Broke at 50, should you Learn to Code?

[@superkool7]

I’ve been following Stef for years now. His courses are still the best and I recommend them to everyone. Though I drifted into the security side of things, his courses are absolutely top notch. All of them. So don’t waste any more time go get into it!

[@StefanMischook]

Thanks!

[@superkool7]

@@StefanMischook absolutely! Well-deserved friend

[@partlysimpson5154]

@@superkool7 so where are you now with coding? I am 34 and i think i also would like to learn.

[@StefanMischook]

@@partlysimpson5154 Start here: school.studioweb.com/store/course/complete_web_designer

[@partlysimpson5154]

@@StefanMischook so this is like general course, for dummies like me?

[@jamesstallings4629]

I started my bachelors in Computer Science with concentration in Data Science & Machine Learning when I was 53. I'm 58 now, and employed by the United States Navy as a Software Engineer (My job title is Scientist). I graduated only a year and a half ago.

[@StefanMischook]

Congrats. Thanks for showing people that it is doable.

[@rxtechandtrading]

I started 18 years ago-but I certainly respect guys like you!! We need more mature dev ops out there

[@richa.p9424]

Thank you James for sharing your story! Inspiring us all to believe age is never an obstcale for learning. Salute.

[@LukasNachtigall]

wow man, respect!

[@TinyMaths]

You have no idea how this comment helps. Although I was sceptical that being 50+ was too old (I'm 50 myself and halfway through a math degree), I'm glad to see others pushing ahead who are my age and older. I'm learning front end and the moment; making small projects and putting them out there. Maybe generally companies look for younger candidates, but I'm certainly not going put that obstacle in the way of myself. Thanks for telling your story.

[@saro976]

I am 70 years old, and stepping into 71, and I started learning coding. I did not started from scratch, because I already have a good background in coding using Turbo Pascal, and I completed a good amount of apps on 1991 till 1996, then I joined a night college in my home country (Iraq). unfortunately I quit at 1999 when I was in the last year due to personal reasons. I am studying now front end development, so hard that I spend at least 6 hours a day. I am also participated in a course and doing challenges. I am full of hope and your remarks made me feel that I am in the right direction.

[@StefanMischook]

Don’t forget to pace yourself. Give you mind a chance to assimilate the new information.

[@charleshopper4638]

Hell yes, well done. Keep going strong!

[@mujeexminiminer7653]

You just made my day sir! You just keep pushing!!!

[@conniebarrick8265]

Hi Saro: I'm right behind yu, or should in front of you, I'm older by a couple of years. I decided to enter the coding career last year, after taking Another class in college, but the college shut down for hacking reasons. But, I learned it was coming together, understanding the whole thing very nicer, to my surprise. So, right now I'm almost broke, looking for C.S. position, for steady income, and practicing my coding to review and I will go for it. Like, Stefan said, never too late, I'm for that, and I'm going for that! Good luck S.H.

[@conniebarrick8265]

Stefan: thank yu for this video, very inspiring and exciting!

[@siewgantan7202]

Great to know I'm not alone. I'm turning 60 and started learning to code in Python to keep my mind active.

[@jackies35]

LORD! You are amazing!

[@lauraj5914]

You are an inspiration! How are you doing on your learning?👏

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

I will be 62 in April of 2022 and this gentleman is really inspiring me to move forward in coding.

[@JBoesman]

Python is a good lang to learn. It's very diverse in its application. Good on you!

[@colinm3130]

Some say Python might keep your mind from working. (joking)

[@bradpirochta9293]

I'm 50, and have 20+ y coding exp w/ a computer science degree. Yes, you can learn to code at 50... everything he says in this video is true.

[@jackies35]

Python is complicated! I need help!!!!!

[@2Dimples4U]

I’m almost 43 and I have 0 experience except from a boot camp. It is possible to learn.

[@absolute3112]

Python and Java , ugh a struggle. BUT Linux because of prior UNIX knowledge, like writing my name. lol

[@partlysimpson5154]

iam 34 can i learn ?

[@almdrs]

@@jackies35 Take a break. Start it again.

[@11vag]

Uncle Stef helping dudes chill out even when we messed up. Thank you man.

[@StefanMischook]

Welcome!

[@mariednathaliequirion2774]

I’m 40, starting my coding journey while taking care of my handicapped child and being a single mom. Thank you so much for your videos: I now have hope in the future! Hiiiii from Coaticook, Quebec 👋

[@StefanMischook]

Bonjour!

[@OG-kg4wx]

You can do this Marie! I believe in you :)

[@alexandrf2428]

I wish you succes! How its going so far?

[@kartjeeva]

Hope you are doing fine. I wish you all the good luck. Taking care of someone is the greatest thing humanity can do. Take care.

[@shaunweinberg2463]

Keep at it! 44 changed careers a few years back to full stack and completing BSc in maths now!

[@toddboothbee1361]

Current choices: 1. despair, or 2. learn code, save 60% gross income, exercise, eat well and moderately, travel as an occasional reward.

[@metrolis2]

Wtf. How much money are you making to be able to save 60% of your gross income? Unless you're making like 10mil a year then you can hire accountants to help you find the loop holes

[@toddboothbee1361]

@@metrolis2 Haha. I used to earn very little (less than deductible) and still saved 60% of gross, or more. Dry beans were a staple. I got fresh produce from where I worked. I walked everywhere, so no car. Lived in a 15 X 10 room and shared a bathroom at the end of the hall. I had no kids. Comfort as we've come to view as essential wasn't a thing for me--I was focused and willing to endure what others called deprivation. The secret was that I grew up poor, right here in the US. I was living better than I was living in childhood. I saved massive amounts on shit pay. I did get the taste of the high life when I had a girl friend and would live with her in her apartment for a year, paying half her rent as well as the mere $130 for my room. Those were the romantic days of my ambitious semi-youth (my 30s). I realize now most people would shoot themselves, eventually, if they lived that way.

