The Truth About "Learning to Code"

[@AndySterkowitz]

It's good to be back to posting videos. What topics do you want to hear from me in the future?

[@norvusordoseclorum]

I'd love some content on how to go from beginner to intermediate level at programming. It would also be great to hear about how to continue to grow when you have a job and manage stress whilst at work

[@ShaneNine-zp9lw]

I can totally relate to what you said in the video. I work full time, family, obligations and stuff and in the evening If I can get at least half an hour or one hours max I am happy, but it is hard. I am on my 1 week break now cause I started to doubt myself...

[@testtesttest1278]

@@ShaneNine-zp9lw so what are you now professional software eng. or still learning. I believe it is really hard for self taught. I am trying but still not getting it

[@ShaneNine-zp9lw]

@@testtesttest1278 still learning...

[@testtesttest1278]

@@ShaneNine-zp9lw do you think it is achievable by self teaching. I've been on a journey teaching myself to code for years now but still not proficient. Now I'm doubting if this is achievable.

[@AtomicKnights]

Persistence is actually one of the most important skills. I spent four years at a technical school. In the evening, after work. One time, one of my classrmates said : "If you skip one time, you'll never come back!"

[@AtomicKnights]

@@zaynelovecraft You mean one should take a break from school? I wonder how that will end if you want to graduate.

[@lynic-0091]

Lol not true at all, that kind of mindset will get you burned out easily

[@NostraDavid2]

@@AtomicKnights your usually allowed to miss x days, no? Missing has consequences, of course. Gotta play catch-up.

[@es2cs]

Honestly me enjoying it is what makes it easier for me. If you don’t enjoy it you’re gonna struggle to code during busy days. I make my projects unique and something I personally want to make and want to look at. I draw it out and want to see the end goal on the screen so that drives me.

[@RonDro67]

I've been following Andy for quite awhile now because he's very down to earth and honest. This video mirrors my experience. For a couple of years I did tutorials after hours because I have a very demanding full-time job. Finally I decided to take the plunge and enroll in a part-time 6 month bootcamp at the University here. It was a full-stack coding bootcamp that started this past May. Well to sum in up in one word? BRUTAL! I was putting in 30 to 40 hours a week along with working a 40 hour a week full-time job. In just 6 months I coded 34 apps that was required as assignments that I was graded on. MANY times I questioned whether or not I was smart enough or if I was cut out for this. There were times I literally cried sitting in front of my computer not being able to resolve an issue with the code I had written. Andy mentions feeling as if he was in a warzone ... THAT IS A PERFECT DESCRIPTION! But, each month as I looked back on my progress I noticed that I was gaining traction in my knowledge in the languages that I was learning. Long story short I ended up with a 94 in the course and was approached by the University a week after graduation asking if I'd be interested in becoming a TA and Tutor for the Full-stack Development Program. I never would have guessed that would happen. So stick with it. It will not be easy. BTW, I'm 55 years old and I learned to code. DREAMS CAN COME TRUE! -- Ron

[@never_give_up944]

Great story and well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@oliverkiviasi8211]

sounds like a fairy tale ..,wish i had a chance of meeting guys like you in Kenya

[@StealthAges]

I am am currently a software engineer and have been for the past 28 years. I wish all who are learning to code the best of luck. It's a great career and very rewarding. I love what I do so much that HR has to remind me to take some vacation time. A couple of tips I can offer is to never stop learning. This field changes so fast that you have to constantly read up on it. New languages come along, and some fade away. Another tip is to never give up on something you are building when you just can't seem to get it to work. I once had to create a driver class for imprint printers, and I probably rewrote it 20 times over the course of 3 years before I perfected it. Stay the course!

[@jonathondreyer8644]

Feeling this right now learning Python. I can totally identify. One of the hardest things I've ever done besides learning another language (Spanish) as an adult. I'm trying to change careers to data science and finishing a Master's of Information Systems degree as we speak. I worked full time and did night classes for all of it except this semester. I knew learning Python was going to be intense, and I want to find a job in the field of data science, maybe just start off as a data analyst. The feeling of imposter syndrome is creeping in, just like you mentioned lol. I'm on my last semester of classes, and have reached burn out level. I've never been computer savvy at all, but I'm starting to enjoy it by doing my own projects and fitting some machine learning models with Sci-Kit Learn. It's motivating to hear someone else talk about it , and who made it through the gauntlet. Thanks!

[@brandykay9851]

These are the same struggles I have. I have the same commute and it sucks up so much time in my evenings to find time to sit down and concentrate. I have interviewed at one place and every person was hesitant on my career switch which has been a huge mental obstacle as well. It's actually refreshing to hear someone else's struggle to make you feel more human. I appreciated this video a lot. Thank you for this!

[@vorpal22]

Ugh... I don't know how you do it. I commute from my bed to my office chair five feet away. I can't imagine how hard it is to break into coding. I've been coding since I was five years old, so there was never any doubt what I was going to do with my life and I knew OOP and C++ by the end of high school. University (BSc, MSc, PhD) was a breeze for me. (Note: an MSc in comp sci will give you a real boost in prospects. A PhD can work against you since you're considered too "academically inclined" for most companies.)

