I've been spending about a month learning to code consistently. I've picked up some basic HTML and CSS, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to continue my education in this field. I've heard from various sources that the job market is oversaturated right now and that many people are getting laid off. Additionally, with the rise of AI, starting-level positions might become even tougher to snag. Is pursuing coding still a worthwhile effort, and if so, what advice do you have to help get my foot in the door?
4 Answers
Don't let AI or the current job market scare you off! The fundamentals of coding can open many doors and there are still plenty of junior roles out there. My advice? Explore coding languages that align with your interests, like JavaScript or C#. HTML and CSS just don't really cut it for gauging your true coding skills. So, take your time, dabble with some meaningful projects, and see where it leads you!
The landscape has changed a lot lately, especially with the pandemic effect on the tech industry. There was a time when developers were getting incredible salaries, nearly bordering on the ridiculous. But with interest rates rising, many companies reduced their workforce, which means you're seeing a lot of seasoned coders in the job market at the moment. If you want to really build a future in tech, I suggest moving beyond HTML and CSS, as those are more markup languages than true programming languages. Learning JavaScript or Python could offer you a better insight into the industry and help you gauge your passion for coding.
Wait, people really got $350k for developer roles? I'm in science with advanced degrees, and the best salaries I see rarely reach above $120k.
Absolutely! The tech bubble had some wild salary peaks. But yeah, adding JavaScript is key for practical programming.
Honestly, learning to code should be about your passion and curiosity rather than just chasing money. If you enjoy solving problems and find coding interesting, then go for it! It’s a fun and creative outlet. Just don’t expect it to be a quick path to riches anymore. Instead, start by building small projects, which will help you figure out if this is what you really want.
So far, I'm having fun with it! I know I’m just at the beginning, but it feels good.
The value of learning to code really depends on your personal goals. If you think you might love solving technical challenges, it’s definitely worth exploring more. Sure, the industry faces some challenges at the moment, but if software development clicks for you, there will always be opportunities. Don't rush it—start with simple projects to see if it sparks your interest. As for AI, it’s moving fast, but many people are still figuring out its best applications.
Good point! I feel like I’m only scratching the surface of what coding can do.
That makes sense! I just want to make sure I'm heading in the right direction.