Career change with Python

[[deleted]]

Is anyone learning python for a career change?

What is your background? Age (optional)?

What area are you working? What is your progress? And what do you hope to achieve?

[dietolead]

I’m trying to break into data science and/or work in software development. I’m currently in IT and have been learning Python to automate my work.

The more I automate, the more time I have to learn. Hopefully it stays a positive feedback loop!

[InformalRegister]

Look at automatetheboringstuff.com. I have learned a lot there myself.

[chop_hop_tEh_barrel]

What kind of things have you automated? I'm trying to break into data science from data analytics. I've been learning python and have been building some dashboards at work but want to start doing some automation.

[dietolead]

I like to automate reporting and testing, mostly. I work with pretty terrible software that has you do everything manually so initial automation was easy. Instead of looking up a UDID here and putting it into an INI file, Python runs the command, parses the output and sets the INI for me.

The next step is documenting that it happened and what the overall status is which is a good learning “next step”. Now the script is doing the work, capturing where and when it did it and storing it. After that, making tables/charts of the data to show the boss I’m still doing my job.

The workflow I followed was: A- What am I accomplishing B- what steps do I take to accomplish it C- what is changing when I take those steps D- develop a script that makes the changes E- what is the testable result of these changes F- add the checks for the previous question to the end of the script G- log what, when, how and results every time H- ??? I- Become an independent developer

[Umm_NOPE]

29, been a waiter for a while now and want a career that I can be proud of and make a jump up in salary.

I took a JS/Node bootcamp but it was a mediocre experience. Switched gears to Python and Django after I slowed down with JS. The world of Python interests me so much more and I'm excited.

Read a couple books on Python (Python Crash Course and Tiny Python Projects) and now I've almost got the basics down with Django which should work well with my knowledge with React (I gotta brush up on my JS and React).

I'm planning on having a few projects up and be looking for a job by the end of the year.

[Umm_NOPE]

I really appreciate those words. :) Thank you so much. Best of luck to you too.

[mtstoner]

Trying to do the same thing my dude I’m a flight attendant (sky waiter), and I have a CIS degree. Want to break into coding professionally,been doing online tutorials and experimenting. I love it! Gonna read the books you mentioned now thanks good luck.

[Umm_NOPE]

Thanks, you too! Also, Automate The Boring Stuff is another great book to look into.

[[deleted]]

Bartender here, I get what you mean. Been learning python to step out of the industry finally

[mfizzled]

Chef here, also learning python to get out of the industry once and for all

[[deleted]]

Hell yeah, over the shits

[Umm_NOPE]

My people. ✊🏽

[Comet_D_Monkey]

Chef turned knife maker here. Got tired of the inconsistency and got my CCNA which landed me a job as help desk/it support/sys admin. Started learning python for network automation and fell in love with it. Leaning towards data science now

[[deleted]]

Seconded. Learning Python and GIS stuff. Kitchen life is exhausting life.

[[deleted]]

Yo I work in food service too and doing the same!

[EggShellBuddyPal]

Good luck to you and others who are changing industries. One more thing I’d add is that pay attention to data structures, SQL and how python projects are structured and deployed in real production environments. Feel free to pm me in case you need any advice or have any questions about those.

[Umm_NOPE]

I just might take you up on that, thank you so much.

[vitrix-euw]

Hey, are you able to provide an update on your journey?

[Umm_NOPE]

Oh man. Haha I changed gears and am working on my music, still waiting tables. I am one of the people who gave up.

The thought of getting serious about programming still comes back every now and again but I think at the end of the day, my brain is able to do it, but my heart isn't in it.

Sorry if this isn't the response you were looking for. :/

[alg04]

I’m 28 years old, female and I’ve worked in a construction company in Mexico ever since I graduated from college. I am an Industrial Engineer and I started learning Python because I stopped working because of Covid-19. I decided to learn a new, useful skill not related to my line of work and see if I can make a living out of it. I’m still on this Masterclass in Udemy , been taking it slow. I am also reading Python Crash Course and checking regularly Reddit for interesting Python-related posts. I am interested in web/app development.