[@VicariusVictrus]

​@@toddboothbee1361 You're already a rich man from the start, you live in the US. I've got to earn 2mil to get in there, living poor in the US is nothing compared to living poor in the 3rd world country.

[@orangemancometh]

​@@metrolis2 _"60% of your gross income"_ Thinking that Boothbee meant "net" not "gross". If you earn $100,000 in a year, that's the gross. But after the government steals what it steals-beyond simply the income tax claim-you may net about $50,000-$60,000. So saving 60% of gross would mean saving 100% of your net. So… maybe disregard Boothbee. Not sure he's solid with the maths.

[@metrolis2]

@Todd Boothbee yea I admire your hard work and commitment but that's a horrible way to make money. Saving will never be a way out. Better to find alternatives to generate new income. The money would have been better spend buying your higher ups dinners and making connections.

[@shaolin6150]

Thanks for the advice. I'm 35 and got medically retired from the military right when the pandemic started. Long story short, after a 1 year coding bootcamp, 2 years of a computer science at Temple and a whole lot of imposter syndrome, I just got a job offer as a web developer. I'm scared but I gotta put myself in the fire.

[@matekimagick]

Love your channel! Totally needed to hear this (I'm 53).....everytime I hit a slump I come to your videos and walk away with a more positive attitude! Thank you!!!

[@legalcoffee5315]

I'm the same age - and I am completely changing careers to full stack - you can do it (and so can I!) xo

[@matekimagick]

@@legalcoffee5315 thank you! Love developing this new super power 💪 Let's do this!

[@amit12000]

@@legalcoffee5315 how u do manage coding , please share experience 🙏

[@legalcoffee5315]

@@matekimagick woo hoo! let's go!

[@panzerd5248]

Just now starting at 52!

[@davewallace5008]

I prefer to live an active life, making things from steel and wood. I used to code in C++ but my eyes started to deteriorate and my belly began expanding from soft drinks and eating crap. Now, I am healthier and happier, even though money is almost non-existant, my view is to love what you do whether it brings in money or not.

[@NorlynCodes]

I like this principle

[@davewallace5008]

@Cayenne Captain All depends on how materialistic you are; I personally am happy to live frugally, money tends to bring it's own problems, in my view less is more.

[@afigueroa0331]

That's great then this video is not for you lol

[@jamesbutson6347]

I am 21 but plan to do DIY in my free time when not work as a software eng (in last year of school now), my favorite classes in high school were woodshop and CNC. I knew that those jobs were not for me, but I also know that they will make a great hobby!

[@Babararoot55]

@@jamesbutson6347 Hey 👋

[@hlf_coder6272]

I’m a self taught developer for 15 years now. I’d agree with everything he said, but I think maybe he’s slightly understating the level of work it will take to be job ready in 6 months if you’re staring from scratch. Especially if you’re working another job. You better be coding or studying every waking free moment if you want a dev job in 6 months. Coding is confusing as hell at first. There’s a hurdle to get over before things click, and I think some senior devs forget that. There’s a reason it pays so well

[@dellmitchell470]

How long do you think it took you to get over that hump? I have a general understanding of HTML from blogging for 10+ years, but Python and the more complex languages I've felt rather dumb as I've tried to learn them...lol. I know I'm quite intelligent, but learning to code will humble you for sure. I learned a little Python since I"ve been in school and it was pretty painful.

[@Titere05]

@@dellmitchell470 It's not the language that's challenging, it's the theoretical concepts common to all languages, variables, functions, all OOP concepts (what's a class, what's an object, polymorphism, inheritance, composition), what's functional programming, etc. Also the ability to analyse a problem and find a way to solve it through code. That's what coding really is about. The language is just the tools you use, but a mechanic's worth is not in his tools, but in his knowledge and resources, if you know what I mean

[@supernat1978]

Most developers start to move away from coding as they age. I've been coding for 20 years, and the technology starts to move faster than your mind.

[@Weaseldog2001]

I spent a solid year teaching myself 'C' in the 1980s to get into coding. I had an ANSI Book, a compiler and book on text window and menu construction to start with. I essentially typed in the entire book and wrote my own examples for each 'C' function in the ANSI book. I would agree that a year is about right. Though if you can get into a company that will give you some mentoring and training, you might be able to get away with less. I jumped right into a job, writing an image processing app from the ground up. It was a baptism by fire.

[@davidnobular9220]

Procedural yes. Non procedural...no.

[@ApostleHenryAnosike]

I am 37 and I have been a 3D artist for 15 years and recently I learnt how to code in C++, thank God it was not hard for me to catch up with .....I am now making a VR/ Metaverse project because I can combine both skills...I will be 38 this year and I no longer live in fear......coding unlocks your potentials no matter the age, just learn to code. Thank you!

[@-Engineering01-]

Do u use any game engine and if yes what engin ?

[@ApostleHenryAnosike]

@@-Engineering01- I use Unreal Engine

[@-Engineering01-]

@@ApostleHenryAnosike i couldn't find any good c++ tutorial for unreal on internet.

[@afrohealer]

@@ApostleHenryAnosike that is awesome!! .. Congratulations on your new C++ super powers. Please share your project with us if you dont mind

[@GeorgeHRiveraJr]

you freaking rock !!!! I'm 51 - (with no retirement set aside) - and I'm checking out your mentoring program. Thank you for this video. I needed to see this.