[@brandykay9851]

Thank you for the tip! I taught myself some coding in high school but stopped learning when I went to college so by the time I picked it back up, everything was vastly different! I just have to keep pushing through. The finish line isn't far away!

[@izba5747]

After learning 2 more regular languages consistently for more than a year(English is my second and it took years), i figured out how my brain works and how it prefers to acquire information. Consistency is a key in everything. Smaller chunks everyday over a big studying session once a week. Don't be disappointed if you don't get some stuff right away, go forward, and then with more information you'll realize that something you couldn't understand a few days ago is now clear as day. I'm interested in mobile app development. I don't have much choice because of health. I want to be able to work from home.

[@justinwatson1510]

Smaller chunks every day is excellent advice. During my year of organic chemistry, I learned that if I read the material before class and did my homework immediately after it was assigned, it made me a much better student and I never had to cram again.

[@MultiGEEK55]

If you need some resources to get there for app dev lmk, I can send some job links or freelance sites.

[@vorpal22]

I love this advice.

[@katec9893]

Such an honest, helpful video not just for software engineers but for other career changers too.

[@paulkeating9259]

Great Video Andy! The trials and tribulations are not spoken about too much. This is a tough journey full of doubt, stress and perseverance

[@techmentormaria]

I learned coding when I was 13 BUT every single time I picked up a new technology or framework I felt the same way again. Tech is evolving sooo quickly and it's really critical to love the challenge and embrace continuous learning. I think that's one of the things that I love most about working in tech - there's always something new to learn and discover. I also think it's important to remember that it's okay to feel overwhelmed or uncertain when learning something new. It's a natural part of the process, and it's important to be patient with yourself and to give yourself time to absorb and practice the new information. One thing that has helped me in my own journey is to set small, achievable goals for myself and to celebrate my progress along the way. Whether it's completing a tutorial or successfully implementing a new feature, it's important to take the time to appreciate your own accomplishments and to stay motivated. DON'T GIVE UP

[@earlworth]

He's right. I used to watch his channel before I made the switch, coding on the train to work and after dinner every day. - now 3 years experience under my belt. It is possible- the most important thing I found is finding someone who is willing to spend the time to train you up and has the power to hire you onto their team. I got rejected from tons of interviews, but eventually someone liked my attitude and hired for me - you just need to that find that person

[@TheJerzke]

First ever interview next monday. Been practising for 10+ hours a day because im stressing out. This helped out alot thank you!

[@madeleinedawson8539]

Good luck!!

[@Abomination317]

Hope it went well

[@TheJerzke]

@@Abomination317 I'm carefully optimistic. Seemed like it went well but you never really know

[@blasiomuhinda]

Trust you are pushing on. The other thing is that you must enjoy it. I have done coding as a hobby for many years and it's only recently that I decided to go professional. I sort of always ask myself, "If I dint enjoy this, would I really have made the choice to make a career out of it?"

[@danielbee3697]

Please keep us in the loop of the outcome

[@KennTollens]

You are 100% correct. The "Am I wasting my time" question is constant. I think this could take me an entire year of free time and in the end, have nothing, no job, and it wasn't that fun. Maybe I could find something instead that I know will get me somewhere.

[@prpunk787]

perfect timing for this video, I started a year ago, and I learned html, css and JS. I'm working through REACT right now, I did burned out and took a 2 month break, and going slow now, but steady!

[@robertthegreek]

I know that burnout feeling. Keep going! Slow but steady wins the race.

[@djszal]

I'm currently in a coding bootcamp and this is exactly what I needed to hear. It's only been 5 weeks out of 12 so far. I've felt nothing but exactly what you've described in this video. But it's been more of a Rollercoaster of highs and lows. Imposter syndrome has really crept in. But this video had me look back at my journey so far and realize that I actually know a lot more with what I've learned than my mind tries to trick me into believing. But I keep showing up and pushing through the discomfort. No idea what the future holds for me but I can only take it day by day. Thanks for this video

[@MgelikaXevi]

thanks, useful insights! One thing to keep in mind - in order to have consistency, average person should avoid going for some crazy stuff like "learn 10 hrs per day, every day" . - First of all - it is extremely inefficient - since brains just can`t concentrate and work efficiently for so long, on such a difficult topic. - Second - it is dangerous in terms of increasing your chances of burnout. If you are starting something unsustainable - no wonder that you gonna break at some point. - Third - if you learn for too long, you start to pity yourself. Like " oh, i work so hard, mb i could afford a little break" - and then your consistency crumbles. So, the best scenario is to set a minimum first - like "4 times a week, for 2 hrs" - and then stick to this schedule, or if you can afford it -go for 4 hrs per day, but make your schedule sustainable. Have a rest days, have your life going on, meet friends, train your body, go for a walks etc. So that you won`t feel exhausted, since you are realistic, and realistic scenario makes you consistent. Again - if you are learning for 4hrs per day, instead of 24/7 - you are less likely to get stuck because of tiredness, you are less likely to spend hours on debugging because your eyes don`t see something obvious etc -so you are more motivated, and sometimes you actually end your learning day on a good, "successful" note. So, don`t go for a sprint, just make sure that you can`t lose, and you gonna win.

