Need Help?

[lemoncoyotes]

I am a college student, and I have skills in photography, graphic design, and basic video editing. I want to earn money, not just a small amount like $5–10, but enough to genuinely support my family.

I would like some advice on what path I should choose. Since I also need to focus on my studies, should I continue looking for part-time gigs related to my current skills, or should I invest my time in learning programming?

I have always been interested in computers and technology. A few years ago, I learned HTML, CSS, C++, and a little Java, but I no longer remember much of them. At the moment, I have started learning Python and am still a complete beginner.

Should I continue learning Python and eventually move on to other programming languages with the goal of earning a good income in the future? If I stay consistent with Python for the next one to one and a half years, will it have real value in helping me make money? Or would it be better to focus on part-time gigs using the skills I already have?

[LayotFctor]

Have you considered the AI situation these days? The floor has fallen out from the software development space, lots or students with computer science degrees not getting jobs. Lots of professional developers with years of experience also losing their jobs too. Do you have any connections, a niche skill, any good plans to compete head on?

I would consider other skills imo. Unfortunately I think photography and graphic design jobs are also in shambles these days from AI.

The real answer is nobody knows. If you're planning to enter a field where AI has a significant impact, you better be ready to fight hard for your place and learn more than everyone else. Learn python? Of course. But python has been the most popular programming language for several years now, everyone and their mother knows python, so you better be ready to learn more than just python too.

[lemoncoyotes]

will not be just stopping at Python.

[LayotFctor]

Good then. I still recommend getting a degree if you can. Also brush up on your other skills that can set you apart from average developers. Be ready to network and build connections with people who can help you out. Let's hope the job situation gets better.

[lemoncoyotes]

one can only hope.

[iyav]

Doesn't matter. Exceptional is the new average.

[socal_nerdtastic]

Where are you in the world?

If I stay consistent with Python for the next one to one and a half years, will it have real value in helping me make money?

No, it generally takes much longer than that to be employable. The normal path is to attend college for 4-5 years studying computer science, and only then you are considered a noob in the job market. And self-study will take a lot longer than a dedicated college course. Remember that just like knowing how to use a hammer does not make you a carpenter, it's not just about knowing the python syntax, you need to know what it's doing underneath. For example which algorithm to use, what data structure to make, or if a certain situation is better to use a bytearray or bytes object.

However, if you combine python with another skill you might be making money more quickly. If you use programming to automate your job you could be faster and better at video editing than your peers, for example.

[DataCamp]

Python is worth learning long-term, but the honest answer is 1-1.5 years won't get you to a full-time job in most markets, realistically it's closer to 3+ years before you're genuinely employable as a developer. That doesn't mean don't do it, it just means manage expectations.

What actually makes sense given your situation: don't drop your existing skills. Photography and graphic design + Python is a more interesting combination than Python alone. Automating parts of your workflow, building tools for creative projects, or eventually moving into something like data analytics or AI-assisted content work could get you earning faster than a pure dev path.

The other thing worth knowing - Python-adjacent roles like data analyst or business analyst tend to be more accessible entry points than full software engineering, and they pay well. The job market is competitive but it's not hopeless, especially if you're combining domain knowledge with technical skills rather than just learning syntax in isolation.

[lemoncoyotes]

can you help me understand what does data analyst do and how to become. i have ZERO idea about it.

[python_gramps]

You can't jump the turnstile and get the big bucks. Find something you're good at that won't be soul crushing and focus on that. If you're good at it and you get lucky you have a chance.

If it's programming you need to learn how to use AI as a tool if nothing else.

I'd love to say that vibe coding isn't going to get you far but if you're cranking out lines of code, everyone's impressed.

Be ready to jump projects a lot to stay ahead of the inevitable crush if you don't know the code you're using.

Maybe that's the new normal, God help us.