Ask HN: Should I quit my current job and join a bootcamp?
I am a software engineer for a very small company. I develop Windows desktop software mainly in C++ and .NET. It was my first job out of college. Shortly after arriving, my boss transitioned to a management role so I became the de facto lead programmer. I am able to complete any task asked of me, but I have no one to mentor me. I'm bored, and worst of all, I'm not learning anymore.
It's become very clear in the last several years that mobile and web development are where the majority of jobs are.
I wish I had the time to dedicate to learning new skills on my own but between my full-time job/gym/girlfriend/life it doesn't seem feasible to become proficient enough in a new field to be hire-able.
Bootcamps seem like an attractive option due to the short time period and high job placement rates. But, if I was to graduate one of these bootcamps, would I be starting over at an entry level position? I would be taking a pay cut at the very least. There's also the high cost to consider.
TL;DR
I'm riding a gravy train and if it crashes I'm screwed.
And at a larger company, you might also have more possibilities to find a mentor (or to mentor others) and learn new things.
Bored?
Nights and Weekends learn something new.
Rails (Ruby) and/or Laravel (PHP)
http://railscasts.com http://laracasts.com
Are both great places to learn.
These are mainly to create web applications.
SaaS Apps.
Get inspired: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CDXJ6bMkMY
Choose a side project, can be something fun or for profit.
http://startupsfortherestofus.com
google patio11 and ready everything by him.
You're making really good money, no need to throw that away, you can build your skills in your spare time, and if you're interested start building your own product/SaaS empire along the way. Preparing now for things to go bad in the future.
But I would stay on your gravy train as long as you can building new skills along the way.
Enjoy the ride.
You can learn mobile or web on your own and build up a portfolio. With this portfolio, demonstrating your 'new skills', start interviewing for the job you want. If you can demonstrate these skills at a high level (similar skill set to your current job), you should be able to command similar pay.
But, at your (young) age you should be looking primarily for positions that will challenge and grow your skill sets.
If you have a choice, only work on the hard things.
This is what will keep you employable now and in the future.
On the other hand... The gravy train will always be there - your skills will remain useful for another decade or so. If you want new skills, by all means learn them now! But don't do it for the money.
Based on your post, I think going to a bootcamp would be a mistake. I think you're buying into the hype a bit too much. The career changing job comes months after the bootcamp finishes from the people I've talked too. The bootcamper job market is oversaturated and much more competitive for an applicant which results in a long job search.
If your bored at your current job, start looking for a new job where you can learn something that interest you instead of a bootcamp. You'll be earning money instead of giving time and money to learn entry level skills.