[@StefanMischook]

Let me know if you have any questions.

[@luisdelvalle1965]

Hi Stef. I'm a Nurse and am 57 this year. I'm looking to learning code/web development just to keep my mind active... and then see where this thing goes. I've watched many YT videos on programming/development but you just have a relaxed, candid, no BS, mentoring style to your honest and truthful, but yet inspiring approach to the real world of development. I'm going to watch all you videos over the next few days as you make a lot of sense in a plethora of YT videos which make it confusing, for example, a YT video titled, 'Basics of Coding in 10 minutes'. Thanks for your insightful and humbling 'chat'. I felt like you were talking to me, and it was it was all great advice, the sort of advice that a son or grandson should have when they're older. Cheers from Australia.

[@michaelcopple1736]

Stef, I respect the fact that coding is not a get rich quick scheme. It is work. It is something to respect and money that is earned, not handed to you. I subbed today after watching this vid. About ten years ago I had to drop out of Penn State in a computer science under-grad due to finances. My GI bill was denied to me despite being injured in the military here in the United States. I am now 47 and listening to the power behind what you have to say just gives me even more desire to get back on track with myself. Thank you and keep up the great channel. I will recommend this to everyone I can.

[@StefanMischook]

Get rich quick usually ends up in a bad way. But proper strategy with some work can get you to a good place in a reasonable timeframe.

[@RichGarner]

I've been coding for over 30 years now and I've worked hard to get where I am today. I currently have a secure position with a great company where I set my own hours, work from home 100% of the time, AND I have a light workload most days. If you struggle making ends meet, I highly suggest learning a programming language. :)

[@joeruder]

You had me at 'light workload...' -- been coding for over 30 years, work for a great company also from home 100%. But MAN the hours are intense some weeks! :)

[@RichGarner]

@@joeruder Oh, yeah! I put in those hours years ago in order to be here. Keep plugging away man. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

[@RichGarner]

Also, I'm 50. Just sayin' LOL

[@tnj4ever]

Don’t you have to work somewhere before at home straight outta school?

[@sauravbasu8805]

What are the job prospects of a newbie ? If I invest 2 hours everyday for 2 years , what are the things I should learn first and in what order ? I do have good high-school level proficiency in Maths and know very basics of computer . Yes, this question is very vague, but one needs to start somewhere to grasp an idea of sorts.

[@bwaldburg]

I have learned so much from your course!! Html5 ✔ CSS✔ headed to Java I am a stay at home mom with degree so I stay up and studying at night. Your courses are so digestible. Thank you for making it so affordable.

[@StefanMischook]

That is awesome!

[@NuevoVR]

why java if you learning web languages

[@bez1196]

@@NuevoVR I think she means JavaScript.

[@garybeltrand5802]

This vid put me in a good mood. I'm close to 50 and have been studying HTML/CSS/JavaScript for the last year. No debt, decent savings, 4 year degree in marketing/design with a ton of pro experience. Got burned out on full time design, didn't know what else to do, so I just did basic labor jobs and lived cheaply for a few years. CSS feels like a new artistic medium to me. The learning curve for coding was pretty steep for me, I haven't mastered anything really, but I have enough understanding now to make good looking sites and enjoy the learning process and not be intimidated. Feels like the beginning of a great career resurgence on the horizon.

[@MrCaps-sq4bk]

That's good to hear, do what gets you curious, and there is no limit what you can do. We learn our entire lives, so why limit yourself.. when you can grow. It honestly feels refreshing, and interesting in-general. Plus, you can use your experience overall and creativity from marketing/ design into this can do some cool things. Best of luck!

[@adriatic123]

Don't think much about hurdles in your age. Just work hard and don't think, and things will start to open to you somehow. Bit by bit. But it's not for those who are not very disciplined.

[@khanhngo5979]

Love hearing these stories Gary. Keep at it and don't ever give up!

[@abbeyroadkill]

This is encouraging. I’m 52, with a 30 year career in illustration and graphic design. Aged myself out of that world I think. Wondering what the transition to the coding side will be like. Always seemed like a different side of the brain.

[@afrohealer]

@@abbeyroadkill another option aside from coding. .. might be an transition to the UI/UX side of things.. but yes .. it is a different side of the brain ..

[@Jeffjam_5]

Thank you Stefan! this is very encauraging. Although at times I find myself equaly discauraged by how competitive and oversaturated the field is right now for junior developers. But at 35 years of age, I have no option but to keep learning and hope for the best. Cheers! You earned an loyal subscriber!

[@StefanMischook]

Don’t worry about it, most of the competition are under qualified. So just be better!

[@Wandering_Horse]

You made this video just for me, I am 51 and have very little saving and concerned for my future. I will admit I have gone back to school but my first programming course has been disappointing and has left me questioning what the hell I am doing. Thanks for the motivation, subscribed :)

[@basicprogrammer6147]

holy cow! How timely! I was just ambushed at 54 and lost everything. I can program in BASIC, VBScript, ASP, HTML, JavaScript, and I can read almost any language. But I have no work experience since I was self employed. Now, at 55, I need to start over. Just subscribed. I hope this works. I am about to begin the coursera google data analytics certificate program.

[@rhettherring4846]

Very good advice... anyone can code, and at any age. It takes work but you can do it. You will keep learning throughout your career! It can be rewarding!!!!

[@StefanMischook]

Absolutely!

[@erikslorenz]

I learned at 29. Best thing I ever did. But it took me about 4 months to figure out what to learn though. Now I just recommend taking a full course. Because even if it isn't the right tech you still learn to program! And everything after that is easy. I parlayed that into my business knowledge. Companies need people that can code but have business knowledge.

