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A comment on Ask HN: Where should I start as a 34-year-old switching to software as a career?.

Re:Ask HN: Where should I start as a 34-year-old switching t... by wai1234 on Friday March 08, 2019 @10:48PM (#19344323)
You don't mention WHY you want to get into software. If it's just because you think you can make a lot of money, that's a poor reason to switch careers. You also say you lack experience. Do you mean you have none at all? That would make my first question even more important.

If you have no experience at all, take an introductory software course at a local community college. An online course or how-to book would be a less ideal starting point. You will want more access to an instructor to get you past zero. Understand that you will also need some understanding of algebra and formal logic before you get very far, so if you are rusty or never had much math background, you might take a course in that too.

Getting your feet wet will help you understand what "software" means and if you have an aptitude for it. Only then, should you commit to at least 1-2 years of hard work in your spare time to get to a minimum set of skills that are employable. With patience, perseverance, and a bit of luck, you can get there even at 37.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Where should I start as a 34-year-old switching t... by sh87 on Saturday March 09, 2019 @01:25AM (#19344806)
> If it's just because you think you can make a lot of money, that's a poor reason to switch careers.

I strongly disagree with that. More money is a perfectly sound reason to choose a career.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Where should I start as a 34-year-old switching t... by black-tea on Saturday March 09, 2019 @02:39AM (#19344987)
It is if you already have the skills. Some people realise after a few years in one area that they've become an expert in another area which might pay more. It doesn't sound like OP is like that, though. He might not like programming. He might not be good at it. He could waste a lot of time just trying to "make more money". He should instead pursue it only if he enjoys it and then maybe he'll end up in the situation where he can change.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Where should I start as a 34-year-old switching t... by fromthestart on Saturday March 09, 2019 @06:29AM (#19345659)
Is a life spent working on uninteresting material a life worth living?

It can be soul sucking. Don't make the mistake of chasing money, at least not twice. It's not for everybody.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Where should I start as a 34-year-old switching t... by sh87 on Saturday March 09, 2019 @11:51AM (#19347000)
Most modern day jobs are purely material, soul sucking and ungrateful. I look at things the way they are and have learnt to not expect anything but money and respect from work. Anything beyond that, seek outside of work.
[ Parent | on HN ]