On changing careers

#13

I recently left a job that I liked for another that paid more. After 6 months I went back to my old job. The pay definitely wasn’t worth going somewhere that didn’t pique my interests and utilize my skills. I’m back in the old (slightly) lower paying job and I’ve never been happier.

that said, I added some additional from-home work on the side in the meantime. I happen to have a skill set where I can contract with outside parties and still work full time at a 9-5 job. Interestingly, it is CS/Web development.

HOWEVER - If I were you, I’d be looking for a niche in the coding area. Anyone can be a coder, what makes a coder special and in demand is their ability to code AND understand the industry they work in, as well as how to communicate with the people that work in that industry. It so happens I don’t have any CS degree at all (I have undergrads in English lit and creative writing and a masters in education), and this turns out to be my strength in comparison to others that might compete with me for consulting clientele.

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#14

I believe my advertising/marketing degrees will come in handy at some point. And while, yes, anyone can become a coder, the demand here is so high right now that it’s unlikely the market will be saturated to the same point as marketing professionals any time soon.

#15

Those marketing and advertising skills are definitely going to serve you well. I’ve also found a lot of use for people that are both graphic designers and coders, in case you have any design skills in the marketing and advertising bundle.

#16

I do, actually! In the near future, after I’ve launched my career as a coder, I’m intending to look into UI/UX design as an further option.

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#17

YES. That’s a great idea. I think you’re on the right track. I think you’ll find plenty of people not only that want you to work for them, but are willing to give you a bit of lifestyle flexibility as well. In my experience, that matters more than anything. :punch:

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#18

Where did you learn to code? Form a book or a website like codecademy Udacity?

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#19

Not gonna happen. These days, as out of practise (and many more years of smoking) I sound like Harry Secombe (Google him). lol

Was quite chuffed the fiancée was delighted in my singing in 2017 when we went to a night time carol service at the local zoo… Was well cool

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#20

Who cares we still wanna see/hear ya so get to practicing

#21

I’ll study on a bootcamp starting April. Until then, I’ll do some Codecademy and Udacity courses - as well as a prep course provided by the bootcamp I’ll attend.

If you have the time and discipline, you can surely learn coding from those websites alone. That was initially my plan. The thing about studying at home is that it doesn’t work as well once you have a family, specially with a baby. Plus, on a in-person class in have the chance to exchange with your peers and an experienced coder - the teacher.

#22

Personally, I got a job first and learned to code later :sweat_smile:

No, actually I was working in public schools as a teacher, they needed someone to pilot a classroom set of ipads, then someone to run an LMS, so I learned those skills as a teacher. Mostly from websites like w3schools, youtube videos, and trial-and-error. Now I’ve just got enough experience that I don’t get asked about that sort of thing anymore, and if I do I show examples rather than certifications or degrees.

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#23
#24

I show my respect to you, I also made a career move!
I used to be a TV program producer!:grin:

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#25

Sometimes the money, hassle and stress just are not worth it.

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#26

Exactly the same thing happened to my wife ! She also changed jobs and finally went back to the one she liked - with less pay. The job is very important - also the climate and your colleges are important. And after this money comes in third place.

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#27

Exactly. Except that, in my current job, I have just an unsurmountable amount of hassle and stress for little money. I’ll be ok with the exact same salary, even a little less, on a better work environment.

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#28

Singer/soloists, TV producers… This thread revealed a lot of surprises! :smile:

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Hidden talents - show us yours!
#29

I applaud your decision to get into the Information Technology world. I have been a proud member professionally working in it for over 17 years. Without complicating any of your decisions the only suggestion I would provide is since you are already starting to get training I would encourage to integrate some sort of Security Training into your plan. IT Security is a very highly sought after skill these days and also an exciting field to be in. If you have any interest and would like to learn more then by all means let me know and I will be more than happy to share ideas. This goes for anyone in the forum.

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#30

Ja indeed, IT security is an important thing.
But when regarding all the “hacks” occurring :

The human being not taking care about his data security.
Member of uncounted so called “Social medias” offering there all data he can offer and last not least using smart home : everything connected to the “cloud”
I like to say “klaut” -> " “geklaut” -> “klauen” (german : stolen -> steal) :joy:

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#31

I actually left out that I was a butcher. Organic specialist, sausage maker (go ahead and make jokes), and farm-to-table supply manager. I’ve cut beef, pork, chicken, turkey, bison, elk, deer, goat, lamb, and too many fish to list from whole carcass to steak/filet/grind/sausage/etc. You name it, I’ve cut it :meat_on_bone::poultry_leg::sushi::hamburger::hotdog::ox::cow::pig2::sheep::rooster::goat::chicken:

#32

https://media.giphy.com/media/12Nv3nBSCAbLO0/giphy.gif :laughing:

So when it’s BBQ season, it’s wise to have you on speed dial :slight_smile:

Quite a set of careers some have, or have had, on this thread :thumbsup:

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