It’s tough to make a career change no matter what season of life you’re in. But, it gets even tougher the older you get.
For 13 years I was a worship pastor for a large church. I had no desire to switch up what I was doing. Then my wife of 10 years walked out and I had to figure out a way to make more money for me and my 3 little girls as a single dad.
So, I started learning web design and development. Fast forward 5 years later and I started my web development career after 30.
The change wasn’t easy and still isn’t!
There are times when I look at people 10 years younger than me who are further along and are absolutely klling it. It can feel pretty soul-crushing. So, how do you get past that?
This week I talk with Bryce who’s wondering the exact same question. Bryce is 34 and considering going all in to become a web developer. He’s just having a hard time coming to grips with starting over.
So, I talk to him about my journey and the things I’ve done to keep going when I got discouraged trying to break into a web development career after 30.
The tech world is filled with stories of young geniuses who have been coding in their basements all hours of the day and night since they were 9. Its things like that can make you feel intimidated to try and build a web development career after 30.
But, the truth is there are plenty of examples of people who started learning to code in their 30’s, 40’s or even 50’s and went on to have successful careers in the tech field.
In fact, the average age of most web developers is 35.
Getting a job as a web developer is not nearly as much about how old you are as much as it is your attitude and your willingness to stick with it.
Yes, it’s tough. Yes, you’ll be tempted to compare yourself and get discouraged.
BUT, at the end of the day if you have something that motivates you and the grit to keep going you can become a web developer after 30 just like I did.
Listen to the full episode to hear all the advice I gave Bryce.
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