[@dec23]

Exactly, Andy. There's really no way around learning code without actively doing it. It's just like fitness, if you want to run a marathon, you're gona have to go to the gym, change your diet, change your sleep schedule. Basically make a change in your life. Coding is the same - it's so robust and no way around it. I remember being tired after work and pushing myself to study code. I notice companies (smart ones) really value how you got where you're at (coding progress) with a full-time job and not really having a background in programming. In interviews I would mention non-profit coding classes I would attend, or talk about learning something a little different from coding but in the same arena of IT, maybe an UI project to show I was flexible and curious, or I would talk about my Comptia certification in cyber security - and THAT's when I noticed they were listening. I got their attention. All that was extra along with my coding portfolio. But again, all what I listed is a lot of work you would have to put in. Tough, but worth it, and a reachable goal. Also, this is just what worked for me. 📚

[@wforbes87]

Great video. Agree with it all. My 10 yr dev journey was similar but I struggled much longer. As soon as I started doing 5 things, it all turned around. I struggled for 6 years never making more than $35k in tech, unemployed often, cynical, critical, negative... broke. What did it for me: Make a 5 year plan, simplify my whole life, work on self-discipline, build hyperfocus work habits with no distractions, and remember nothing's perfect. Immediately, 4 months later, I found a $55k job without searching for it, then hustled for annual 10-15% raises every year. Now 4 yrs later, making $85k. Interviewing for $120k soon. Graduating with bachelor's in 6 months. All goals in 5 year plan done. Simplify, discipline, hyperfocus, let go of negative, plan reasonable but challenging goals - then it all just works out. They say you can learn to code and make six figures ... but not all of us have the habits/mindset that allow that to happen. I rarely see it mentioned, but it acknowledging that fact changed my life.

[@katec9893]

I totally agree about mindset plus habits. I recently stumbled across Bob Proctors KZbin channel and he talks about this a lot. He was discounted as being into pseudoscience but he basically talks about shifting your negative false core beliefs and also about having a positive mindset and how transformative it is. I've spent years feeling helpless and doubting myself after a bad experience in a previous career. I'm starting to shift my mindset back to being positive, I've set my goals and I'm taking action on the each day, believing I can achieve them.

[@wforbes87]

@@katec9893 That's awesome I'll have to check out that channel, thank you - best of luck!

[@katec9893]

@@wforbes87 Thanks, well done on your success and good luck with it moving forward.

[@jonathanlee8976]

I have going through this exactly! Some days it feels like a war is going on in my head. One side tells me to keep pursuing, and the other tells me to quit and just enjoy my life. I work 50+ hours in the restaurant biz and have a family to tend to. I have been learning for about 2 years now. I go hard for about 6 months and absolutely burn out to the point where I don’t even want to touch a keyboard. I am coming off another burn out and want to make some changes. I cannot quit because I have way, way too much time invested at this point. Thanks Andy! Exactly what I needed to hear-that I am not alone in this.

[@randolphschreiner4479]

Keep going. You are doing a good job.

[@triforcelink]

The very beginning when everything was unfamiliar, was the hardest for me. I could be following a book or a tutorial to the T, and sometimes things would still not make any sense and I’d just be sitting there in frustration. Using multiple sources to learn the same concept helped a lot.

[@rpf23543]

This video is it EXACTLY!!!! Same situation here where you have been, and all you said is exactly how it feels. The only difference is, that I’m doing a 1 year coding school (besides full time job), which helps a lot in terms of structure and mentorship. Thanks a lot for sharing your story!

[@passportbro904]

Im learning to code now, self taught, I have no fears about getting a job, I dont know why I just know I will. The only thing I'm worried about is putting everything together, so example, im only learning all the concepts initially, nothing else, no learning languages nothing, just focusing on the concepts, ive got 24 concepts to master. I've hired a senior developer to be my mentor, so he'll be there to to help me. Lets do this, my motivation is making 6 figures, no better motivation

[@walkerscoral]

Good for you. Realize that self taught with no programming languages but an understanding of the concepts is definitely a good start, but you’ll need to work your way up to 6 figures depending on where you live. It surely doesn’t happen overnight! I’d recommend you learn at least one language right now, and supplement your learning with at least some algorithm problems on leetcode or hackerrank that way you get a head start on technical interviews and you begin to think through problems more efficiently. Problem solving is really the most important skill as a developer.

[@foppel]

I am a self taught software developer and system administrator and am 'in the industry' for 25 years now. I teach both fields and give talks at conferences and user groups. The fear you talk about - I call it Imposter syndrome - never really goes away, at least for me. Attending conferences and other get-togethers actually helps me to manage that fear by talking to people and realising that others feel the same way, and everyone just cooks with water..

[@buttonman1831]

I used to feel that way until people started coming to me as the expert, but it took many years to get to that point.

[@foppel]

@@buttonman1831 when people come to me or listen to my talks, those moments are when I feel validated as well.. and give me energy for those times when it is more difficult

[@zuko2760]

Thank you for this Andy, I’m currently experiencing everything you mentioned in the beginning and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one.