[@vkwalking]

Where did you start from?

[@saturnteatree]

Can u provide me some links to great business knowledge youtubers

[@erikslorenz]

@@saturnteatree hmm I dont really know any. I was a sales rep for 6 years or so out of college and we were trained pretty well and then had to do it. Then I started my own

[@saturnteatree]

Erik Lorenz oh ok

[@StefanMischook]

"Because even if it isn't the right tech you still learn to program! " Exactly!

[@luisf7105]

THANK YOU!!!!! 52, unemployed due to a medical separation due to much needed surgery. Now I'm recovered and looking to skill up to put myself in a better situation. I truly appreciate your content.

[@danieldreisbach7162]

Stef. You're a real voice of calm in such difficult times. Love your vids!

[@hectorrios1432]

Great video Stef and sound advice. As a 50-year-old who does know how to code, I think it's essential to bring up that "white elephant" in our industry, ageism. It's a topic that doesn't get discussed very much, and it is something that I am running into as I try to pivot into an engineering role after spending years in the CRM industry as a consultant. I would recommend going the freelance route, as trying to find an entry-level job might be disheartening, especially if you've gone through the effort to learn to code.

[@leonardonovara9348]

I found this kinda ironic that the software development and tech industry in general, boast that they are progressive, inclusive and open to everybody but they really have barriers for people of a certain age. It really makes you think but to be fair, most jobs are like this.

[@JaguarDave54]

Yup they don’t want us old guys or No country for old men

[@JohnDoe-bf1fw]

@@JaguarDave54 Be black and or female and you are in. Discrimination has a long history of being considered "progressive".

[@ashvanes484]

​@@JohnDoe-bf1fw and yet, I have worked in tech roles since the mid 90s, I have yet to meet one Black woman or Black man in tech over 35. This whole time I have worked with one woman over 40 who was a Dev. All else male, until last few years where more have been younger women. I am turning 50 myself this year and there is no one like me in my rapidly growing company. Believe what you like, but it's still very much white and male.

[@JohnDoe-bf1fw]

@@ashvanes484 Then you ain't in California.

[@cocovalletta]

I love your book! I am 50 and I worked my butt off my whole life but I lost it all in my divorce. Now I spend everything I have (time and money) on my special needs son but I am going to keep learning to code. High hopes for the future! Thanks so much!

[@StefanMischook]

Keep working at it!

[@poppingjaz]

Great topic. Worked with a woman who was hired at 50 as a C# developer at a company I was at. She started at 45 after a career as a public school teacher. She was hired over several other candidates almost 1/2 her age.

[@carldrogo9492]

Wow. That was God's grace.

[@se1931]

Was it one of the bigger/well-known companies? When you say she started at 45, she started studying then or got a previous job at that age? Did she get a degree or was it online courses etc? I'm 46, starting to look for first job in Java. I have OCP qualification, but no degree.

[@bez1196]

@@se1931 Have you found a job?

[@GravityBar231]

Time, focus, and hard work.

[@rayb5204]

Another great video Stef! There are a lot of people that are older going through career changes and this is a valid and great path for one to pursue!

[@StefanMischook]

Glad you liked it. I wanted to show people there is an avenue for them.

[@danielc3417]

A great way to start the day. Like somebody said the best years have to come yet. Thank you Stefan

[@grafxdesigner93]

Right on. I have a BFA in graphic design. My career took off in 1995 starting at a newspaper and moving up in my career as a graphic designer for a major public relations media company in Arizona. Mind you, I'm from Mississippi. Anyways during that period, I had gotten married and had two children with my wife at the time. Then the divorce happened in 2004 and my career came crashing down in October 2008. By the time I relocated to Houston, TX, and a few years in bouncing from temp to temp jobs. The whole job market changed to where it is all about web design and web development. Finally got on board to learn Front End Web Development and AWS certification. Coming across this video is a confirmation for me. Thanks! Oh, I'm 54 years old. Came out of college in 1993.

[@grindhard4312]

Congrats brother!! What part of MS are you from??

[@elouisesherwood1268]

I’m a 41 year old single mom to eight kids , I have worked hard to pay off all credit cards, have no car debt and have started to save for a home . This info was so inspiring to me because I am ready for a career after spending 20 years as a homemaker. I am in a financial position that allows me to focus on learning a new skill/career. I have been afraid to step into coding but believe it will sustain me and help me reach my goals for the future. I’m glad I found your channel and look forward to digging deeper.

[@ivanyoed]

Hey Elouise. How is it going with the coding path?

[@TheEgzi]

How far have u come? Is it easy learning ?

[@basicprogrammer6147]

Elouise... YOU have everything! You are truly an inspiration. I needed to read your comment today more than you know. I am learning to program in R and I'm taking the coursera google data analytics certificate classes. May Jesus look over your flock and protect you and bless you.

[@memoregalado3651]

This is my experience. I studied computer degree and then made a huge huge mistake: I get my first job and stay there for 15 years. Yes, I wasted 15 years in a toxic job with shitty bosses who made me broke mentally. During that time I don't learn any new languages or technology ( I only had worked VBasic, the 1997 versión!! ) I resigned there swearing never programming again. Three years after, I back to search for programming jobs without much enthusiasm, I thought that my age ( 44 years at the time ) and my inexperience in all these new technologies would be a great obstacle. To my surprise, the programming market is greater than ever and doesn't seem that would be stopped. I got a job, with a better salary and a great stack of technology web for learning. Age shouldn't be an obstacle for anybody in this area.

