I've always been good at fixing mechanical and physical problems, and I recently wrapped up a 30-year career in residential roofing where I specialized in troubleshooting leaks. Now, I'm ready for a change and have a strong desire to learn coding. I'm not looking for recommendations on which programming language to learn but rather insights into career paths suitable for someone like me, who's older and has limited funds for formal education. I'm also considering software testing certifications as a potential route, as it seems like a good match for my skills. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
I've been in software development for a while, and it’s tough out there — even fresh grads with degrees struggle to find jobs. That said, leverage your network! You might have connections that can help, especially with small businesses that need programming but can’t afford full-time developers. Consulting could be a great avenue for you.
While I’m out of the coding loop for a bit, the most popular languages are still Python, C++, and Java among others. Once you figure out what platform you want to target, check out learning tools in the app store or grab some books online. Used bookstores also have a treasure trove of resources.
That’s a solid point! Networking does make a difference. I think my experience dealing with clients in roofing gives me an edge; I can communicate effectively with people, and that’s crucial in consulting.