Making changes is difficult even if you are the type of person who embraces change. But, making a career change in you 30s and up while maintaining a family can seem impossible. Also, the software world can be very overwhelming to new devs. Backend, front-end, php, node.js, Ruby, CI, git, frameworks, server-side, client-side, deploy, codecamps,and the list goes on. So deciding the best direction for you can be a daunting and discouraging task. And I would be a liar I'd I said I haven't gotten discouraged myself.
The biggest mistake I feel I have done, learning the languages and not developing a portfolio. However, I have had many other pitfalls as well. Chasing trends, following tutorials instead of learning the basics, hopping languages before fully understanding the current language, to name a few.
Chasing trends - one thing I have noticed about aspiring to be a fulltime dev is there are new trends everyday. It is hard to weigh through the things you should learn and the thing you can learn. If you chase these trends you can end up in an endless loop of learning and never actually understanding what you are coding.
Tutorials - tutorials can be a great tool but they can also be a crutch. I can't count how many times I have followed a tutorial that was much too advanced for my skill level. So in the end you can replicate the code but not be able to utilise it on your own. I have learned that the basics are more important than trying to do something "cool and fun". Keep in mind your skill level when opening a tutorial, as your skills increase these tutorial will become reference guides.
Hopping languages - stating with html, now I need css, now I need functionality JavaScript, wait darn I need a data base SQL, now I need to use the data php... and the rabbit hole goes further. It is easy to go down the rabbit hole and never really get anywhere but frustration. Moving from language to language without understanding the current language your on is easy to do when your not experienced.
And I'll end on this point advice is great, but everyone has their own stack and may tell you it's the best. That can send you down another rabbit hole. Be cautious of these rabbit holes they can detour, frustrate, and discourage you.
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