[@asianstud7]

im now 42 and ready for a change of career. I have worked in restaurants my whole life. Can you make suggestions to where and how i can start for next to or very little money? Thanks.

[@marky1974]

Buy 'head first java' this will teach u basics of programming..

[@bez1196]

@@marky1974 You think it's a good idea for a novice to start learning Java? I'd stay start with front end web development. Seems to be easiest entry into a tech role. From there you can move on to something else.

[@marky1974]

@@bez1196 Depends what you want to do..if you want to learn object oriented programming its a good starter book..ive made a career of out mainly database dev and reporting..Oracle plsql and sql server t-sql..it doesnt change much which suits me!

[@grimvian]

Why not? At 65, I started learning CPP. After a year or so, I had a simple relational database with a graphical interface that only used the keyboard. It was created for my wife's business. All the editing facilities were written without the string library because I wanted to have a good understanding of pointers. Even the cursor, although difficult to code, had timing, insert/overwrite and search facilities. The project consisted of about 5000 lines of code spread over 20 .h and .cpp files. This was not the best strategy as the quality of the code varied from the start to the end. However, my wife is smiling at me, so I think it works okay. So if I can, many others can do it and I sure I'm not the sharpest knife in the shed... :o)

[@joguland]

I'm 30 years old when I started actually focusing on web development. I got my certificate and currently getting another one. I'm now looking for work and I'm happy to have started my journey as a coder

[@StefanMischook]

30 is very young .. keep going!

[@joguland]

@@StefanMischook Thank You for you words

[@delmasskipper]

Great Video! I'm almost 50 and learning JS and Node.JS right now. Not easy for sure, but I agree with this video 100%

[@arthurm.3565]

Hi Stefan..I too am an old bird and broke. Thank you for making this video. There is hope as l put in the time to learn to code. I have gotten distracted so many times trying to make a few dollars to eat. I just made my mind up to go for broke and put in 6 hours daily with your course. Blessings to you

[@StefanMischook]

Sounds good! But don’t forget to pace yourself. Take breaks and do a little exercise to clear the mind.

[@MichelMawon4982]

I like your straight to the point, practical, non judgemental delivery.

[@StefanMischook]

Thanks!

[@brantbuckleymusic3383]

Cool video! I am 35, a musician, and going back to school to learn code and it really reminds me a lot of music theory. I am taking an Intro to Python course this semester and I am very interested in your programs. Maybe something I can do this summer after this semester... Excellent video here!

[@wildmagic520]

Stefan, Thank you also for this video. I am self taughted, programmed in VBA for Access, Word and Excel and created many diverse apps in Access for my organization. Starting to learn python, C++ and C sharp. Will be retiring in less than a month and a half and recently celebrated my 65th birthday. Your videos are very encouraging and resonates with what I am drawn to do in my retirement, that is, to continue programming and maybe earn some money along the way. Appreciate your channel and love your Ruby jokes!

[@Ade2bee]

Great advice, I found myself a 54 without savings, it went during the pandemic, without a home and needing to earn money… The lucky thing is I have always taken an interest in online digital matters. I have no pets however… Your advice has been noted and has been greatly received

[@abujasm2223]

I already started learning coding and this is the first video i saw on this channel but these are some honest, good advices. 4 minutes in and I'm liking & subbing. Thank you sir for sharing this wisdom! 😊

[@erikl5340]

Thank you Stefan! I've obtained the HTML5 certification today from your mentoring course! CSS on the way!

[@StefanMischook]

Fantastic!

[@3mmiii975]

really love your content man. i'm 28 and have kind of had to restart my life. i was doing sales over the phone for around 7- 8 but eventually fell off do to some health issues. i'm good now and all that is behind me but i'm starting from scratch and have been looking to get into coding. this inspired me to keep going for sure.

[@Big_Tex]

Haha I’m 55 and I like to dabble in learning to code. But I’m well employed and don’t ever expect to become a programmer for real, more like a hobby. But who knows, always one budget cut away from being unemployed.

[@Big_Tex]

Not to mention it’s healthy to learn things and engage your noggin as you grow older.

[@letgabeequaltrue9097]

Selling propane and propane accessories is a good job.

[@StefanMischook]

For sure. If you learn and do different things it will go a long way to keeping your brain tip-top.

[@johnnycincocero]

@@letgabeequaltrue9097 Especially at Strickland Propane. Excellent company to work for.

[@KineticCode]

My personal PSA- DO NOT rely on learning to code as your "out" to poverty. I am a good programmer and cannot find work at mid-level because every job has 300 applicants minimum. Do not tell me I did not try or I didnt do things right, I did. If someone I cared about asked me if they should learn to code for a career I would tell them its not worth it. Please dont fall into the endless optimism loop of college educated programmers telling you that self taught is possible. Its possible for 2% of extremely intelligent programmers at the expense of their sanity and wallet.

[@CheckmateV4]

What’s your resume like?

[@KineticCode]

@@CheckmateV4 years of experience doing contract work, large backend portfolio projects with thousands of users(that are pretty impressive for independent projects!), c# and java + various frameworks, senior/principal engineer references. everytime i make any sort of comment similar to what i posted, i always get people doubting my commitment/work ethic/ resume. why wouldn't you? i'm saying the exact opposite of what the common narritive is. i don't blame you. long story short-> i did everything right. and i applied to jobs of all skill levels(even entry). so either i'm lying or every other self taught proponent is, i made my PSA and you can do with it what you will.