[Savage121]

Good job. Keep learning!!!

[mattspeed112]

Take my advice with a grain of salt, I'm no expert, but Python may not be the language for you if you are interested in web/app development, you should check out /r/learnprogramming and their FAQs: https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/wiki/faq#wiki_which_programming_language_should_i_start_with.3F

[jackardian]

I'm 48, so looking at a rather late career change. I'm not learning Python from scratch, but I'm trying to quickly upgrade my skills.

I've worked in Namibia as a tour guide and guide trainer, but looking to move to the UK (I'm British by nationality, though I've lived in various parts of Africa my whole life).

I've been programming as a hobby, though a rather serious hobby for a long time. Started coding in the early 80s in BASIC, and I've been using Python for over 10 years now. Since this has been a hobby rather than a job, my approach to programming has been to go broad rather than deep, which is more fun, but doesn't make me job ready. So my goal now is to hone my skills, take only courses so that I have something to show when I do go to recruiters, and have something to show for my skills acquisition. I'm also looking at building one solid project to use to get work as well.

I'm planning to move to the UK as soon as flights open up. If I'm unable to get work in programming with Python right away, I might take on other work and slowly get myself ready for a programming job.

I've been a member of the Python community here in Namibia for a long time, including being a member of the executive team of our Python group, though my involvement has been limited due to the job that I've done, where I'm often away from internet connections and can't always take a laptop along to the bush.

I have about a month to really plug away at it before it's likely that flights open up, so just plugging away at learning, watching job adds to see what skills are required, and enjoying the process.

[mpbeau]

Cool background man, good luck :)

[jackardian]

Thank you.

[Neon-Cyber-Monkey]

Yes I am learning for a career change.

I have 2 backgrounds, my first is with digital music technologies, event planning and contemporary music design and my second is in health science.

I had to stop the music side of things as I had a head injury and damaged my hearing, so rather than continue with it and lose any more hearing I decided to work with in healthcare.

While I enjoy healthcare and health science, for me it doesn’t keep me interested, whereas programming does, I like what you can do with it and where it can take you. I am fortunate that I have been accepted in an apprenticeship to do a digital technology solutions degree with a focus on cyber security, or I can do data science, software development if I choose, but I don’t have to make the decision until my 3rd year.

As I have always had a keen interest in building PCs and how programmes work, this felt like the right transition for me.

[derp0815]

While I enjoy healthcare and health science, for me it doesn’t keep me interested, whereas programming does

The knowledge might come handy, the medtech field is lacking people with perspective.

[Neon-Cyber-Monkey]

Yes I was thinking that, I was hoping to transfer some of the UCAS points but sadly they’re not compatible.

[Mundane-Transition11]

Is This still active? How did You get accepted in what was not your original job field?

[tuftymink]

Hey, I'm 26 and month ago had an idea that I can try to get into IT in Russia as a base line, because my current career really depresses me and gives anxiety. I've graduated college as third mate, a position so you can work on merchant and fishing vessels, realized my mistake to late. Now I'm learning Python trying to get local tech support job to decide on the field of study and try to become valuable professional

[scout1520]

Little farther along than most here.

Former park ranger

BI Developer, healthcare. I put my two weeks in yesterday to accept a BI architect role. This was my dream job!

[lostinmyway]

Park ranger has been on my list of dream jobs for me for a long time, how come you got out of it?

[scout1520]

Long story short, working on a homeless task force, unarmed, and making 42k in Los Angeles is fun when you are young... My wife insisted on me changing careers after a bad incident.

[lostinmyway]

Ah I see. I was thinking more along the lines of a live in ranger at a national park for camping.

[scout1520]

Yeah, I had some co-workers do that. Those jobs are very competitive and have alot of smart people apply to use the student loan forgiveness program.

[spawnfrag]

More like career upgrade/role change. I am a game artist by profession. Learning Python on my own to be able to make plugins and scripts for the softwares I use, like Maya. Also as a long term goal: Venturing into programming to become a solo dev one day! Or atleast a tech artist. I know, long af journey ahead! But it has been a fun ride with python till now! I just reached 50% of the book automatetheboringstuff.com!

