Hey everyone! I'm 21 years old and looking to make some smarter career choices. I'm currently juggling two jobs: a remote customer support position for a travel company (about 24 hours a week) and a fast food job (30 hours a week). This totals around 55 hours a week, and I'm feeling stuck in a rut without much career progression. I have a vocational degree in IT systems administration and I'm fluent in English, which I use daily at work. I'm particularly interested in learning Python, automation, and possibly freelancing in the future. My goal is to build my technical skills and eventually work internationally, perhaps in places like Switzerland or Germany.
Here's my dilemma: If I decide to quit my fast food job in a month or two, I'll have more time to study and develop my skills, but I'm worried about finances and making the transition too quickly. I'd love your thoughts on a few questions:
1. If you were in my shoes, would you prioritize learning a technical skill like Python or automation, even if it means a temporary drop in earnings?
2. Is pursuing Python and automation still a viable path for freelancing or remote work?
3. What should I focus on learning over the next 6 to 12 months to maximize my future job opportunities?
I'm ready to put in the effort and study hard; I just want to make sure I'm on the right track. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
5 Answers
A lot of freelance automation work can actually be done using no-code or low-code solutions. While learning Python will definitely give you an edge, keep in mind that there's a lot out there you can accomplish without deep coding knowledge. Just make sure you're leveraging the right tools!
I can’t speak for Spain, but in the US, the job market can be tough right now, even for those with experience. If you can manage financially, I'd suggest studying while working at both jobs for a couple of months to build your fundamentals—maybe around 20 hours of learning each week. Once you get a handle on that, spend some time working on projects for your portfolio. I transitioned from a non-technical background and it took everything I had to find work after a bootcamp, so be prepared for a long journey!
Transitioning to freelance can be a lot trickier than getting a traditional job. Freelancers often need to demonstrate solid skills right from the get-go, and companies sometimes have higher expectations for immediate productivity. I wouldn't recommend quitting your job just yet; it could lead to financial stress if things don’t pan out. Consider learning while still employed, which might take longer, but offers job security and a chance to see if this path is truly for you. Python and automation are great areas to explore, just check job listings for local demand!
If your remote job can support you for a few months, it might be worth it to take the leap. Focus on a specific area in IT, like backend development, rather than trying to juggle learning multiple coding languages at once. Master one area first, and then expand your skill set. The more technologies you learn, the more job opportunities you'll have!
When you’re trying to make a career shift, it's crucial to work on certifications and personal projects. It’s all about building something tangible you can showcase to potential employers. In the current market, they want proof of your skills, so make sure you have something to show off with your knowledge!
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