[@banguard856]

@AlexBarclay As someone trying to get a developer job whos been studying programming for 1.5 years, I can't tell you the number of times, I've applied to company just to be called and asked about my college education, just to get hung up on when I tell I don't have any. I don't even get to speak to sell them on my personality, let alone showcase my programming skills, or projects. I heard trump signed a bill last year that banned employers for discriminating on education when they hired, only for Biden to repeal the law right away as soon as he got in office. So its a different climate and no one knows that it looks for jobs, but I can tell you, you will definitely get disqualified from a lot of jobs without the proper credentials, thought I still don't plan on going back to school to get a degree, just a warning.

[@banguard856]

​@AlexBarclay Thank you, I hope you also able to do well. To Stefans defense, degrees were less important last year after the bill was signed by Trump, but since the bill is voided by Biden, its no longer a thing. Maybe the pandemic changed everyone's' feelings about hiring, software engineers aren't the only ones struggling to find jobs. It's very strange how there is a high percent of people who cant find a simple job, but there is also a large amount of individuals quitting jobs to become freelancers, and dropping out of college according to the news. Whats scary is there is another lock-down coming, and this year many including my self are required to start paying back loans this year. Things are becoming pretty desperate, I just hope I can provide a little more perspective to the next person.

[@KineticCode]

@AlexBarclay there's no good incentive for companies to mentor a junior developer when that developer 8/10 times will leave that job anyway. if you're running a startup, would you take the risk on a junior developer? mid-level is basically a better junior developer with more practical experience, but will still in many cases require help. i think there was a study(if i remember correctly) that 75% of programmer demand is for senior+, 15% for mid-level, 10% for junior. When junior can't find jobs they won't just roll over and quit, they're going to apply for mid-level jobs. So in my personal opinion, since applications are so heavily inflated, it's more of a luck/numbers game than actually applying as a qualified applicant

[@johnsizemore1666]

I took a Bootcamp at 55. I hate coding. But it did sharpen my brain. Helped me think more deductively and not be emotional when you have to kept trying. To continue to educated yourself and learn tough subjects is like taking your brain to the gym..

[@StefanMischook]

💯

[@turkeylegfredxpress5592]

Just subscribed brother… 48 now and divorced after 30 years. Assets and multi million dollar company went to my ex and kids. Left penny less due to not wanting to dissolve my kids inheritance between lawyers. You are a blessing…. I’m all ears. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@TJTHEFOOTBALLPROPHET]

I literally learn to code at 49 years old and learning JavaScript has been the best thing ever. It was excruciating but still the best decision I made.

[@StefanMischook]

Good job!

[@bez1196]

did you find a job?

[@TJTHEFOOTBALLPROPHET]

@@bez1196 find me a job was never my plan - I'm working on intellectual property.

[@NothingMaster]

Uncle Stef is such an inspirational figure, even if he tends to lay it a bit thicker on the side of excessive optimism. His voice and demeanor are super reassuring, even in the worst of times. To me he is the most trusted and motivationally helpful software engineer on KZbin. Thanks, and please keep up the great work.

[@andromydous]

I'm 45 and really wish I had started learning 10-12 years ago. I have enough physical limitations that makes getting "normal" jobs hard to get. My wife, bless her heart, is trying her best by working and going to college for IT. 2 thoughts cross my mind on a regular basis: "I wish I was able to do something to help take some load off of her" and "What would I do if something happens to her (i.e. getting injured/or sick enough to work or dying)?" I would grieve for her, but at the same time I have no personal foundation to fall back on. Anyways, as I said my wife is going to college to get into IT. Her first computer science class is beginner's Java (I'm still confused by this). She was having difficulties, so I started teaching myself by watching videos. I found beginner's Java really easy to understand and I'm able to break it down for her to understand. However, I decided to just keep going with it. When I got done learning the basics I moved on to Java Swing (beginner's) and backtracked/moved on to Data Structures and Algorithms (beginner's). The problem I'm running into is how to apply what I've learned and where to go from here. I've done a couple of projects (semi simple text base rpg and a simple graphical login) which I consider a work in progress because I should be able to take some of what I learned and apply it to the projects I already have.

[@rferguson3]

@andromydous got an sort of update, by chance?

[@GrapheneTech]

Signed up for your solo courses. Excited to get started.

[@StefanMischook]

Cool!

[@peterliggett5229]

Actually OTR CDL-A truck driving make alot of money also.Especially in the oilfields. Also STEM degrees are worth it

[@BarnabyPerrinAldous]

Biggest of all big ups, yes Stefan Mischook. Boom. Fact.

[@RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS]

70 and broke, sort of. Lol -i was going to code way back in the 70's. But decided to become a nurse. My ex-husband was a coder and made big bucks. Junior college is great. You don't go to college to get a degree. You go to get educated. I stopped using credit cards ages ago. Good for you.

[@edwinalvarez1619]

This is why I’m a subscriber. You tell it like it is and provide lots of positivity.

[@Rich_V777]

Pushing the boundaries, gonna learn coding at 60👍 Great info

[@rajeshshenoy9159]

one of the greatest motivational speeches ever - thanks.

[@thepatsyfamily]

I'm in a state of analysis paralysis, looking into UX, Data Analytics, and Web Dev and don't know which direction to go. I'm not sure what excites me most.

[@StefanMischook]

Dabble for 48hrs in each and see what you like.

[@thepatsyfamily]

​@@StefanMischook I'm not sure what happened to my other comment. I've been taking the Google UX and Google Data Analytics course on Coursera and I like them both. Is there a high level of stress as a developer? I'm sure this varies across industries. One more thing, the full-stack class is what you recommend learning? The link in your description? Studioweb?