[@Wanderer2035]

I have GAD (general anxiety disorder). This means anything I do throughout my day, texting, typing, any kind of work, reading, walking, literally anything have anxiety. Luckily I’ve found some methods on how to heal it. Basically a combination of positive thinking and exposure therapy. Even just me thinking the thought (I have anxiety) is triggering it right now. Luckily I’ve healed a lot since over two years ago, so I can actually be able to maintain my focus in my web dev study. I remember before when I was at my worst, I would get anxiety studying CSS or JavaScript, and I would get heart palpitations, my thoughts would start buzzing and my mind would go blank because of all the anxiety, I actually couldn’t read the words off the screen or be able to type, the anxiety can prevent the mind from doing that. But with these methods it’s helped me so much and I’ve improved alot with my JavaScript. Thanks Andy you’ve also really inspired me

[@deingewissen_official]

Aschwaghanda. Check it out

[@sharishth]

It should be mentioned that you have to constantly learn even if you know enough to do the job or "finished learning" , it's a technical field that keeps advancing and you have to put up with it. Starring at the screen hours a day to figure things out, sometimes it's like finding a needle in a hay stack. I have been working in IT for more than 1.5years work with enterprises software, and it shows everything you don't know.

[@d3r4g0d8]

Thank you for you openness on the process. I want to start learning too, but dreading going through all of this.

[@perfectionbox]

I remember almost quitting a game studio job but at a crucial moment, things suddenly clicked.

[@MarcoCarag]

I love the point about managing fear. The point is not to never be afraid -- that's a form of dangerous emotional denial. The point is how you frame and react to it and set your perspective -- the worst isn't that bad, and has a learning upside -- and coupled with persistence you'll be an unstoppable learning machine.

[@pfcokelly]

Been at it for over a year now, finished freecodecamp did some small projects, built some fun sites even joined a volunteer group where I helped with a small Twitter like app but I hit a wall. There was some drama at the group so I quit a couple months back and every time I go to make a bigger app I'd feel completely burnt out, my mental health was real bad I feel like I'm at the final stretch but even thinking about code makes my head hurt.

[@TheJoBlackos]

Great video, we all go through the same path. About the failed interview, you are right at 100%, I have always found better place after I failed interview.

[@jamvin5647]

Thank you this helped so much. I’ve been feeling this crippling doubt creeping in and an anxiety of uncertainty. I just have to be persistent and focus as best as I can. I appreciate you sharing your insights.

[@juniordev2570]

This is correct. The first interview I had I learned that I was totally not ready for my first dev job. But I knew what I needed to learn based on the questions they asked.

[@JustinDAMusic]

I'm 4months in and definitely in the doubt phase. This video really helps me to keep pushing.

[@Fullrusher]

Right now I'm in the studying process and I find my self not doing stuff everyday and constantly worrying about being stuck in the job path I'm in for the rest of my life , and also feeling like this coding stuff is an impossible pipe dream which makes this video very interesting to have come by when I did

[@scottmillion849]

That 'uncertainty' he describes never goes away. You will constantly go through the "I know it, I'm amazing" to "Holy crap I know nothing" cycle throughout your career. Learn to be comfortable with that. It means you're growing.

[@phoenixrising4995]

I never have the I know it moment, never. I did Python wasn't for me. The Google Python for Automation course. I'm like meh I didn't really learn anything, would rather sell shit and make money.

[@JosephDickson]

Don’t fear the interview process. The decisions they make are out of our control.

[@jmguezz3789]

Thank You for this video sir..I can relate fully well. I am planning a career shift into tech and been learning for six months now..Everyday is a learning day when you are learning to code..I grind usually at night and do an all nighter if tomorrow means no duty for me..

[@llluisss4650]

Learning JavaScript right now, and since I just got done learning html and css it was a big slap in the face. About 4 months into my journey right now, I code for 2-3 hours a day but there have been times I wanted to quit. it’s still early and it’s probably Normal for me to feel dumb

[@generationm2059]

The fear of being fraudulant you just describes is known as imposter syndrome, What solutions you just described (looking back at previous work, putting one foot in front of the other, etc.) is how one overcomes it.

[@phoenixrising4995]

That doesn't work for me. I've found going limp or cold and forgetting about it works a little better but not perfectly.

[@64imma]

Recently, I've been finding my motivation to learn coding taking a nosedive. My job recently transferred me to another area that's a longer commute from home and has been requiring me to stay late almost every single day. It's been a big adjustment and I haven't felt as productive in my coding endeavors (I mean today I managed to complete a chunk of my C# lessons, but I still have a few projects to complete for python that have been getting put off). I went from usually being home by 2 most days to now being lucky sometimes to get home by 4. That's on top of waking up earlier every day to make the commute. The new area has been eating so much more of my time, and physical/mental energy, I have been struggling to keep putting in the same effort I was previously. In an ideal world, I would quit my job so I could take a couple months off work to finish some projects and gain confidence to apply for programming jobs. Given the fact I've been steadily withdrawing from savings the past 3 months, it's not a good time for that.

[@sabakag]

Oh, how I love European social-economic model for the reasons mentioned in a video. I lost my work and decided to become a developer. And now I'm like half a year without a work. Learning programming full time each day and I have all social guarantees and get a little bit of money from the state. It's not enough to be living full time, but it means I can live on my savings for a few more months then I could without that money from the government.

