What’s the Best Path to Start a Programming Career and Make Money?

Honestly, you need to keep working on your skills until you find someone willing to pay for your work. Many aspiring developers underestimate the dedication required. It's a tough field but if you truly enjoy it, that passion will help you push through the challenges. I suggest steering clear of game programming; I've heard it can be quite exploitative. Instead, consider sectors like banking, healthcare, or tourism. Focus on mastering SQL and a popular middle-tier language like Java or C#, plus your front-end skills. Build real projects to showcase your skills; just coding isn't enough—make it look appealing for your resume!

A solid choice is to look into full-stack development or web development with technologies like TypeScript, Node.js, and React.js. It's crucial to stay updated on your SQL and CSS skills too. Just remember, technology can evolve quickly, so try to think long-term about what you’re learning. If you focus too narrowly, you might find that the tools you dedicate time to get a major update or fall out of favor.

One route some people take is creating a demo project that showcases your skills, sometimes even attracting venture capital. It's risky, but if you have a good idea, it could pay off. Just be prepared for the challenges of running a company.

The key is to learn a programming language that's in demand for jobs. You may start at an entry-level position where you'll work with more experienced developers and learn on the job. These roles might not pay well, but they’re invaluable for gaining experience. My first gig was somewhat unrelated, yet it led me into programming responsibilities. Look for jobs where you can collaborate with coders; it makes transitioning much smoother.