Hey everyone, I'm 27 and living in Austria, and I'm really at a crossroads in my career. I've been trying to shift my job focus to something I genuinely love, like coding. I feel stuck in 'tutorial hell' after trying out a ton of popular programming languages but still can't pinpoint what I truly enjoy. Game development fascinates me, but going solo has been tough. I started with full stack courses on FreeCodeCamp, but it felt too easy and eventually got boring. Now I'm considering The Odin Project and Python as potential next steps, and there's also a private university in Germany where I could study online for a degree. However, it costs €250 a month, and I'm wondering if I should self-learn and aim for a job in possibly a year, or go for the degree that would take about six years. What do you all think?
3 Answers
AI's influence is a topic of debate. But for now, I think learning on your own is really the way to go. Spending cash on a degree may not be necessary, especially if you can pick up relevant skills without it. But, of course, don’t undervalue structured learning – think about what you want your future to look like!
Exactly, keep assessing the skills you’re acquiring — that's what will ultimately make you stand out!
Hey! I made a similar career switch when I was around your age. I opted for a degree and honestly, it was a great decision. Having formal education made a world of difference for me. Post my Bachelor's in Computer Science, I got hired and then went on to get a Master's in Cyber Security. If you go the self-taught route, expect to invest at least a year and a half. Believe me, being a software developer is more than just completing a few online projects. Also, about that six-year timeline for a degree - it usually doesn’t take that long unless you're combining with a Master's or something. I dropped my work hours to 50% and attended actual classes, which really helped with connections and strong theoretical knowledge. Don’t worry about AI taking over jobs; it’s a tool we can leverage, not our competitor!
Totally agree with you! Learning is a never-ending journey.
But I think six years for a bachelor's degree is excessive. I’m going through an online program that takes longer, but it’s manageable with my full-time job. I think it really depends on your situation and how you can balance studies and work.
I hear you! Self-learning can be useful, but it's also important to invest wisely. Many people worry about AI, but honestly, as long as you keep updating your skills, you’re safe. I think it’s smart to gain knowledge through self-learning, but a degree could give you a solid foundation and connections in the field. Think about what fits your life situation best because that's what ultimately matters!
Yeah, but remember too much self-teaching may lead to information overload. It’s good to focus on a specific area.
True! But don't forget, self-learning requires discipline. Find a specific path you enjoy to avoid getting lost!
I agree, but try to make sure you're getting hands-on experience too. That matters a lot!