[@HoRRoRlets]

Really appreciate this. Full time employed, learning in the evenings, with a wife who is full time employed, and raising two kids under 7. Coding is my spare time...I'm not fantastic, but I can make silly games by myself now...with minimal lookups...guess im ready to progress...but not sure how

[@bc4198]

5:22 One of the best lessons I've heard in a long time!

[@MynameisntEricK]

Being someone who also worked in auot sales, I know how great you feel having the stability of "coding" as a career.

[@vorpal22]

I started to learn how to code when I was five, back in 1982 when my parents bought me a Commodore 64 for my fifth birthday. The hardest part of being a software engineer for me is that there is an onus on you to not only spend all day coding at work, but for studying tech and coding to be your hobby. The predominant technologies and methodologies change so fast that if you don't dedicate some of your "spare time" to studying, you're going to be left behind. Sometimes I wish I had taken a job where I could go home at the end of the day and not have to think of my job and my future career prospects and plan for them.

[@mikewright2858]

I taught myself to code Basic, C, and 6809 assemblies back in the early 80's ... back then it was actually fun. Now, as a professional software engineer, it's more frustrating than anything else. We're stitching libraries and services together more than coding, and dealing with buggy libraries, hard-to-debug runtime environments, and let's face it, Scrum - take a lot of the joy out of it.

[@robertthegreek]

Glad to see you're doing better, Andy. This video was helpful. My problem is being able to put in that hour everday without feeling exhausted between my two jobs and my family. I guess I just need to bite the bullet.

[@icebirdd]

Don’t think you have to do a whole hour. Go for 15 or 20 minutes; make that a goal each day. It adds up and gets you moving in the right direction.

[@robertthegreek]

@@icebirdd I appreciate the tip.

[@gussta1]

Gotta say...this is great info and spot on. Thanks!

[@nflict]

I'm glad that I'm not alone here... I'm currently an ER nurse. About 3 years ago I decided to change careers, so I went the degree route. I only have 6 more courses and I've been really struggling to get the motivation to complete it, especially after taking a break. Hopefully I can get myself to finish my degree and actually feel like I've learned something along the way. I'd love to work as a developer someday.

[@motoboy6666]

Persistence is good n all, but you shouldnt beat yourself up because you skipped a session or that life happned. Take it easy and enjoy 😊

[@princeVEGE]

Life is tough and it gets in the way. But if you want it bad enough you can persevere.

[@TruckerDudeBrent]

I drive 18 wheelers for a living rn and I'm trying to do this while driving, it's very difficult it's hard to stay motivated

[@ameroshqiptar17]

My heart goes out to you, man. You're worth investing in. Throughout my journey it's been just like he's said, never easy, often motivation isn't there my much. I'm no perfect example, but every time I sit down and work on something, even for a little bit, it makes a little tiny bit of a difference, and when I look back on time spent, it adds up to real knowledge. How much down time do you have between driving and required rest hours?

[@TruckerDudeBrent]

@@ameroshqiptar17 I work about 12-16 hrs per day (Flatbed driver), I get my mandatory 10 hr break, but have to fit in showers, laundry, food ect. But my laptop is always open and i'm trying to learn, minimum 1 hr per day, every day. I'm starting with python.

[@katec9893]

@@TruckerDudeBrent Is there any way you can work fewer hours to give yourself more time to learn? You are a very inspiring hard working person. I hope you make sure you get enough rest on top of everything you're doing.

[@TruckerDudeBrent]

@Kate C with driving trucks not really, I utilize my time the same as if I wasn't trying to learn something, so instead of burning time with video games or something like that, im deep diving into python and node.js, I also have python Playlist on KZbin playing all day while driving so I have fundamentals, then when I stop I practice.

[@ameroshqiptar17]

@@TruckerDudeBrent You've definitely got an advantage with listening to stuff as you drive. I've realized you don't need to be an expert before a modestly sized company is willing to hire, and they know you will learn a lot on the job. If you can show them your work ethic in an interview and what you've been able to do with about an hour a day, you'll be a very attractive candidate. In January I quit my job and we lived on savings for 3 months while I studied probably 1/2 time or a little less about 5 days a week. My wife was having physical and mental health issues that took significant time and made it hard to establish a focused routine, and the stress of a dwindling bank account was pretty real (we had a fall-back plan where we could move in with my in-laws if it came to that, but it was definitely not ideal, so I'd be careful and thoughtful about considering a route like that), and I have ADHD that I wasn't managing well at the time, so looking back, I was moderately inefficient and stressed. But I still managed to learn enough and build enough to land a very junior role that would more than pay the bills, and I've learned a ton since then. I feel really blessed and like there was a lot of what some might call luck involved with landing a role, but to me it sounds like you could make similar progress or even better in 6 - 9 months and be able to start looking for a junior role. Once you get your foot in the door, you'll soar. You've got the work ethic and you'd show yourself as valuable to your employer really quickly. I'm cheering for you, man! You can do it!

