Is it too late for a 40-year-old to start a career in programming?
Asked by
CuriousCat42
Hey everyone! I'm about to hit 40 and I've been dabbling with HTML and CSS. I've also just started the freeCodeCamp JavaScript course. Do you think I still have a chance to change my career and become a programmer?
Answers
I started learning in my 40s while I was in prison — seriously! If you’re driven, you can make it work. Age doesn't matter as long as you have the will to learn!
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Definitely go for it! Find personal projects that excite you. Age is really irrelevant. Focus on building real-world applications and the fun will follow. It’s a great skill to have, even if you don’t want a full-time job in programming.
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There’s no reason why not! Older folks often bring discipline and resilience to learning, which are key in coding. Just dive in and see where it takes you!
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Honestly, I think anyone from 5 to 103 should learn programming! There’s no age limit. If you're committed and passionate about it, go for it!
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Switching careers at 40 can be challenging, especially since the job market is tough right now. But if you love programming, go for it! Many have made huge shifts later in life, even into fields like medicine and law. You can absolutely learn enough to enjoy it as a hobby too!
CareerChaser: True, but what careers do you think are easier to break into?
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LearningLions: Totally! But I wonder, are there really toddlers who can code or super seniors getting into it too?