Is It Too Late for a 33-Year-Old With ADHD to Start a Career in AI?
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TechExplorer42
Hey everyone! I'm 33 and got a background in high-level math and programming like C++, linear algebra, and probability, though I never finished my university degree due to ADHD. These days, I'm stable and focused, and I'm itching to dive back into tech, specifically AI and IT.
I've worked in various fields, including tourism (until COVID hit), office management, and I even became a self-taught day trader, which pays my bills now. But I'm feeling isolated from the tech community and really want to join a team to create something meaningful.
I'm looking for advice! If you were in my shoes—with a year to learn—what would you focus on to become hirable in AI or IT? Should I go for a bootcamp, solidify my fundamentals and build a portfolio, or maybe something else? What skills or roles are in demand right now? I know I can grasp complex topics quickly, I just need some direction. Any insights from experienced developers, recruiters, or people who started later in life would be super helpful. Thanks!
Answers
If I were you, I’d consider a bootcamp. They’re designed to get you job-ready quickly and can work wonders if you're trying to regain that tech edge. Plus, your trading experience is valuable, especially for fintech companies that need tech and domain knowledge. Just remember, don't overthink it—pick a direction and dive in!
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You've got a solid background, and trust me, you can find a way into AI! Businesses today really want people who can integrate AI features into their apps, focusing on things like prompt engineering and workflows. It’s all about leveraging what’s out there now, not just the old-school ML techniques.
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33 is definitely not too old to make a shift! People have done it at much later stages and succeeded. Your math skills are actually a big plus for AI roles since a lot of folks struggle with the math side. Try to pinpoint whether you're into the research aspect of AI, building models, or applying AI to real-world problems—each has its unique path.
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AnalyticalMind85: Thanks for the encouragement! Just needed to hear that from someone.