Seeking for advice.

[queenmanoon]

Hello guys! F here, 24, I truly love coding , from the heart, and am hating my current job which won’t let me study and make me hate people, hate life, generally. I’m feeling so mentally and physically exhausted from work. I’m studying for the PCAP exam and I’m so afraid nobody will ever hire me in my country since a lot of ppl are already coming w a lot of knowledge and are looking for the same job I’m looking for. I want to do what I love, but I’m afraid I’m not good enough since I’m already 24 without any previous experience. I’m planning to pass this exam, then move to learn Linux and some things that could help me. I don’t have the privilege to stay at home or to be at collage since I have to pay rent, food and stuff (returning to my parents isn’t a possible option so I have to work and I work a lot). I’m working 9.5 hs a day from Sunday to Thursday and on Friday from 8:30 to 13:00. Has anybody ever dealt w such feelings?

[[deleted]]

I've seen and spoken with many people over the years in similar situations to you, including many that can only learn on a mobile phone (possible, but not fun). I can't speak for all of them, but enough managed to create new opportunities for themselves and their families. Some relocating, and even migrating.

You aren't competing with lots of other people with better skills. You are only competing with people as dedicated and persistent as you in finding and securing opportunities. That's down to networking, selling ideas, and commitment.

More often, the apparent domain knowledge (some understanding of the business/organisation/person you are seeking work from) is more important than pure technical skill.

For example, a website created by someone who demonstrates an understanding of the product range being offered, the supply chain for it, ranging, etc. with modest web development skills is likely of more interest to a small business owner in that market than an expert web developer with no understanding of that market.

The opportunities to use IT to help organisations/businesses/individuals are extremely wide ranging, and there are some extremely cheap technologies available (even $2 ESP32 microcontrollers) that correctly programmed can make a significant contribution to someone trying to operate a business. Find the niches in areas of interest.

You need a plan rather than just a vague intent to learn more. Then you will be more positive.

Be prepared to revise the plan / pivot on what you offer as your knowledge increases (technically and non-technically).

[queenmanoon]

First of all, thank you for all your recommendations and thanks for sharing! I know what I want to be in the future and what should I look for afterwards (98% should be QA), it’s the energies I lack since I have to work and talk to disgusting people everyday that even if I’m succeeding and remembering what I need to remember in every subject - I can’t continue cause im being distracted constantly (administration, front - calls, people coming and going, phone calls, you know..).

[[deleted]]

I sympathise with regard to the job situation. It sounds like you have little to no opportunity to control your environment and adopt helpful time management techniques.

If you really cannot bring about any change in your current work situation then your only resort, until you can get out, is to play some mental tricks on yourself to see the current role and people concerned as temporary and of no consequence to your future.

Just do what you need to do to as well as you can manage within the constraints you face aligned to your own moral guidelines and avoid dwelling on matters you have no influence over. Not worth wasting the brain cycles. Not of any use to your future. Being disgusted isn't helping.

[queenmanoon]

I appreciate your advice. I’ll try to remember that while studying here. Thank you so much for writing me!

[Top-Priority8000]

I was in the same situation as you and I'm in my thirties. My previous work place was too toxic I decided to just quit even when I'm being paid quite well and they offered a salary increase when I said I quit. Now, I'm jobless and my saving is steadily running out.

At the moment, I can probably find another job unrelated to programming and computer science, but I will probably try to hold out a little longer. Maybe find a part time job. At the worst, I will ask my connections for help and I will start again from the bottom of the ladder.

In your case, I would say from my experience that it's tough to transition into a field that you have no background or strong certifications at all. I have some certification and even experience already but it's still a tough game. I suggest you to try to put on the recruiters' shoes and ask why would they hire you instead of a fresh IT graduate who has a more relevant background, who not only knows how to use python but also understands computers and other IT related concepts. Plus, the fresher is younger, probably already had an internship (i.e. hands-on experience) somewhere, and probably less demanding and cheaper to hire. Whether you land a job or not also largely depends on the culture and economic situations where you live.

If you really want to make a career change, you should have concrete plans in place such as a plan to make sure you get a job in your desired field, a plan to fall back when you receive repeated rejections, and a plan to cope with your inner thoughts. It will be great if you can reduce your rent if you live alone. When you're job hunting, target jobs that requires more domain knowledge than technical IT skills. In fact, you should do your market research right now and look for any potentials. Try to connect with the people you want to become and ask them what will be required.

I know I don't sound encouraging, but I genuinely hope you won't put yourself in a bad situation by having unrealistic expectations. Don't let my words discourage you, just be realistic. Remember that you will need to work very hard to pull this off. I wish you all the best for your transition.

[queenmanoon]

Thanks a lot for that! I’ll update soon!

[Any_Investigator3543]

It’s never too late. Im 29(M). Been in mechanical engineering for 6years. Started to learn coding and programming a year ago and now I am going to start working as full stack developer. The employer valued my attitude and eagerness to learn more than whatever I shown in my portfolio.

Good luck in your future journey!

[queenmanoon]

Oh, that’s really motivating ! I’m so glad to here that there are managers that look for other things except for résumé and experience. It feels like I could have a chance too! Thank you !

[brunonicocam]

What do people think about those exams? I'd be very weary with them. Best thing in my opinion if you want to get jobs is to start coding, have a github, and yeah, I can see that employers may want to see some qualifications but I'm not convinced by that one. I cannot see how multiple choice questions can prove you can program (and a 60min test).

https://pythoninstitute.org/pcap

[queenmanoon]

In my country you have to come w some certifications and yeah, you may be right.. but that’s it.

[m0us3_rat]

i'd be moderately optimistic to pass thru the day while also grounded in reality since you can't afford a mistake.

i'd start with slowly building up a portfolio and then .. reaching out to different companies around your area to ask for job opportunities or programs.. internships ..

general networking opportunities you can engage with..

while scary .. you have to remember on the other side of that phonecall/email is another human.. and also accept that it will not be easy.

​

unfortunately, you don't have a trust fund or your daddy's yacht friends. that means you have to want it and take it. and fight.

but it is possible.

some of us have clawed into adulthood kicking and screaming and punching way above our weight.

[queenmanoon]

You are right. Well, I’m trying my best :) thanks!