[@wylie500]

This was extremely helpful and insightful. Thank you

[@mdelim3128]

I add my self to what you have experience Andy,I try to learn computer programming but I have so many responsibilities and 2 jobs that I cannot concentrate in studying and learning and just leave everything, so it's hard also for me

[@Richie3Jack]

Good things are hard to come by. Learning to code isn't going to make your life into a fantasy world, but it is a valuable skill to have virtually wherever you go. Regardless of what it is, people just want what they put into something. Learning to code requires a lot of effort, but you will get out of it what you put into it. Can't say that about a lot of other professions.

[@lobo-92]

Damn.! This is exactly what I'm going through right now. I'm 30 yrs old and transitioning to software development, and I feel everything he is saying. I hope to land my first job in this field ASAP.

[@luke2042]

You can do it! Don't give up.

[@kevingreetham5883]

Andy. Fantastic video. Real talk. My doubts are creeping in now because of chatGPT. 4 years of solid commitment and learning and I’m beginning to think it’s for nothing as entry level jobs could be at a minimum!! 😩

[@omega3fatass61]

don't be afraid. I've probably put in 30+ hours now of using and testing that thing out, and honestly it's more of a tool FOR developers. it is still very wrong/dumb in almost all tests in some way, and you need to modify things to work. a couple of my friends who know other languages say the same thing. what language (s) have you used with it?

[@omega3fatass61]

it's honestly great to use to learn if you know basics of a language and need help. but even in those cases, things aren't right. but it helps.

[@buttonman1831]

I am fortunate that my current job allows me to be able to utilize some of my paid work time to dedicate towards learning programming even though it is not technically part of my job. I do some programming of machines in an industrial environment using programmable logic controllers but it is much more simple than constructing code from scratch. The part that I find difficult about learning to code learning how to actually write your program. Learning the syntax is the easy part, but learning what you need to do to get the desired output is when it gets difficult. This is why learning how to write pseudo code is so important.

[@whatthef911]

It's similar to anyone attempting change careers. Changing careers is like working two full time jobs which is difficult and with personal commitments like family even more so.

[@strictnonconformist7369]

Failure isn’t an option, it’s a standard feature! As long as you learn from the failure (first, recognize how you failed and that you failed) and correct the reason why, it’s great: if you’re unemployed at the time of the failure, you need to be even more sure you recognize that you failed, how and why, and take corrective action, unless you really are fortunate enough to have an endless runway. An important dimension to consider for how often you fail at interviews: it’s common for companies to not consider another interview with someone for commonly 6 months from a previous failed one, at least, that’s something I’ve seen in many places in the past. Especially if the number of potential employers you may be a candidate for are low, this becomes more important. So, failure is perfectly fine and fully expected, but you need to not keep failing in the same way, and it’s best that you fail less and less if you want to get employed and then hope to remain employed.

[@fastersixth]

Thanks bro. This video really hit close to home. I have the exact same feeling. Feeling of being a fraud. Mainly because I also didn’t take the “normal” route with 3 year university to be a dev. Worked as a dev for 5 years now. And I had an interview a few weeks back with a big company in Europe that offers commercials on bus stops and such. And they well didn’t laugh but they had two consultants and their boss who was employed do the interview. And I was applying for a job at that place not as a consultant but as an employee. And the two consultants basically just tried to frame me all the time, trying to prove themselves better in front of the boss than actually asking me relevant questions. I guess because they want to be employed instead of being consultants? I don’t know. Either way the whole interview was them trying to get me to show my weaknesses and what I don’t know. Instead of finding out what I do know. I entered that interview with a good self esteem knowing I’m good at both coding and being tech lead. Went out of that interview feeling like shit and feeling like I just started coding. I guess my takeaway from that interview now when I look back is that there will always be good and bad interviews. Important just not to get stuck thinking in circles about the bad ones.

[@techmentormaria]

You're not a fraud!!! I'm self taught as well and you'll get there. It took me years to earn six figures but it's so worth it once you're there.

[@martinlazar9420]

Never fear the interview process. At worst they will just state you need to work on certain skill sets. That’s fine, it can help you prep for the next one.

[@norvusordoseclorum]

You're looking great Andy! I must say I can tell you've been hitting the gym old chap

[@Ek-xtreme]

Also one key thing I'm starting to understand is do more simple projects then tutorials.

[@respawnicon]

The truth is that its not for everyone. It seems most people do it out of economic desperation and not because its something they actually want to do. Telling a computer to do things is not easy and actually really boring for most people but people treat it like some kind of get rich quick scheme and reality sets in. Not even sure if its even that relevant anymore with AI being able to write code now so the gig is mostly up unless you're just a die hard type that just enjoys it for what it is.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

Without knowing anything about it, I did wonder when AI would take over. It's a machine, so how can coding not get automated.

[@richardhaynes1127]

Excellent video and information.

[@user-uy3eq5hg1s]

In 2009 I graduated with a degree in computer science focusing on software programming. Had a lot of trouble finding work as a fresh graduate so ended up working for my dad on his book publishing company. In 2012 he handed the company to me and the past 10 years have been a constant struggle. Now I'm deep in personal debt and the business is deep in debt just to keep the business going. When I agreed to take the business from him I was young and naive and didn't really know what I was getting myself into. Now 10 years later I still don't own a house, not much in savings, barely keeping my head above water. Now I'm trying to decide if I'm gonna declare bankruptcy, beg my dad to take the business back or work 16 hours per day for the next 2 years to try to get out of debt. Scared, exhausted and anxious. Wishing I could rewind time and tell my dad no and become a software engineer instead. Been in a very dark place mentally for the past couple of months.

