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What's your 'breaking into tech' pandemic plan?

Sarah on April 20, 2020

Breaking into tech is hard enough, and adding a global pandemic to the equation doesn't make it any easier. If you're a career changer, or a code n...
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leob profile image
leob

"I am lucky to have a job at an amazing company with a great team" - count your blessings! Plenty of people don't have a job, or lost the job they had as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Just a thought, can't you try to move into (web) dev at your current company?

If you're happy with them (as you say you are) and they are happy with you (as I assume) then the two of you shouldn't part. As they're in the digital business already why don't you offer to do some pet projects for them at no extra pay/salary, sort of as an internship next to your paid job.

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heysarahpaz profile image
Sarah

Hi Leo - Yes, that's what I'm trying to do - I mentioned in the post that I'm trying to transition into a web dev role at my current company. I've already had the discussions with my boss, and I do code on the job already, sooo I'll keep my fingers crossed and hopefully will have a follow up blog post with good news.

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leob profile image
leob

Sounds good, I'm sure you'll get there!

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ecsyoungcodes profile image
Sui

This is a great plan, especially about not being too hard on yourself!!!

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heysarahpaz profile image
Sarah

It's definitely hard to not be hard on yourself, but yes - it's much needed at times like this. We are all going through a lot, any progress IS progress!

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mooseseatgrass profile image
Sarah St. Timmerman

Hello fellow Sarah!

I'm brand new to the tech field, making a career as well. I'm finishing up the code bootcamp I started in January. I'm going to use our regular class time as dedicated study time when we are finished. I've got a long list projects that I'm excited to work on, topics to research and I'm saving as many job postings as I can find. I'm working on making this career development and learning time a habit so that I will stay productive outside of class. I just got done reading Atomic Habits and I think following the suggestions in that book will be a game changer for me!

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heysarahpaz profile image
Sarah

Hello Sarah! I actually have Atomic Habits in my long list of books to read, and this reply motivated me to jump on Amazon and order it, so thank you! And congrats on taking the leap into tech! Nearing the end of your bootcamp is a huge milestone, celebrate it! Do you find that certain times of the day are most productive for you? Morning vs afternoon vs night? Also, starting conversations with some companies now before you graduate may be a good idea. If you haven't gone to many virtual meetups yet, try to fit those into your schedule too. You'll definitely make some great connections!

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mooseseatgrass profile image
Sarah St. Timmerman

I feel like I'm most productive in the morning, but I absolutely have to get enough sleep for that to happen. Otherwise it's a wash. I can get some good work done in the afternoon too once I get into my office space. I used to do a lot work at night in college, but I've shifted away from that. What about you?

I've been going to meet ups and will continue to do so. I'm fortunate to have a community organization here that fosters those relationships.

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Kyle Hunter

Great plan! I think the steps in your plan are really positive and can provide a big upside. These uneasy times can be difficult so it is really important to take care of yourself as well through it all! Good luck and looking forward to reading how it works out!

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heysarahpaz profile image
Sarah

Thanks Kyle! I hope I'll be able to share some good news in a following blog post! Fingers crossed!

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Sarah

That's great news that you're starting to feel more drive and confidence, Justin! Stay at home first felt like an opportunity to tackle on more studying, but quickly I realized it's the opposite. Maybe if you tweet your progress more (as small as it may seem), you'll feel more motivated with feedback from your followers. That seems to push me a bit.. Good luck with everything, I'm trying to land my first dev job too. It's a tough time, but we'll get through! Stay positive.