Debugging my career path after falling out with life
Image by Christina Morillo on Canva
When I was a kid, my dad sat me in front of a ...
Some comments have been hidden by the post's author - find out more
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
Awesome story. I’ve worked with a lot of great engineers who entered the field ‘later in life’ and/or via the side door. They always have some great perspectives that folks who’ve been in the field since they entered the workforce don’t.
I appreciate the encouragement, Luke! It's comforting to know different paths into tech are valued.
Every job I held as an adult designated me as the “computer person.” If you had a problem with a spreadsheet or a file that wouldn’t upload, I was the one who could figure out why.
ATTACKED. Instead of a high school guidance counselor, this was my mom! I could feel her rolling her eyes when I said I wanted to work with computers, and she said I should get a job at a hospital or a govt JOB -- I could do computer stuff as a hobby. Even when I took it super serious and enrolled in night school, the way she was so unenthusiastic about it made me unenroll because I felt like I shouldn't do it.
Now this behavior was from someone who would ask me a million times how to do something instead of writing it down. Unbelievable.
Like you, at almost every job I've had, I've fixed things instead of IT, I've learned work arounds for blocks company have imposed. I figured things OUT. I really wish that I had've taken the time to learn more during the pandemic, but I was so used to just giving up on things that I went on with my inconsistencies and although I did eventually get an IT job, it wasn't where I truly wanted to be.
Anyway, you've inspired me to keep pushing with my coding! I'm mostly studying during the week , but I'm going to make sure to do small projects on the weekend so that I can recall what I've learned. You've earned a follow~!
Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty. It's tough when the people closest to us don't understand, but it sounds like you've found a path forward despite the challenges. Your determination is inspiring. Thanks for the follow, and I'm here cheering you on!
Burn out is no joke. Thank you for this reminder.
Great story, and welcome back!
I love the Canva images you made to break the sections 🤩
Thanks Tyler! I love messing around in Canva 😁
Wow, this is such a cool story to read! Your persistence is inspiring, Nicole... your writing is awesome too! 🙌
Side note: I also don't have an appendix. Mine tried to kill me at age 15! When I can't find my words, I blame it on not having an appendix. Feel free to take that dad joke with ya! 😝
Michael, thanks! Your kind words about my story and writing mean a lot. And that appendix (or lack thereof) dad joke is gold. 😆 I’ll definitely be using that one. Glad we’re both in the no-appendix club and still kicking!
You are very welcome and thanks the thoughtful response!
Also haha, glad you dig the joke! I'm always happy to share bad jokes with folks. 😁
After such a well written inspiring story, I immediatly subscribed and I hope you will share the next episodes of your journey with us Nicole :)
Thanks a ton for subscribing! I’m so glad my story resonated with you. I'm looking forward to sharing more experiences on Dev.
These are the articles I enjoy on DEV, real-life struggles but if you’re a dev at heart, you’ll always come back to it. I didn’t discover any form of programming until I was in my early 30s, but I was immediately hooked. Now I’m 40 and only in my 3rd year as a software developer, but it’s ok cos no day at work feels like work, and that’s what we’re looking for really.
All that matters is doing what you enjoy, from your article I believe you’re great at what you do, because it sounds like you love it ☺️
Thanks for sharing, Fiji! Hearing that you dove into programming in your early 30s and haven’t looked back is so motivating. 🙌🏼
@likeatruckberserker I agree with your statement. Seems like everybody is selling you something to get ahead. The articles on DEV has enhanced my outlook not just for the IT industry for life in general especially as I get older.
To keep my head above water, I leaned hard into things that helped me chill out – hitting the gym, hanging with pals, and getting lost in creative projects. These coping mechanisms were lifesavers, helping me find some equilibrium between work and play.
Thanks for sharing and of course keep going!
Finding that equilibrium is so important, and it sounds like you’ve found some great ways to achieve it. Thanks for the encouragement and for sharing what works for you!
Thank you deeply for sharing your heartening story. My passion for technology and computers has always been a part of me, though life's twists and turns often led me elsewhere. There are moments when I question whether it might be simpler to let go of my dream. However, encountering stories like yours reignites my resolve and encourages me to pursue it just a bit longer.
Thank you for sharing that, Kingsley-Eghianruwa. It’s comforting to know we’re not alone in our struggles and doubts. If my story could offer a bit of encouragement, then sharing it was worth it. Keep pushing forward!
Beautiful piece.
Thank you for sharing!! My story is much like yours but I've been stuck - super ashamed that I was burnt out by my greatest passion. This gives me hope. Thank you <3
Hello fellow Arizonan! 🌵 I appreciate your comment, SKate. Burnout can feel isolating, but it's a more common experience than many realize. It's a sign that you've put a lot into what you love. I'm heartened to hear my story brought you hope. There's a way forward, and you're not alone.
I didn't even see you're in AZ too, hello!! Thank you so much, your words are beautiful - you have great perspective. I started with computers just a little after you, still on dial up though! It's so so hard because I only see the people who have stuck with it, never hear from the ones who took a break that was longer than they thought it would be. I'm 32 and want to do so much but feel like I've accomplished so little.
Stepping away does matter. Very few recognize and understand that.
I appreciate your comment, Stefan. It’s true, recognizing when to take a step back is a skill in itself and so important for our growth and well-being. Glad you see the value in it!
hey me too
Beautiful , good for you ! Proud en go on you will make it you are never to old !
Thanks so much, Nick! Your encouragement means a lot to me.
It takes courage to start over, wish you best of luck and welcome back!
I appreciate your encouragement, Ramo! Starting over isn't easy, but messages like yours make the journey feel a bit less daunting.
This is a great story on seeing things from different perspectives, thank you for the insight!
Much appreciated, Raheem! It's comments like yours that encourage me to keep sharing.
Thank you soooooooo much for this post ! <3
Thank you, CoLoDot! Your support and enthusiasm brighten my Monday.
Excellent writing and perspective.
Thanks, Rob! I’m glad you appreciated the writing and perspective. It’s always great to hear feedback from someone making their own switch in tech.
I was truly moved by your story, Nicole. It resonates deeply with my own experiences in tech and life’s unpredictable journey. Your determination to overcome obstacles and rediscover your passion for programming is both inspiring and relatable.
Thank you for sharing your story with such openness. :)
These days it's much easier to code compared to a few years ago, specifically with the rise of helpful tools present out there. Happy to see you're starting again. I wish you all the best in this lovable journey!
Thanks for writing this up! An important experience and lots that hits close to home. I'm glad you're finding your way out of your burnout and I hope you've learnt the signs so you can avoid it sooner :) Stepping away helped me as well, and like any strong relationship sometimes a bit of rekindling is what you need.
Best of luck on your journey!
Great job man! I really do not understand why people are always assuming someone is in tech cuz of big money. It is really enjoyable to make something you love - of course you can not go without an uphill once in a while. The most important thing is to to what you love and try really hard not to overthink the subjectivity.
It is never too late to start!
Keep on the great work, I am sure you will find your way :).