Hey there! I'm 33 and considering a return to the tech field after taking some time off for mental health issues. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, but it took me seven years to finish due to various challenges. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, OCD, and social anxiety, which led to me stepping away from a job as a software engineer after about nine months. Now that I'm feeling more stable, I'm eager to get back into software development. I feel behind compared to my peers who have years of experience, and I sometimes struggle with distractions from side projects. I'm thinking about focusing on full-stack development (possibly MERN) and building projects to become job-ready again. I have some specific questions: 1. Is it realistic to enter or re-enter the software industry in my 30s with my background? 2. What's a good path to follow today (frontend, backend, full-stack, DevOps, etc.)? 3. What kind of projects or preparation do I need to land a junior developer position? 4. Will companies consider my career gap? 5. How would you strategize for the next 6-12 months in my situation? Any honest insights from industry folks would be super helpful!
7 Answers
Your degree and nine months of experience are a solid base. Since you love building things, I'd suggest picking one tech stack, like MERN, and focusing on that for the next 6-12 months. Build a few real projects, contribute to open source, and show current skills rather than focusing on your gap. The job market is tough for everyone, not just returners, but companies in India often value diverse backgrounds.
It's possible, but the industry feels like a grind as it's moving towards AI and other sectors. Remember that prioritizing your mental health is crucial, and taking time away can be more beneficial than staying in a situation that harms your well-being.
The job market is tough right now; I've been searching for six months myself. It's likely you'll face a lot of rejection. Make sure to prepare references and work on projects that showcase what you've been doing during your break. Perhaps highlight your self-development in AI and coding as a way to address the gap in your resume.
Thanks for the advice!
Getting into tech right now is definitely challenging, especially for entry-level roles. Many are competing with fresh graduates and people with advanced degrees. You might consider starting in IT at a large company where you can pivot into programming later. The situation can vary based on where you are, but having that foundational role could help you build the necessary skills.
Absolutely, consider internal transfers at big companies. They often support employees moving into development roles after establishing credibility.
Thanks for your input!
It's feasible, but keep in mind that many companies might not focus too much on gaps unless you’re in a desperate situation for work.
You might face rejection and frustration, especially considering your mental health background. It could be worth thinking about whether diving back into such a competitive area is right for you. And even after getting hired, there could be worries about future layoffs.
Yes, it's possible, but lowball offers and countless applications can be expected. The job market is pretty harsh at the moment, especially with advancements in AI changing the landscape.
That really boosts my confidence, thanks for the encouragement!