[@chrispiano556]

Hey i hope you are doing fine!

[@melanatedspy]

HELLLOOOO !!!!! I was looking at your videos and I am super inspired to learn how to code !!! But I dont know where do begin !!!!!!!!!!!!! I am interested in joining your program !!!

[@Hoppensagen]

The hardest thing is learning algorithms. Dynamic programming problems I think are the hardest. Graphs are difficult until you get a feel for dpf and bfs. Languages are all basically the same except for libraries, but the basics are all the same. C and cpp is where it starts to branch off. Assembly is what high level languages all compile to. Assembly is the most difficult because you really need to understand the stack really well and then know hex commands like ff e4 in x86 is jump to esp if I remember correctly. This is good for things like reverse engineering and just understanding whats going on behind higher level languages. The web is just basically javascript and frameworks and libraries and tools like aws, gcp or azure. Sometimes these are tricky because docs suck. Neural networks are also a bit challenging. If you can do the hard algos though then you can probably do any sort of complex programming tasks. Also would be good to learn how to hack just so you know what not to do when you develop, but also the exterior of networks these days are pretty tough.

[@ybergik]

As with any other skill that requires tons of practice to really get good, it's so much easier if you start young. I got hooked on programming at age 13 and spent most of my free time on that. At that age, one learns much quicker and one has no responsibilities, well, other than attend school.

[@fastdeliveryl708]

"question my sanity" i relate now .... i work fulltime and going to a welding school . i only have weekends to put some hours to learn but i guess once i finish the welding school. i will put more time on it.

[@katec9893]

How come you don't want to be a welder? I read that it's a good well paid career but I don't know much else about it.

[@phoenixrising4995]

@@katec9893 Not as good as you think. At least not in Philly. Go work in the golf of Mexico as an underwater welder might be good though, however it can be dangerous but making 150K for a couple seasons is worth it.

[@TheCurlyP]

I've been learning to code since I was 6 years old, tha imposter syndrome hasn't really gone away yet. It's perfectly normal to feel like a fraud so don't stress

[@LegacyUntouched]

if you don't enjoy the struggle and the amount of learning you have to do. you most likely won't like it otherwise. as someone who looooves coding. one thing that makes it difficult to work with someone is knowing they are doing it just to change jobs. passion goes a long way. if you are just not that interested, a good avenue is to learn and then become a recruiter. that's what some of my friends did and they make good money and can talk about the jobs they are recruiting for. for context, I just started my own company, I get off my current job and then code for another 6-8 hrs. to me it's not work, it's my way of decompressing from work that I don't enjoy. now it's a business. the journey was a massive struggle though. also, the best and fastest way I was able to learn, was to find problems in my everyday life that I could solve with code, then I would whiteboard it out as if I was a user using my application. then at each step, write some pseudo functions. then when. it comes time to code you have a general understanding of what you need to build and how the life of the app should play out.

[@scottfranco1962]

I learned to program in assembly in the 1980's. The best programmers started that way, but some couldn't make the transition to high level languages and thus bombed out of the profession. Others became extremely brittle programmers, like my ex-boss who avoided any use of malloc because he had problems debugging such programs. How did I learn to program? It wasn't really a choice. I built my own computer and programmed it every waking hour when not at work. I would program until I dropped, then wake up and do it again. It wasn't a task, it was a mania. I went like that for several years.

[@PegeCovers]

Top tier video.

[@gnarfgnarf4004]

Programming pays well because it's hard. There is high demand for programmers because few people have the needed fortitude and persistence.

[@DoremiFasolatido1979]

I think too many people fixate on the idea that failure is a learning opportunity. It can be, but it isn't inherently so. You have to make it so. And sometimes (most times), you can't. Failure isn't free. Failure costs. And sometimes, it costs big. Sometimes, it costs so much, that you just can't pay it, ever. Learning from it becomes irrelevant, because that failure took so much, that there's just no coming back. It's game over, you're out of lives, and there's no save-scumming. Life is a P2W MMO on Ironman mode where the admins all work exclusively for the P2W players.

[@elesterb]

Everything said here is true. But, speaking as someone with nearly 25 years experience: 1. Self-directed study in the absence of a personal project that you enjoy will be hard to maintain. 2. Not that a four-year degree is necessary, however, a few introductory courses will radically speed up your learning. 3. Trying to hold a job that you are not qualified might be the most stressful, painful experiences in your life. 4. If possible, getting a job at a lower level than your qualification that allows you to grow at a more comfortable, natural pace, might be better for your mental health and keep you in the profession for the long term. 5. Finding the right mentor or study-partner will pay dividends. 6. Videos are great, and should be used. But, also, in-person meetups will give you a more rounded understanding of the industry, not to mention expose you to some job opportunities that suit your qualifications.

[@ed-ou812]

I have been in IT 42 years. The journey with Microsoft development has been much easier to me than Open Source. The stress has been less from my side staying with Microsoft due to it being less volatile. I have seen many open source coders reach burnout so fast. Just my seasoned opinion.