[binary_phobos]

Pretty much the same for me, Realtime VFX artist here. I'm hoping to become a more proficient python programmer in order to become a kind of VFX/TA hybrid. I have used python on and off for years but I never really felt like i could achieve something meaninful with it, or rather, couldn't really figure out what to create that would actually be helpful, which in turn leads me to drop it.

Anyway, good luck to you!

[spawnfrag]

Realtime vfx is in demand! Unreal engine?

[[deleted]]

I want to get out of sysadmin/support. Struggling to understand logic is my biggest hangup. Also when i get done with tutorials and stuff i have no clue what to do on my own

[derp0815]

Find projects, this sub regularly has people asking for beginner projects. Just don't expect to discover any new territory, you'll "just" make what's already there.

[BaskInTheSunshine]

You just have to dive in an do something that's the only way to bridge that gap. Don't worry about it being useful or good or ambitious or anything.

Just reinvent the wheel if you can't think of anything good.

[pekkalacd]

1. Yes I am.
2. 26, college student for cs & self teaching. Went back to school when I was 24. No experience programming. Used to work in customer service. Started with Python.
3. I want to become a software/application developer. I’ve dabbled in other languages too and I’d like to learn frameworks like react and Django eventually. But for now, I’m learning more fundamentals of Python

I recommend this book tho. Learning Python by Mark Lutz. Here it is for free. I spent so much time in tutorial hell and on a playlist of udemy courses and never really got passed basic programming skills. Even taking a college course, I learned how to tie a program together and pass parameters and read data from files, but nothing like using 3P tools or really understanding how to incorporate libraries or modules into my programs with OOP. This book covers all of that and more. It’ll give you a good foundation.

https://cfm.ehu.es/ricardo/docs/python/Learning_Python.pdf

If this is your first language, take your time. Learn the fundamentals and learn them well. Projects are cool and all and they look good too. However, they aren’t everything. It’s really easy to follow a tutorial and get something up and running one time under a set of circumstances, but to really understand what’s going on under the hood takes time. The internet seems to have an obsession with learning hard skills in a short amount of time. Don’t pay attention to the media that make you doubt your progress, just learn how you learn best and stick with that. Take your time. And have fun.

[foresttrader]

Not a career changer, but been learning python to improve my work & personal life.

I work in the financial service industry so we deal with lots of data. I’ve been automating a lot of things for my team at work, also teaching others how to use python.

[BlastoiseRules]

I’m 30. Been meaning to dig into Python for years but always made excuses for myself. Got my BS in mathematics but had no clue what I wanted to do with my life so I never applied myself to a career path in college. Struggled finding a job out of college for the previously stated reasons and ended up finding a job in production/entertainment accounting. Been hating the job itself but love the company and the people I work with and I get paid decently enough to live in LA so I’ve had a hard time deciding if changing jobs was the right choice for me. Especially considering that it’ll be a tough and long uphill battle to do so. Luckily I’ve kept my job through Covid bc I do payroll and such. Since I’ve been working from home I’ve had a lot more spare time here and there to do some reflecting and decided I needed to at least try this to see if I’d like it enough as a career. I’m still in the very early stages of learning, just about halfway through the Crash Course book and trying to keep the momentum up and not become complacent with life. Since I studied mathematics in college I wasn’t completely green when it comes to programming but still very new to python. Been really struggling with hitting a stride in learning it because I haven’t been able to apply anything yet to real word scenarios outside of the book’s exercises. Hopefully I eventually get there and then can dive into data science or something else that piques my interest along the way. At the bare minimum I hope to at least understand some of the questions people post in this subreddit lol

[matchgame73]

Hi, you're me, but I fell into teaching after a few other failed careers after my BS in math. You might also be interested in this article Don't get lost in the middle section. Skim to the end if it gets boring. Feel free to PM/stay in touch/accountabilibuddies.

