I'm 32 and just now getting into development. However, I have known HTML/CSS for more than a decade and have worked on tech-related projects in other fields, and have leveraged that as much as possible when talking to recruiters. Leverage anything technical you possibly can.
Networking like crazy is super important, because it lets you present yourself and pitch yourself in a way your resume might not. People skills and communication skills are more important than you think. Actively doing things that represent your skills (projects! volunteering! writing!) show that you can still learn and are actively doing that in a self-directed way.
Ultimately, I'd recommend NOT going into software development after 30 unless you REALLY want to be a software developer and are passionate about programming. It's going to be hard. If you're just in it for the money, there are probably easier ways to leverage your experience (or go into sales if you're a people person).
There are some people that get into it because they hear you can make six figures without a degree/etc. I agree it's definitely a poor move at any age, it just tends to be more associated with those switching industries mid-career.
I like to say being a software dev is like being a professional sportsperson. You need to enjoy it; there has to be a passion there. It would be unusual to be hired if you were only 'in it for money' yet lacking skill and passion. If you somehow manage to get hired despite hating every second of it, you'll burn out fast. Tech by its very nature - a bit boring, lots of sitting, frequent frustrations - will filter out those that hate it or are indifferent to it early on.
Definitely agree! My advice would be more for those on the fence because they heard it's good money but don't really like it, before they pay for a boot camp or other courses.
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I'm 32 and just now getting into development. However, I have known HTML/CSS for more than a decade and have worked on tech-related projects in other fields, and have leveraged that as much as possible when talking to recruiters. Leverage anything technical you possibly can.
Networking like crazy is super important, because it lets you present yourself and pitch yourself in a way your resume might not. People skills and communication skills are more important than you think. Actively doing things that represent your skills (projects! volunteering! writing!) show that you can still learn and are actively doing that in a self-directed way.
Ultimately, I'd recommend NOT going into software development after 30 unless you REALLY want to be a software developer and are passionate about programming. It's going to be hard. If you're just in it for the money, there are probably easier ways to leverage your experience (or go into sales if you're a people person).
"Ultimately, I'd recommend NOT going into software development after 30 unless you REALLY want to be a software developer"
There are some people that get into it because they hear you can make six figures without a degree/etc. I agree it's definitely a poor move at any age, it just tends to be more associated with those switching industries mid-career.
I like to say being a software dev is like being a professional sportsperson. You need to enjoy it; there has to be a passion there. It would be unusual to be hired if you were only 'in it for money' yet lacking skill and passion. If you somehow manage to get hired despite hating every second of it, you'll burn out fast. Tech by its very nature - a bit boring, lots of sitting, frequent frustrations - will filter out those that hate it or are indifferent to it early on.
Definitely agree! My advice would be more for those on the fence because they heard it's good money but don't really like it, before they pay for a boot camp or other courses.