[@Haise-san]

@@thepatsyfamily Sometimes it is wiser to just take one path firmly. Even if there are other nice choices out there

[@StefanMischook]

Yea, it is the StudioWeb program. It is unique because you will not only learn how to code, think like a pro developer and I teach you how to operate like a professional.

[@smitherstiger5190]

Good one Dave Atell!

[@brotendo]

Sure, you can still learn to code. Anyone can learn to code. It's whether you can get a job or not, especially over 50 where ageism in the industry is against your favor and content creators will tell you feel good stories otherwise to keep selling things and getting views.

[@AC-db4ek]

spot on .

[@bez1196]

This is a mis-use of data. Just because 50% of marriages end in divorce it does not mean that *your* chances of getting divorced is 50/50. Same with ageism. There are many factors like location, how good he can become, the tech stack he chooses to focus on, job scarcity/availabilty in his area etc that you have not accounted for. I mean, unless we know these factors we cannot say how hard/easy it will be for him to find a job.

[@brotendo]

@@bez1196 I didn't present any data, so your hinging an argument on data that you made up is invalid. I don't know if you're stupid or ignorant or both. It doesn't matter what the factors are because the market is flooded with talented engineers. Age is a huge issue in getting hired.

[@fassphoto]

I just cross the 54yo line, I just get a used laptop to learn c language, and after accomplish I will learn other languages. Thank you very much for the good and true words. 👏👏👏🙌

[@91bravic12]

Good to hear. I’m 49 and graduating with my Computer Science degree after 25 years in healthcare.

[@StefanMischook]

Congratulations!

[@nikhilmuthukrishnan7222]

your on a whole new level now.....LVL UP!

[@StefanMischook]

Thanks!

[@TwstedTV]

My grandmother always taught me this. when you get your paycheck. pay off ALL your bills for that month FIRST. Then after ALL the bills are paid, from whatever is left over, take 25% for yourself to do whatever you want with it. And take the 75% thats left, and stuff it in the bank. She calls this the 25/75 Rule.

[@StefanMischook]

Just add invest it.

[@pmjoseantonio]

Thanks! I needed to watch this video, I'm 34 year old, I'm also a telecommunications engineer who didn't make a career as an engineer, I've spent most of my professional life in the field of international business but now I want a change, I really need a change, and coding seems to be the right answer. I won't lie, I felt old taking this professional change but this video showed me how wrong I was. I'm determined to spend this whole year learning and training new programming languages, I already have my learning schedule. Thanks again for the extra motivation, I really needed it.

[@StefanMischook]

34 is very young so you can be way ahead if you follow the principles I outlined here. Go for it!

[@j-dub8369]

Hello Stefan, I am 46. I grew up doing construction and became an electrician at a young age. I like what I do but would like to get into some sort of computer work that I can do anywhere in the world. My daughter is 8 and is really interested in coding and working on the children’s coding classes. She has been asking me how she can take it to the next level and do ‘real coding’. I figured this would be a good opportunity for both of us to learn this together. I am at a complete loss as to where to start. You can say that I am at ground zero. I would love to hear your idea where we should start. I am open to all comments from anyone willing to leave a comment. Thank you in advance 👍

[@markuslandington2593]

This is the best personal finances video I have ever seen! Thank you Mr. Mischook!

[@Liberty-rn4wy]

I learned Python and can do basic to medium Python programming. But when I go onto sites and look at job offers, I am totally lost and have zero confidence that I could do any of those even basic jobs. I basically gave up on it. I knew a guy who is smarter than me and an experienced Java programmer. He told me he was making like $20 an hour doing Java freelance (he was fired at age 40 like a lot of software people, due to ageism and thus had to do freelance). I make that in a basic blue collar job without having to chase down clients. So I am skeptical of this. Btw I was 11 years in the software industry working full time at a major software company.

[@bez1196]

Sounds to me like you quit on yourself before anybody else could quit on you.

[@ashish_sunny]

I appreciate that you shared so openly about all the hard learned values and idea. As a new programmer in the space it will help me a lot. Thank you so much, will tune to all of your videos from now, so glad that I found this channel!

[@StefanMischook]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JonathanBaileyn2u]

Code is just another tool in the box; a box you carry with you, in whatever you do. We are here to simply survive; love what you do ✌️

[@StefanMischook]

Thanks!

[@rick_amsterdam]

I really like Stefan's down to earth attitude and way of explaining things. Subscribed!

[@aurinator]

Leasing vehicles allows you to use it as a business expense, and that's really the only reason to do so IMO.

[@tompickering]

The learning code is very achievable with the right training courses (like yours maybe!) - but getting a steady stream of contracts or work assignments is a LOT harder if you are a senior. I would be much more interested in seeing how to do that. Issue with getting internet based work is that you are competing with people from less affluent countries who will work for a lot less - and if you set your heart on freelancing then you still have to face the bias against older workers.

[@nodak81]

Thanks for this. I turned 40 last August and I'm in a totally dead-end job with no marketable skills. To say I'm feeling depressed about my life is an understatement. I actually went to college for programming but ended up having to drop out just a few credits shy of graduating. But it was years ago so of course I've forgotten 99% of everything I learned.

[@One-way]

You will be surprised….

[@theGENIUSofART-understood]

40's go fast. choose sth n stick w it. it'll pay off.

[@grindhard4312]

@@theGENIUSofART-understood Whats sth if you dont mind me asking

[@relaxingandstress-freesoun2443]

Absolutely. I started programming in the 90’s when I needed a career change. This is a great video and your voice is easy to listen to you and you keep my interest, so thank you.

