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Discussion on: Do I need to code in my free time to be a good developer?

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danielliew2758 profile image
Danielliew2758 • Edited

Hi I'm totally new here in fact this is my first comment. I'm recently very interested in coding am learning JavaScript now (first week). I was thinking to change career path to become software engineer. but the thing is I have commitment so if I gave up the job now (self-employed roofer) to start to work as full time Dev my income surely could not match with my old income.

do u face similar issue? as u mention u staet ur Dev career late I thought maybe u can share ur experience with me. thanks!

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ekafyi profile image
Eka • Edited

I learned to code outside of my previous jobs, eg. at night or whenever I had time. Initially I did not even think about changing career; was doing it out of interest.

Gradually I started taking small projects as a side gig (setup & customize Wordpress sites for friends' small business; worked for super low rates on freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr)--so I was essentially learning while getting paid, albeit low amount. Only when I've saved enough backup fund and was confident I could make as much as my previous jobs from coding did I go to full-time coding.

However, at that time there was no bootcamp with income sharing agreement & job placement in my country. If I were in your position now, I'd probably consider this option.

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Danielliew2758

thnak you so much for your sharing. much appreciated. :)