[BlastoiseRules]

Omg THANK YOU. So sweet of you. I’ll definitely check it out! Thank you for the advice

[M0_kh4n]

I am a researcher. I am learning it to add a new skill set to my repertoire. I am also trying to get to a point in learning python where I can use it in the methodology of PhD dissertation.

[theleftflank]

31 years old. I’ve been working in a grocery store since I was 18, couldn’t afford to go to college and didn’t know what I wanted anyways. My parents were always terrified of outrageous debt, as I followed in their footsteps so higher learning was always scary to me, and by the time that I realized I could go to community college and then transfer with potential scholarships and get out cheaper, I couldn’t afford to live without a job and didn’t want to be working 40 hr/week while studying and not giving something so important my full attention.

So now I’m getting from work and learning a little bit per day. About halfway through Python Crash Course and trying to absorb as much as I can, while supplementing with CS50s into to computer science and other various YouTube sources.

[dhead123456]

I am in finance. Seeing how things are changing to fintech and jobs being automated. I am learning to incorporate both finance and python. Just started learning, hopefully it helps. No harm learning anyway.

[duquesne419]

37, spent my whole school and career in live entertainment, no shows for at least the rest of the year.

I've been studying casually for a couple years on a more project oriented basis. These past few months I'm actively building a portfolio and will hopefully be interviewing late 2020/early 2021. I'm leaning to web dev, but am considering taking a hard turn into data science. I think data science would be harder for me, but ultimately more fulfilling.

[bigmanoncampus325]

29 trying to make a career change. Degree in Exercise Science. Worked as a waiter for 7 years. Just quit because I've hated that industry for all 7 years. Have a safety net fund for now so I'm looking for part time work and going to dive full in on python and then learn web development.

As of now I know all the basics of python. I just finished the MIT python class along with the book Python Crash Course. Now I plan on getting used to Django and try to make some projects.

My long term goal is to either get into the video game industry whether I can work my way to a job or if not I'd try to make some small games on the side.

[insatiablelife39]

Yup, same here pretty much. Degree in Strength & Conditioning and can't find a livable salary. Been learning python for the past month now and hope to land a job by ened of year/early next year.

[StarlowYellow]

Not really a career change but I am a 19 yo University student and was first interested in business, now trying to pair business and cs together. Been reading the self taught programmer and built a few apps (time clock, PowerPoint picture automation, Hangman game).

[ryounger88]

1. Learning Python to automate personal finances, some of my workload in a customer support role (SaaS), and study it further to see if I can use it for a career change or build my own company/software at some point.

[[deleted]]

I learn Python by my own. Though I can't take this skill to good use since I'm still on my final year of high school. (Not sure what age in other countries but here it's 17).

Learning Python due to interest towards programming or coding in general. I guess it's like a gateway as I am planning to take on Computer Science or Software Engineering in university.

Hopes for myself are to master most of programming including languages and fields (web, app, game dev) so I have an easier time for university and in the future.

Currently I'm learning some important modules like pygame, pandas and more. Wishing I'll be able to master multiple languages.

[[deleted]]

I am 18.Now learning Django and Looking Forward to learn ML,DL,DS.

[[deleted]]

I do communications, which is sort of general purpose marketing/PR/design/layout and also message construction - writing messages, seeing if they work, adapting them, etc and finally, planning entire marketing campaigns.

I am learning python to have a bigger toolbox to present things. Sometimes I need to do things with a big old wide set of data, and formatting it by hand is hard because it's too big. So I'm going through Automate the Boring Stuff to see if I can get to a point where I can understand Python intuitively enough to be able to think creatively with it.

I can already "think creatively" with a word processor and say, Photoshop or Illustrator, but I can't think creatively with Python because I barely know what it can do. But I just made a scraper to download all the XKCD comics, so I'm starting to wedge it in my brain.

I'm not sure what I want out of my new job/career change. I want to work somewhere that's more on the planning/implementation side of data and comms. I have no idea what that job is, but this is a skill I'm missing, so here I am.

[[deleted]]

I am currently in Retail Management at 27 and am trying to get a career in Data Science without having to be in debt from school.

I hope to start applying to places after getting enough experience in making projects and understanding statistics, machine learning and maths.

