I'm 38 years old and I'm starting my programming journey from scratch. Right now, I'm without a consistent income, which is making me second-guess my decision to dive into programming. With all the rapid advances in AI technology, there's constant chatter about it replacing programmers or diminishing job opportunities in the field. For someone who's just beginning their coding career at this age, is it still feasible to pursue this path, or have I missed the boat?
5 Answers
The job landscape will keep evolving, but if you genuinely enjoy working with tech, there's always a place for you. Just keep in mind that financial motivations alone might not lead you to the best timing for starting. It’s all about adapting to the changes.
Even if you’re struggling to find a job right now, learning programming skills is still valuable. You could automate tasks or bring your own projects to life. Just know that it might take several years to break into the field if you’re starting from zero.
If you're only getting into programming for the money, maybe reconsider your options. A lot of people flooded into programming thinking it would be a gold mine and now many are out of work. However, if you love coding and just want to learn for the joy of it, then absolutely, it's never too late to start! Just make sure it’s out of passion, not just for the paycheck.
Actually, now is a great time to learn! With new AI coding tools like Claude simplifying the process, you can tackle coding challenges without needing extensive prior knowledge. Just ensure you’re using these tools wisely, as they can enhance your learning if used properly.
Here's the straight truth: there’ve been massive layoffs and young grads are pouring into the job market. AI tools are changing the game, and many entry-level positions are drying up as a result. But if you can pinpoint a unique edge that you have, it may be worth it to start learning. Just be prepared to answer why a company should hire you over younger candidates.

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