Why becoming a programmer is easier than it seems: 7 stupid fears that get in your way

1. I don't want to go to university again

A new profession is usually associated with a new education - long and taking up all the free time. In fact, this is not the case: not necessary sit down at the desk again. You can learn programming by yourself. And if you need advice - ask your fellow specialists on the forum or in group chats.

2. Math is not my strong point

Yes, the developer should know the math. Depending on the area of ​​programming, different sections are important: mathematical analysis, statistics, differential equations and computational mathematics. But everything is not so serious: it is not at all necessary to understand the queen of sciences at the level of a graduate of mechanics and mathematics, often basic knowledge is enough. To solve many tasks, you can use third-party libraries and plugins.

If you still feel that the knowledge gaps need to be filled, you can always brush up on theory from textbooks or take an online course. And it is likely that when you come across mathematics again in the context of programming, you will like her.

3. I am too many years old

Learning to program is real at almost any age. But getting a job for a junior position can be really difficult if you are over 40: ageism, or age discrimination, unfortunately, is very common. But difficult does not mean unreal. This storyGetting a Programming Job When You’re Over 50 can inspire those who consider themselves too old to program and are afraid of not finding a job.

In addition, such specialists often work remotely. And no one will know how old you are. Also, learning to coding is worth not only for career purposes: this skill useful by itself.

4. I don't know which programming language to choose

There are no best or most promising languages. They are just tools for achieving a goal: creating a website, a program, an educational game or artificial intelligence. And already, depending on the task, you can choose the appropriate language.

If you want to develop websites and web services - check out JavaScript, PHP or Python. Are you planning to create apps for smartphones or tablets - learn Kotlin and Java (for Android devices) or Swift (for iOS). Always dreamed of making cool AAA games using Unreal Engine and Unity - delve into C ++ and C #.

5. I will have to quit my main job

And this is also optional. Quitting everything and diligently mastering a new profession in the hope of quickly finding the desired job is not a good idea. Suddenly programming is not really your calling. Treat it as a hobby or exercise at first. For example, if the gym is training for your body, then coding is training for the brain. Master programming it is possible in the evenings.

Quitting and looking for a job in a new specialty is worth it when you are already able to solve test tasks from different companies, laid out in open access, you can boast of a solid repository and, in general, you are sure that you are doing your own thing life.

6. You can't find a job as a programmer without experience

This situation is a typical catch-22Catch ‑ 22: "To find a job, you need experience, and for experience, you need a job." Therefore, at the initial stage, it is better to prepare a few small personal projects or participate in an open ‑ source ‑ project. And after that, having gained real experience, filling your repository on GitHub, it will be easier to look for work. If you can afford to live for several months on a lower salary than you are used to, do not give up paid internships: they can become your pass to a large company.

You can study and at the same time collect a portfolio that will show what you really can do better than any diplomas. Programs SkillFactory contain the maximum of practice and are designed for beginners who have not previously done coding. All information is presented as accessible and understandable as possible, and mentors are always ready to answer all questions. After graduation, you will receive not only a diploma, but also a whole list of real projects. Thanks to him, you can get a job in a company or work remotely as a freelancer.

Learn to program

7. I won't succeed

Your success depends only on you. To make it easier for you to get involved in coding, you can try Seinfeld method.

Jerry Seinfeld is a famous American comedian. And one of his secrets is that he wrote jokes every day, regardless of the circumstances. It doesn't matter if they were bad or good... The main thing is to write and “not break the chain”.

Only in your case there will be no jokes, but a code. It is important to get used to programming every day, at least for 15–20 minutes. Little progress is always better than no movement at all.

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