I quit my job to travel, but then discovered a Python course while I was away and decided to focus on coding full-time. My goal is to freelance and eventually live somewhere like Thailand. However, after joining this Reddit group, I've seen a lot of posts wondering whether it's even worth learning programming anymore. I believe AI won't fully take over coding jobs anytime soon, but I'm starting to doubt my decision. After spending four months learning to code, what are the chances I'll find a job? I can support myself financially, but I'm worried that without a job offer, I'll have made a huge mistake. Is it realistic for me to find entry-level positions in Python once I'm done learning?
5 Answers
Don't stress too much about AI taking over coding jobs. But, it's not easy to make money as a self-taught freelancer without real-world experience. You might want to consider finding a regular job first and build your coding skills on the side. That way, you can gain valuable experience before diving into freelancing.
It's tough to secure a job after just four months of self-learning Python. Coding is not just about knowing the language; it's about problem-solving and practical experience. Typically, people get that through longer-term education or apprenticeships. You have a challenging road ahead, but it's not entirely impossible!
Thanks for the input! Do you think having a degree is crucial for getting an entry-level job?
Honestly, it's going to be hard to find a decent coding job with only four months of coding experience. Many entry-level roles require more extensive backgrounds, especially considering the competition. Focus on learning and maybe get involved in smaller projects to build your portfolio.
If you're primarily focused on making six figures right away, you might get discouraged. Programming is a long journey. Four months isn't enough to be ready for a job, but if you're passionate about coding and enjoy building things, that's what matters. It might not lead to direct employment quickly, but it opens doors for the future!
The job market is pretty competitive, especially for beginners. A lot of the time, companies prefer candidates with degrees or substantial experience. Building your skills while working in another role might be a better strategy for gradually entering the tech landscape.

Thanks for the advice! Would it be better to gain some experience first before looking into freelance work?