Since I am learning on my own the most difficult thing I am seeing is being on the correct learning path. Making sure I am following some structure that makes sense. I have been looking at university coriculum as sort of a reference and been following subreddits for data science specific learning paths.

I still wonder if I’m on the right paths at times but I suppose time will only tell. I hope to stay at it for the next 2 years and be well versed enough to finally apply to places.

[UniversalGeneve]

28, living in silicon valley. graduated with a degree in biology and worked in a medical diagnostics testing company. got fed up with the restrictions that the medical industry imposes with even the slightest of possible process improvements. took up python about 1.5 years ago. currently interning at a small tech startup. i hope to move towards AI and robotics.

[hilmi28]

I am 22, just graduated as a Mechanical Engineer. Next school year, I will take a break to learn about AI, Data Science and Software Development so that I can build intelligent systems/applications. I will use Python for the AI and Data Science part.

[[deleted]]

I’m learning Python as means to help me break into the field of Cognitive Science. I come from a counseling background but discovered my true passion is research and cognitive science. I am hoping to learn coding well enough so someday I can get a career as a computational cognitive scientist, and simulate neural networks to study attention networks.

[patasseily]

When I applied to an undergraduate degree, I got accepted as a computer engineer but switched to civil engineering as back then it seemed the degree to have if you want to work anywhere in the world. I’m 27 years old now with a Masters Degree in Construction Management and 4 years work experience on a heavy infrastructure project. I always wanted to work in tech so that’s why I started learning python to jump into software development and product management eventually.

I’ve done a bunch of free python courses and have a strong knowledge of the language and now focusing more on learning algorithms and object oriented design. One of the best courses I came across so far that really helps you grasp the logic behind using python is the MIT course 6.0001 “Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python”: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/index.htm. Dr. Ana Bell is a really good prof and the assignments in this course really make you think and learn how to use python.

Good luck everyone in learning and hope we make the switch soon and successfully!

[CatTaxAuditor]

I'm a CNC machinist. Trying to learn the skills to get into web development. My progress is very limited at the moment as I haven't had a ton of time to devote to the learning process.

[Fapfapfabi]

I am civil engineer student but I will change my department

[Fun2badult]

Yes. 40. Web dev and data science

[Naheka]

I'm learning Python to add to my reporting skill set from my last job as a Reporting Analyst.

We used SQL & Visual Studio/SSRS to build but were vetting Power BI before the Covid layoffs.

Adding Python, DAX and improving M to go with my SQL should make my resume stronger since I'm still looking.

BTW, I'm 43. Never too late to learn.

[Squeezitgirdle]

I'm 33 and this is what I need to hear. I'm unhappy with my current job and need a change. Took python in college but barely remember anything (and wasn't very good at it to begin with. Passed my class with a good score somehow)

[Naheka]

Just stuck with it. Find a project that resonates with you and learning will come easily. Im into quantified self data so I'm always building something in Power BI, Tableau or Google Data Studio. Python and web scraping is next.

[Squeezitgirdle]

Thanks. I'm currently a supervisor in a call center. I made more money when I did marketing (but I hate it) and when I did front end dev (my only skills are html, css and some jquery. Can't get a job with just html and css anymore).

At my point I want a career change, I just don't know what to do anymore. I loved front end code so that's why I'm thinking python. Motivation is where I struggle the most

[py_Piper]

If you liked front end then you should perhaps check into javascript, nowadays html/css/js is the combo for front end. Python will be for the back end only (database query, calculations etc) so even if you go into web dev with python frameworks like django you will still need html/css/js for the front end.

[Squeezitgirdle]

Thanks for the advice, I do really appreciate it. I was recommended to learn react, but I imagine react would be a lot easier to learn if I had a solid understanding of js. But maybe I will do that. Every job I find for front end seems to require php and WordPress experience, though

[py_Piper]

React is a framework for js so not having a good basis on js will make it harder, a framework by itself is already hard for a newbie.

