Hey everyone! I'm currently a support manager at a dental practice, and while I enjoy my job, I feel stuck when it comes to advancing my career and salary. I've been thinking about switching to web development—either full stack or front-end—but I'm a bit anxious about making the leap. Is the field too saturated for newcomers like me? Is it too late to transition at 30+? I've heard that online courses can be beneficial, but do they hold real value? Additionally, as a woman, I'm curious about how challenging it might be to break into tech. Lastly, would I be better off freelancing or searching for full-time work? I'm willing to trade my current salary for potentially better future earnings. I'd really appreciate any advice you all might have!
4 Answers
Changing careers is always a challenge, but it's totally possible! Just don’t stop your current path while you study coding. I’m 34, and I pursued self-study along with a part-time diploma, picking up freelance gigs as I learned. Software development rewards curiosity and a love for learning, so if you’ve got that passion, you'll definitely find your way in.
Hey! I just started in web development too, and I think it's definitely doable no matter your age. I mean, I was a newbie, but I managed to carve out a path for myself. It's never too late to try something new—life's too short! I learned mostly from YouTube and Udemy, and I can say that those courses are super valuable. Plus, being a woman in tech can actually be an advantage because it’s still a mostly male-dominated field, so you might stand out more positively. As for freelancing, that's a great way to start gaining experience if getting hired right away feels tough.
What specifically draws you to web development over other careers?
I started as a junior dev at 36! It’s definitely not too late for a career switch. Just keep learning on the side while you work your current job. A degree isn't necessary—many people are going the self-study route like I did. I even took on some freelance projects to build experience and move up. If you have a genuine curiosity and drive, you'll succeed!
Thanks for sharing! It’s encouraging to hear that you made the switch. I actually love the feeling of solving coding problems, which isn’t something I get much of in my current role. Do you think it’s worth pursuing an official diploma, or is self-learning enough?
Well, I really enjoy seeing my projects come together visually—I get a kick out of creating things. I’m naturally curious and love learning new skills. I want a career that lets me combine creativity and tech, so I’m leaning toward front-end development.