I'm a 25-year-old guy who was a welder until I was diagnosed with epilepsy a couple of years ago. Welding has become too risky for me now, so I'm interested in getting into programming. However, I don't want to go back to school because I've already got student loans from my welding education and I worry that my condition might lead to missing classes and eventually being dropped from the program. What are my options for learning programming and securing a job in this field without a formal degree?
1 Answer
It's often said that you can learn coding outside of traditional education, but be cautious—it's not as easy as some make it seem. While learning the basics can happen without formal training, reaching a professional level is quite challenging on your own. That said, many self-taught programmers have built successful careers without a degree. It's definitely possible to make a good income, even if your first job isn't with a big-name company. To get started, check out community resources frequently listed in programming forums.
As someone who's self-taught, how did you decide when you were ready to apply for jobs?