[@patriotlightning7791]

Great video mate! ❤

[@AndySterkowitz]

Thank you :-)

[@bellabear653]

I think this is an issue even if you have the 40 hrs. Coding is hard full stop you will always feel like you could be doing something else. The fact you did it with a full time job makes you a champion.

[@techmentormaria]

Even just 2h a day will do the trick!

[@kronickittiez7929]

I'm at just under 2 years, love it still. Hard to get off the computer now... trick is you gotta practice practice practice

[@techmentormaria]

Yesss once it clicks, it clicks!

[@yungifez]

I can't even land a job even mostly because of my location

[@filburtcioglu3729]

There are a lot of sites that you can work remotely.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

@@filburtcioglu3729 Not everyone has a home they can work in.

[@l.vanhielf6174]

The coding part for me is really easy. The only and fckng BIG problem I have is that I need to improve my english being a 200% complete introvert person and a bit shy or insecure. I just can't learn a language when talking is that difficult, also considering that I really prefer being by my own. I feel happy that way. I think for you is way easier. Just grap a few courses in Udemy and that's it ez money. Your language opens you gates wherever you are. I LIVE IN MIAMI, I CANT COMMUNICATE AND THAT'S KILL1NG ME

[@wongkingshun]

I got no job and responsibilities and I still don't manage to do it.

[@deathlife2414]

I am at my second year at CS degree and I am having doubts about many things the only thing that is helping me is there are people who have the same feelings as me which is normal whether you are self taught or not in fact I am jealous of self taught b/c you guys are not wasting time in University on minors

[@rdean150]

Getting a CS degree pays long term dividends, both in terms of the foundational aspects of the education/knowledge, and in terms of landing a good job when you graduate. But you should try to enjoy your university years also, stop and smell the roses while you can. But probably the single best thing you can do while working on your degree is something you do between semesters - internships. If your are getting a bachelor's on a 4 year plan, landing a summer internship before the 3rd and 4th years will help tremendously in the long term. And they pay well too.

[@katec9893]

I agree with the previous comment. I also advise you to try to find minors you find interesting and fun. You never know when it might come in handy. Using myself as an example, my degree was in modern foreign languages. My minors were in IT, learning html to create a website. I loved the minors and now 15 years on I'm about to do a UX UI bootcamp with html and CSS. So 15 years on, I'll be using my minors for a potential new career after a previous career teaching languages. Life is funny like that.

[@akl1069]

This is exactly where I'm at. I am burned out and worry constantly that I'll embarrass myself at an interview, so I just keep watching tutorials and modifying (never finishing) my projects. It's exhausting. My brain is fried. 😵‍💫 Thanks for the video and the advice!

[@AZ-gs6hj]

Too many people get into the habit of “I’m going to learn 18 hours a day”. If you’re a hermit, you won’t succeed. You need to network and have good social skills. Staying hunched behind your computer won’t get you far d

[@JDMorris81]

Funny you mentioned the Head First book, I'm reading the Head First Kotlin book now because my goal is to be an Android dev 😅

[@MarcLucksch]

This might just be me, but learning coding from a book about any programming language feels like learning to drive from your cars service manual. Not that university is much better, that feels like learning to drive by building a car. To me the best way to learn to code was to go in and try to do it, there is nothing to break really, just go in and solve a problem you have, or do a thing that sounds cool, and if you can’t figure it out, work on it or so sth easier. The solution will come, don’t just look it up. And if you have to look it up, try to understand why the solution was build this way.

[@gsit80]

I did this shit for 15 years. No fucking chance I'm going to do that again!

[@testtesttest1278]

Trying to be a self taught but not progressing. So I doubt this so really true, this self taught is really true..

[@stevenk7753]

Wanting to call the person to cancel the interview....oh my gosh ive been there

[@alansewell7810]

Best to combine coding with a business discipline like Customer Service and Inventory Control, optimally combining it with experience in a widely used application by a big software house like Oracle. Coding should only be your door into this wider base of experience. Coding by itself is just grunt work. You'll be replaced by the next foreigner coming in on an H1-B visa who'll work less money than you, or find that your salaried job gets busted to $35 / hour contract work that might be paid months later or not at all. As a coder only, you're an easily replaceable commodity. The tens of thousands of coders being booted by tech companies are finding that out. Many will never be rehired. They'll be replaced by H1-B visas or new coders hungry to work for less money, including unpaid internships. But if you know a business discipline and a widely used application, you'll be in more constant demand.

[@JonnyMcJonFace]

Chat GTP can write code for you and help you learn coding quicker. As well as troubleshooting. I’ve quickly learnt how to code with python using it.

[@maxthecat4632]

That is the danger of ChatGTP

[@vklymenko]

After 25 years of coding (game dev) I want to say that this kind of work will burn you out and from emotions you will have only “tired, sick, angry, exhausted”. Yes, maybe you will even reach some stable income level, but better choose something else - do workout, eat healthy food, do youtube, learn languages, travel and make big quick money - you will face a lot of such opportunities on that path.

[@elijahhang9986]

Amazing video!

[@szilagyimiklos4757]

yeah uni was kind of a waste especially considering now we have chatgpt the self taught way is 100 times better imo