I'm 28 and based in the UK, currently working as a library assistant for a local council. The role is mostly customer service with occasional technical tasks, such as helping people send emails or teaching children basic coding at events. Before this, I studied game development and later completed a degree in media production. I graduated during COVID and never managed to gain relevant work experience, so I've remained in my current job.
I already understand the basics of HTML, CSS, and general computing, but I still consider myself a beginner. I'd like to move into a better career by my early 30s and am considering learning to code in my spare time. However, I'm concerned about the current job market and how artificial intelligence might affect entry-level programming roles. I won't quit my current job while studying, but I'd like advice on which skills, languages, or areas of development offer the broadest opportunities and can transfer across different industries.
3 Answers
Be realistic about the risks. Software development can offer good opportunities, but the entry-level market is crowded, and putting in the work doesn’t guarantee a job quickly. People with experience can still face long periods of unemployment or contract-only work. If you genuinely enjoy programming, technology, and problem-solving, it may still be worth pursuing—but treat it as a gradual career experiment rather than a guaranteed escape route. Keep your current job while you build skills and see whether you actually enjoy the work.
Since you already know some HTML and CSS, JavaScript is the logical next step. Build small projects rather than only watching courses: an interactive website, a browser-based tool, or something that solves a real problem. After that, learn Git, basic testing, APIs, databases, and how to deploy an application. A structured curriculum such as The Odin Project can help organize the learning, but you’ll still need projects that show you can understand and apply the material.
Web development is accessible, but it’s also one of the most competitive routes for self-taught developers. Try to narrow the competition by building projects for a specific type of organization or problem instead of making another generic portfolio site.
AI is changing the workflow, but it hasn’t eliminated the need for people who can understand requirements, design solutions, review generated code, debug problems, and maintain systems. Don’t choose a language purely because it seems safest; fundamentals transfer between languages. JavaScript or TypeScript is practical for web work, while Python can lead toward automation, data, testing, and backend roles. Spend time learning how software works and producing useful projects, not just memorizing syntax.
That’s what makes me hesitant, but I know most industries I’m interested in are competitive. I’ll keep working while I learn and try to focus on skills that are useful beyond one narrow type of role.