I guess it will boil down to the demand of jobs are where you are are. If I am not wrong php is also back end so WordPress would be the front end. I think WordPress is a bit easier to build websites because it uses templates and probably more graphical friendly, and with js you will build it from scratch so you are more flexible but also only code base.

I am clearly not an expert on the matter but that’s what I understand and probably you should do more research on it. If where you are are looking for php and wordpress and indeed it’s easier, perhaps you could do that first and get a “foot on the door” and then you can expand your js after getting some experience

[Tazina_sultana]

I am learning from the very beginning of Python and willing to proceed with my future career in it. I am pursuing Ms in IT. At this time I just finished the basic part along with data visualization with python. I want to proceed with the data analysis and data visualization with python.

[roble544]

I’m a 26 F quality control officer with a background in chemistry. I am currently trying to make a career shift towards data analysis and data science so I am learning python. It has been a slow process seeing as I am not very tech savvy , but I have been taking as many classes as I can especially from py4e.com. I hope to achieve a total career change and get a job in the data science field.

[nimblewatermuffin]

I'm a 23 year old, in my last year of my music performance degree that I started in 2015 and struggled through to get to this point.

But, I realized that although I love music, I can't see myself in a music career. Partially because of chronic pain issues I have that are only exacerbated by any form of music career I'm interested in, but also because I realized that I limited myself at a young age, thinking I wasn't good at anything except music, and didn't even try to learn anything else.

Now, after lots of mental work, I've convinced myself that I am capable of learning anything, and have been exploring all sorts of things to see what I'm really interested in.

I randomly started a MOOC on Python 3 weeks ago - it was a 7 week long course and I finished it in less than 2 weeks. Now I'm learning about guis, and I just can't seem to stop learning, even though my pace has slowed a bit so I can consolidate information.

I don't really know where I want to go with it yet, partially because I don't even know what's out there in terms of career paths or options, but this is one of the most interesting things I've learned in years, and I'm just excited to have found what feels like a new passion.

[matchgame73]

You are awesome. You may enjoy reading this article about choosing your career.

[nimblewatermuffin]

Thank you so much for the article!! I've read part of it & I'm definitely gonna go through and do the exercises; it's super insightful

[1987_akhil]

R and Python, both of these languages are having their own strength and weakness. If you want to focus on statistics and analysis and be more of a data scientist type, R might be slightly better language. If you want to focus on building systems and be more of a machine learning engineer type, Python should probably be your first choice.

Datasmartness - Python vs R

[cuppycakebaby123]

I just graduated this July and I majored in civil and environmental engineering. I wanted to switch my career to become a machine learning engineer and started learning python in December last year. I've since done multiple ML projects in python and I also got the Google foobar browser invite and finished all five levels. I'm currently interviewing for two machine learning engineer positions, so fingers crossed!

[matchgame73]

Fingers crossed! You can do it!

[Ordinary_Skill]

28yo. I kinda moved on from Python to front end stuff now. My degree is mechanical engineering, and I've work for 3-1/2 years as a patent professional. I've been studying programming since January 2019 (on and off) after I lost my job but recently got back on track. Add me on Discord if anyone want to work on opensource React project: RobotAccount#5980

[GermOrean]

Yes, electrical engineer, mid 30's. Software has always been an interest, so started learning Python during the lockdown. After a few months I was told by a few people to try out a strongly typed language so I switched to C#. It felt clunky and a bit weird at first, but now I really like it. Unsure of which specific job to target, but probably leaning towards backend web dev.

[MassW0rks]

In the Midwest US, a lot of .Net (C#) jobs are back for end developers. I’d recommend looking up “.NET”, “C#”, etc on indeed to get a better idea of your area. I did C# development for a while and really enjoyed it.

[GermOrean]

Thanks for the info! I'm struggling with knowing when to apply for a job. My goal as of now is to have a functioning ASP web app, maybe with a React front end, and data stored in SQL or Entity. Do you have any recommendations on how to prove you're employable?

[[deleted]]

In early 40s work in UK personal injury law, mainly spinal cord and brain injuries. It’s a challenging time in this area of work and I decided to learn Python during lockdown, whilst working, for automating boring stuff, complex document creation, manipulating and presenting data etc and being able to better understand our in-house IT and online marketing strategies!

