>The line between learning to code and getting paid to program as a profession is not an easy line to cross.

I think if you are a women then going to bootcamps is still a good choice. I convinced my cousin to quit her job and get into a local bootcamp in chicago in 2014. Fast fwd 2016 she finally founds job as a junior dev at a local web dev consulting company. You also get scholarships for women/minorities.

Learning to code is still a good choice if you see yourself enjoying it as a profession.