Why I Left My Former Job for Programming? (the Journey)
Overview
In today's fast-paced world, programming is like a supercharged rocket. It propels us into a future filled with endless possibilities. With awesome comunities and tools making our developer lives easier, the field is not just booming—it's also way robust! Sure, the great pay and improved quality of life are major perks, but my journey into programming was all about following my heart (well, mostly!).
- A Little Bit of Background
- The Change
- Why Programming?
- What Does the Future Hold for Us Programmers?
- Should You Take the Plunge?
A Little Bit of Background
My coding adventure began at the age of 11 when I dipped my toes into classic HTML. It may not have seemed like much at first, but the power to tinker with a webpage and make it my own? That felt like being a hacker prodigy to my 11-year-old self!
Despite my early passion, I didn't have a clear path. I started dabbling in web development. However, the lack of direction from myself made me doubtful. I grew up in a small town. The tech job scene was as barren as the Sahara. The "safe" choice seemed to stick to what was familiar.
So, at 18, I took the leap into civil engineering. It seemed like the golden ticket—steady job market, heaps of potential, and societal approval. But as the years passed, working in different roles, I realized something: it wasn't for me.
The Change
Then came the mandatory 24-month military conscription. It's a rite of passage in my country. During this time, two things happened. I learned more about the world around me than I ever thought possible, and I had a serious reality check. Life was too short to chase the wrong dreams—I owed it to myself to pursue my passion.
Why Programming?
Computers had always been my jam. Every little detail about them obsessed me. And when I finally dove into real programming, it was like finding my calling. I knew right away that the computer was where I belonged. JavaScript became my best buddy; it was approachable, familiar, and just plain cool. I mean, who wouldn't fall in love with JavaScript after that first console.log() moment? It was magic—my "hello world" echoing back at me from my browser with just one line of code!
And the best part? Programming wasn't limiting me anymore. My horizons expanded, and I realized that no matter where I went on this Earth, my console.log("Hello world") would speak volumes.
Solving a problem that seems impossible at first makes you feel like a genius. Programming is all about problem-solving, regardless of the language.
What Does the Future Hold for Us Programmers?
The future is looking mighty bright for us! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a huge 22% growth in demand for software developers from 2020 to 2030. This is thanks to the expansion of mobile and web apps, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report echoes this. It highlights the growing need for advanced programming skills in the job market.
LinkedIn's Workforce Report also backs this up, ranking software development as one of the top skills in demand in the U.S. job market. And Glassdoor's Economic Research? Strong demand for software engineers and developers is driving tech companies hungry for talent. They want to drive innovation and digital transformation.
If all these reasons, along with your passion, don't scream "go for it!" then I don't know what does. But hold on a second.
Should You Take the Plunge?
Deciding to dive into programming isn't a decision to take lightly. It's a journey that requires hard work, determination, and a love for problem-solving. Make sure you've got the skills. Scope out the job market. Consider the financial implications. Think about how it fits into your life goals and work-life balance.
My journey into programming has been a ride filled with self-discovery, challenges, and a whole lot of joy. It has taught me that following your passion isn't just about finding a job. It's about finding yourself. If you're as passionate about programming as I am, the future is yours for the taking. So, what are you waiting for? Let's code our way to a brighter tomorrow!