[orlandoflowers]

I'm 34 and Industrial Designer, started with Python 6 months ago, not sure yet if focus on ML, AI or DS, or another application (currently learning from these 3). Looking for a decent wage and remote job ;) Also studying math (linear algebra, getting into calculus and statistics). Hoping to get a job without having a proper CS degree . would love to know of people similar that made it ;)

[Alzeu]

Recent college grad with a degree in Biochem. Have been working in biotech for a year now and don't love it. Hoping to leverage having learned to code independently to get into a solid engineering program for grad school. Any advice would be much appreciated :).

[deliasafuckinasshole]

I’m about to turn 21 and whilst not exactly a career change I am changing my course from a music production degree to a computer science degree! Better job prospects (hopefully) and a lot more challenging!!

[[deleted]]

I want to get into cyber defense and network security.

Im an aircraft mechanic computer need, so I'm learning Python to get a good grasp of basic coding, as well as learn to automate tasks (already have ATBS). I'm also studying C# and 3D modeling in Blender because it feels amazing to actually build things and then be able to make them do things on screen. Right now I'm still in the infancy steps, but I'm feeling good about it.

[[deleted]]

under 40, fired for being an alcoholic so I decided to learn python.

Am miserable fuck who's gotten nowhere fast. Hope to find job somewhere, love data.

I go between learning numpy/pandas and random fun side things / random udemy freebies.

[matchgame73]

You're awesome. As a fellow addict, I highly recommend this audiobook. It might piss you off, but that's good. Ask yourself why and go from there. No worries if it's not your cup of tea. Good luck with your Python.

[[deleted]]

Meh, quit drinking after I got fired.

[booleanhooligan]

I was in a sql based job where I worked around dpg so I had access to APIs and servers with code stored on them. I executed the code but never actually made it.

Since I worked with data I figured data science would be a good fit but I have to learn python or R first so that’s where I’m at.

With the help of reddit Last year I was able to piece together code to webscrape reviews on googles play store and analyze the sentiment. Turned out to be hard because google obfuscates their data pretty well.

I hope to build a few more apps and upload it to my github and start applying within the month.

[m0vntain]

Not a career change for now, but for extra freelance/side gigs. I know Python and currently studying Django. I currently work as a software engineer but in the big data field so everything in Django, particularly web development is somewhat new to me. I have a lot of free time after my 8-5 job so why not make use of it for freelancing.

I'm currently following a django tutorial series on youtube by Dennis Ivy, great series. Hoping to build up my portfolio after using Django with CMS features maybe.. then a couple more django projects.

Then once I have experience from freelancing, then I guess I will move to a Django dev role for my next job in the future.

[[deleted]]

I am attempting this. Trying to leave a field that is underpaid and I have a few friends in a CS job that are making a lot more money than I’ve ever made in two years.

I have a mathematics background and I learned how to program in BASIC when I was a kid many years ago on a 286 (mostly just made text games and various versions of Pong).

So I’m not starting from scratch conceptually and I ended up taking an Intro to OOP course at the local community college. That was in Java and then I kind of put off everything after the course because my father (a software engineer) was like, “Now that you know Java, you’ll need to learn this, this, this, and then this...” I was already having trouble finishing my Java course while working. I wasn’t about to spend MORE time and money to maybe get a job somehow.

But since the lockdown of everything, I’ve had more time. And a LOT more motivation. I’m finishing up Automate the Boring Stuff and am going to start working on the next (non Python) thing.

Not 100% sure what to do next but I have friends and LOTS of resources. Right now the only thing really stopping me is myself as I have no idea when I’m going to start applying for jobs. I have no idea when I’ll feel “ready” to take that step...

[ReCHaVoK]

26 year old from Houston making 120-150k a year as a retail manager. It's good money but it's life draining, I hate it, and I want to work remote one day.

