In 2017, I was working in sales, a career that was comfortable but not entirely fulfilling. My turning point came when I was working with Excel. I kept thinking, there has to be a better and easier way to do this. That curiosity led me to discover front-end development, and little did I know that this path would change my life.
Taking the First Step
Determined to explore this new world, I enrolled in a six-month, in-person programming course in my local town. It was challenging at first—I had no prior experience in coding. The concepts felt overwhelming, and many times, I doubted myself. There were moments when I thought I was going nowhere, feeling like I wasn’t making any real progress. I even questioned if I was smart enough for this field. Impostor syndrome was real, and it still creeps in from time to time.
However, I found motivation in reading stories of people who had transitioned into tech without a Computer Science degree. If they could do it, so could I. My biggest driving force, though, was my kids—I had to make it for them.
The Real Challenges Begin
After completing the course, I was eager to get hired. But breaking into the industry was tough. I started my career as a software tester, a role that wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, but it was a step into the tech world. About a year later, a front-end developer position opened up in my company, and I seized the opportunity.
One of the hardest challenges came when I landed my first real big project. That was when I truly realized—I knew nothing. The learning curve was steep, and every task felt like a mountain to climb. However, with relentless practice and patience, I pushed through. Over time, everything started making more sense. With each “Eureka!” moment, my confidence grew, and I felt more capable than ever.
Since then, I’ve worked on multiple projects, including volunteer ones, each teaching me something new. Every project is unique, and that’s what keeps programming exciting.
Tips for Aspiring Developers
Looking back, here are three things I would tell anyone starting out:
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Never give up. The road will seem dark, and progress might feel slow, but trust the process. Eventually, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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Practice relentlessly. You can read all the theory in the world, but nothing beats hands-on coding. Practice is the mother of all learning.
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Stay humble. No matter how much you think you know, there’s always someone smarter. Be open to learning from everyone—whether in interviews, at work, or within the developer community.
Final Thoughts
The journey from sales to software development wasn’t easy. It was filled with doubts, setbacks, and countless hours of learning. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The struggles made the victories even sweeter, and the challenges turned into stepping stones.
If you’re thinking about making a career switch into programming, know that it’s possible. Keep pushing forward, keep learning, and most importantly—believe in yourself. The road might be harsh, but the results are worth it.