I'm in my early 30s and don't have a formal computer science education; my engineering degree feels like ancient history at this point. I sort of stumbled into my current role as a software developer, and aside from a Data Science bootcamp, I don't have formal training, which means I depend heavily on AI to solve problems at work. It feels like even junior developers with CS degrees struggle, and I'm worried I can't compete. The job market seems saturated, and there appear to be fewer junior roles available. So is pursuing this path a waste of time?
1 Answer
I get where you’re coming from, but with your engineering background and some development experience, you might actually have a stronger resume than you think! If programming is something you enjoy, then why not focus on improving your skills? Try to tackle your job challenges without relying on AI as much. Once you feel more confident in your capabilities, you'll be in a better position to look for new opportunities.
I'm actively working on improving my coding skills every night. I watch lectures, take courses, and practice on sites like LeetCode. The trouble is, I'm on a contract and can't afford to not search for work. I know my post sounds a bit defeatist, but I really do enjoy programming. I guess I just need to hang in there until I hit that '2+ years of experience' mark.