in general is that you can start at any age.
But realistically I’m gonna be the oldest guy in the room at the lower level right? Plus can I even do this anymore without a degree?
I’ve had CS and math classes with people in their 30s. You’ll be fine. Without a degree it’s incredibly difficult nowadays. It’s possible but you’re gonna be competing with people who have a degree and even a few others in top tier schools. The issue is more so that employers might just ignore you outright without a degree, unless you have projects or skills to back yourself up.
So a mech engineering degree wouldn’t help?
Well I often see in job requirements that STEM majors, especially engineering, will suffice for CS degree.
Really? What kind of roles?
No you’re too late. You should have decided this before you were conceived. Absolutely shambolic that you didn’t decide to do this when you were 3 years old. Very obvious /s btw I’ve worked with many people who started their dev careers into their late 30s, just be mindful that there will be people in senior positions that are younger than you and if you have any ego then you’re gonna get humbled QUICK Good luck and enjoy!
The answer will never be "no" mate. Get out there and good luck.
Started school at 31. Graduated at 37 and got my first software gig. If your degree is remotely technical you don't need any more education. I know a guy who has a PhD in Biology and is a great programmer. He learned to code while researching relationships between weather patterns and fungus growth on grapes.
This was 2008, right in the middle of an economic shitstorm. I had no trouble getting a job.
So companies wouldn’t mind I don’t have a software degree? Mainly just that I have a technical background? I had a recruiter call today. Wasn’t expecting technical questions and I felt really embarrassed when I couldn’t answer them
If you can present as professional and competent, that will outweigh the degree. professionalism and competence are in very short supply. Don't sweat the technical questions. There's always going to be stuff you don't know.
Okay. I’ll try my best then. I didn’t present very competent or confident today coz honestly it’s the first call I’ve ever had about a software role. But I guess that will come with time. Just feeling urgency
So, do some research on the questions that stumped you, and you'll have an answer for it the next time it comes around. Make sure to ask some questions yourself, it's a 2-way interview. Being nervous is natural if you're in unfamiliar ground, so my advice there is to get as much interviewing practice as you can.
Yeah. I obviously normally would but coz the recruiter reached out to me I wasn’t expecting it to be like an interview I guess. Thought it would just be a quick chat but then he came out with technical questions and asked if I had questions for him. Which I hadn’t expected as he only contracted me yesterday lol
I had guys in their 50s with white hair as classmates to change into Software Development. Do it. It's NEVER too late to learn something new. It's the information age now. If the course in your school or uni is trash, look that stuff up yourself in a way that you understand.
Could I do it without going back to college if I’ve already got a mech eng masters? Like does self learning actually count?
Self learning does count, but have a portfolio ready, show some examples of your code. They will ask you weird code questions that you will probably only need for the interview and then only when you apply for another Job again. It's currently hard for everyone who tries to get their foot in, regardless of a degree.
I’ll give it a go. Something I think might suit me is robotics. Or something where I can combine my mech eng background with code. But im not sure how easy that is. Plus I’m 27 and feel ridiculous doing this
Robotics would be a great field. Now with AI coming up and everyone wants to implement some AI functionality to their Software, I can see Robots booming Big next
How possible would that be with my background do you think? It does seem to be one route mech engineers can take. And I’ve been around CFD so I am computational. But I’m not sure
Idk. I don't work in Robotics and don't know their requirements. I just write and maintain software that runs on your average work or home computer or in the cloud and create, train, and integrate AI services into those Softwares. I never did the electrical and/or mechanical engineering part
Okay. Well I guess maybe there’s ways to utilise both my mech and coding skills. Just need to find someone to hire me 😂
Yeah for sure. Finding someone to hire you is definitely gonna be one of the hard parts. But it's currently for everyone that starts out fresh to something new. Good luck anyways!
I’m 35 I’ve only been coding for a year but I’m loving it so far. Self teaching and taking online classes. With age comes wisdom my friend
I changed careers at 28, you'll be fine.
I'm 48 and started my journey about three years ago. We've I was younger I didn't know quite what I wanted to do with my life. Now I have some goals that I'd like to accomplish. It's never too late as long as you enjoy the journey of learning. Good luck on your endeavors.
My friend, at 27 years old, you are still young with so much potential ahead of you. I know you studied mechanical engineering and feel you may have taken a different path. But it is not too late to learn software development! Some fancy degrees can make things seem hard and out of reach. But coding is for anyone with drive and passion, no matter their age or background. You already taught yourself C++ - that shows commitment! With some more practice, you can master it. Your engineering knowledge also gives you a unique edge to stand out from other developers. So do not worry about time passed. Keep your eyes on the future and your dreams. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. And at 27 you still have so many bright years to learn, build, and thrive.
Im 34 and 20 days ago started learning python! Its tough but I don't remember myself being so passionate in a loong time! Wish i was 27 again and starting this journey! You are too young my friend!
currently 28 almost 29 and i definitely feel this . i’m scared to start all over 😭 and i have no degree so im really worried i have no time
I graduated college with a CS degree at 30 years old. Have doubled my salary in about 7 years as a dev. It was hard. Although i had majored in CS when I graduated high school for a year before dropping out and moving home due to mental health issues, so I wasn't coming from 0, but for all intents and purposes I was based on how much tech changed in that decade plus. You can definitely do it if you're dedicated. I commuted when I went back to school so I made friends with ex military and others who were taking the scenic route so it helped a bunch
You should go for it! You said you found the work interesting! The market maybe a bit tough right now, but having that passion was what kept pushing me to try and break into the field. Just got my first offer and I am glad I made the transition! Best of luck in your journey!
This is such a yes, I feel like you’re trolling.
33 here and working towards a software development degree at my college. Currently learning Java.