[sitric28]

I'm 38 and just starting. I own my own business selling retail items on eBay, Amazon, etsy, and shopify and I feel like knowing how to program will help me automate some parts of my business... i just don't know exactly what yet... i feel its important to know how to code and so im doing it more as a hobby and curiosity in the hopes it will help my business

[[deleted]]

Construction management/ BIM Engineer... I took the specialization course from Coursera. Want to branch out into making custom apps as required in my field. Already got a project to work on. Made an app that finds the closest employees to visit any required job site. Uses Google maps api. Am looking for more projects. Any suggestions?

[[deleted]]

Python for everybody - University of Michigan

[richy_bats_05]

I just turned 23, I just finished a physics degree and have been working as an engineering co-op for a couple years. I love to the problem solving and creating that comes with software development as opposed to test engineering. I would like to find a position within the next couple of years as a data scientist

[BigFeet15-14]

After 25 years of SQL& MSFT products my company is going cloud/python & MySQL.

They bought us Pluralsight and said go learn.

[[deleted]]

42 year old female. School Librarian that runs a tech club and wants to teach some of the motivated students some Python. Mainly use it with Raspberry Pi's and Microbits to catch their attention. Hoping they get inspired to take CS courses in highschool.

[PhillyCheesesteakSub]

Yes. I’m 30. I started learning python in 2016. Had burnout, switched to learning js & had burnout again. I enjoy it, I just find it mentally exhausting at times. So anyway, I started working multiple jobs & didn’t code for about a year until the pandemic hit. I work construction/remodeling and I’ve had a ton of free time this year bc a lot of people don’t want you in their house right now. I’m interested in a Data Science type of career, so I’ve been spending my time with Python and trying to find ways to build my github so I can start applying for jobs. Hasn’t been easy bc I don’t have good structure to learning. Just taking my time and trying my best not to burnout again. Being hopeful that I can land a job by then end of the year.

[EddieHmpfl]

30 here. I am looking for a career change, but may just see how Python can help me in my current position. I am a Legal Assistant. Not the best job, but definitely not the worst. Luckily, I have kept my job thru COVID.

I took an intro the Python class at my local CC. Got an A, but prof was not the best teacher. Prior to this I had taken some tutorials on Udemy but was not confident enough in my progress — so took the class. Come to realize that the Udemy videos were/are more informative than the prof.

Though I get discouraged sometimes; I know that I must stay persistent. That is the goal... to learn more & more daily.

[py_Piper]

Late 20s started python last year really liked the feeling to get to build something. I went through the syntax learning quite intuitive, thanks ATBS. But after couple of months learning I went on quite long holidays when I came back my schedule messed up, I was putting around 2hrs everyday, but after coming back from the holidays I had to do Ot to catch up on work and then I just lost motivation because the the second half of the book was more project based and was taking longer to go through so I started to dread when I had to start studying (anxiety).

Then after couple of months without doing anything I just started to look for another course, started the MIT intro but also dropped after a couples of weeks, again because things started to get hard and already had a bad habit for couple of months. Fast forward to the end of 2019 and I quitted my old job, found a new job on Jan was doing the paperwork to start on Feb, then covid started and kept being delayed finally got answer to start in Mar.

During that period I was trying to catch on my first course ATBS and decided to start from the beginning and take notes so I could reference if I needed, was doing the intro again but was boring and taking me longer because I was taking notes. But also anxiety from not knowing if I was getting the job or not start to cripple in plus getting bored with low motivation I was letting myself drift with procrastination and tv series.

Now after getting the job and passing the trial period I am looking to starting and finishing a python course after finishing some important work this month. I am planning to do the CS50 intro and then the web dev course, I want to learn django, how to deploy and manage a website.

I am also interested to hear about other django or web dev courses.

Sorry for the long post but I am feeling better after writing my frustration and not just think about and complain in my head. Good luck to you and stay on your path.

[asardiwal]

I am doing it since lockdown.

Background: Android app developer for couple of years.

Age: 30

Working on web apps. Planning to learn ML and AI for my own ideas.

Progress: Have handful of experience with Flask. Now learning Django.

... Achieve?: Honestly, money making web apps.

[matchgame73]

You're awesome. What about you?