Is it too late to start a coding career at 40 without a CS degree?

To be honest, the job market for developers right now is super competitive, especially for entry-level positions. You're not alone in starting at a later age, but breaking into tech can be tough—junior roles are often swarmed with applicants, many of whom are younger with degrees. If you're committed and resilient, it might be possible, but you should brace yourself for a long search. Expect at least 5-10 years of learning just to get a foothold in the industry. If you think of coding as a hobby, you might find it easier to manage expectations and avoid burnout.

Getting into coding without a deep passion is definitely possible, and many of us have done it. The key is finding a company that values work-life balance. Don’t let the current market scare you! Focus on building solid projects, and once you do land a job, many find it’s manageable. Plus, the soft skills from your previous work can set you apart from other candidates.

Right now feels like a challenging time to start, especially with all the changes brought on by AI. It will be tougher to stand out as an applicant without prior experience or a related degree. Consider seeking roles that incorporate your experience in event production; you might find tech positions that blend both areas. It’s all about positioning yourself with the right skills and experiences.

I wouldn't want to discourage you, but currently, the tech industry is really unpredictable, and many entry-level jobs are drying up. If you're just getting into coding, don't expect to land a remote job right away, especially without any experience. If you're still keen on learning, consider other paths like InfoSec, which might offer better opportunities. But remember, passion plays a big role in this field; you'll often need to burn the midnight oil to stay updated.

If you don’t love coding, you might want to reconsider this career path. Programming can be frustrating and incredibly demanding. A lot of jobs require extra hours, which many developers don't mind because they genuinely enjoy what they do; they tend to integrate it into their daily lives. If coding feels like a chore to you, it might lead to burnout again.