[@josephl]

Lol and just LOL. My friend, this is my .10 cents of advice from a software engineer who has been in the business since his 14 years old, that's correct. At age 14 I started this journey and I can tell, is super mentally demanding, not to say, exhausting. Sadly, most of the companies out there will exploit you until burn out. As you may tell, this is something that requires a fresh and young mind. I know, it may sound hard, even discriminating against seniors. But, the reality is, the mind is not the same after you turn 40+. So, take whatever you like to do the most, take it, and transform it into a business. All the best to everyone reading this comment!

[@bez1196]

40 is not that old. If your mind detoriates at that age, you need to go see a doctor LOL. Also, you are making the assumption that his goal is to work for a FAANG. Maybe he just wants to start a small freelancing business bulding WP websites. Not that impossible at age 50.

[@sunshinewolf5980]

Well I'm over 40 and I have been wiser than when I was in my twenties. I have a degree in Computer Science but my focus has usually been in the academe and so after 25 years, I am going back to coding. I always have the attitude that if a company discriminates me because of my age, it's their loss not mine, LOL😅

[@johngonzales5907]

Best advice EVER. Im retiring in 2 years, God willing, and I'm learning to code to get a side hustle. I just wrote my first program, battled with the bugs, 🪲 it finally worked. 🎉 If i can do it everyone can. All the best who start this journey, you can do it.

[@el9delcielo]

Roght on point! Specially about staying healthy

[@djtommykeys]

I'm mid 60's and presently living solely off of social security. I paid off half of my credit card debt last year and I hope to have the other half paid off in six months. My low mileage SUV is six years old and paid off. No mortgage. No savings. High aptitude in music and mathematics. I excel in pattern recognition and problem solving as a gift from being on the spectrum with Asperger's. I was always a self employed entrepreneur. Economic downturns and the past two crazy years left me with no business left to manage. This isn't where I thought I'd be now. I'm so bored I decided to learn Spanish. I took BASIC in college last century. Five of my best friends have successful careers as coders. A reasonable time frame to get into coding intrigues me. Talk about catching up, lol, I'd like to be back on track by age 70.

[@mahmoodulhassan6607]

Hay Tommy, good to hear that you're learning coding now. I'm 60 and just started. It intrigues me and challenges me. So I've started. Good luck.

[@AbstractCatsMedia]

This is a great video! I'm about to be 55, I've been "playing" with coding since about 2003, but just got serious about 3 years ago before the pandemic, and now refocused on my skills and will probably will begin applying next month. I've needed to do this for a long time. As for debt, none and I've not used a credit card for about 30 years, and would never use one again. My paid for house is my savings at the moment. My coding future will be what makes me more secure. What I've been told by people in the field here in Louisville, Ky. I should start at about $50.000 per year, and my goal is to be at $100.000 within 3 years, I probably won't retire, which is fine with me. Thanks again for this video.

[@StefanMischook]

Welcome!

[@manojrai5046]

Great to hear. What's the update on your journey. Would you please apprise? Would love to hear. Need inspiration for myself. Sailing in the same boat as you did at the time of your post.

[@janedoe1771]

Learning to "code" is not enough. Learning Software development is a different thing. There are many framework users out there, who think a little html and css is enough. It's not that easy. I do have a degree, the more I know the more I lnow what I don't know, and unless you are a fullstack dev with years of expertise and some decent showcase projects and deep understanding of the technology and how all those skills and components work together from frontend to backend to server setup to security, you're getting nowhere near a "solo career" who covers today's industry's demands. Saw them all stepping back by the hundreds, 20yrs or 40+

[@8214733939]

this is by far one of the best pieces of advice. Savings!!

[@jmw1982blue]

Only reason I use credit is that if someone steals my info and uses my credit the company fixes the problem and doesn’t charge, but if my checking account is gone, it’s gone…

[@andrewbeck1353]

I appreciate the info. Looking to get out of the steel industry and into coding. At 35 my body is a wreck and I despise going to work everyday. There are so many opportunities to self learn or learn cheap when it comes to coding. I’m so excited to start this new adventure.

[@randyriegel8553]

Back in the day you needed a degree. I graduated high school in 1992 and was already coding on my own. I went to college for a year and landed a coding job then I quit college. College wasn't teaching me any computers / coding that I didn't already know. First job is way better than college. I got real life experience. That is all you need because college doesn't teach you real life scenarios.

[@randyriegel8553]

Started on Commodore 64 in 6th grade. :)

[@AleksandrPodyachev]

The thing is that some big companies still want you to have a college degree regardless of your experience

[@randyriegel8553]

@@AleksandrPodyachev Working for a global company that is around 160 in the Fortune 500 company list. Lots of interviewing, background check, and verified previous employers. They didn't even ask me about education.

[@bluehefner201]

I clicked on this video.. mind bending I'm sense. It was like talking 2 myself.. keep doing what ur doing my guy.. I'm going 2 learn coding

[@marvinfok65]

I am learning coding when I am 55 and I love it! I am doing the MERN stack and making good progress! I am a network engineer and I love the other part of IT, software development! Stefan is giving some of the best advice in life! Don't be stupid to spend beyond your means, be practical!

[@viniciocoelho3538]

I am 43, living in Brazil, and I did think I was done. Thanks Man. This was refreshing.

[@StefanMischook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HOKING-ef8dj]

Hey Stefan, you've inspired me to learn to code. I ordered your book on Saturday on Amazon, and now want to purchase your courses - but I'm not sure which to begin with ! Should I do HTML5 first, CSS3, JAVA, Javascript ? My goal is earn a secondary income as a part-time freelance web developer working on multiple small projects remotely. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

[@MrBlackspoon]

Focus on html, css and javascript. Learn node.js after you got javascript underyour skills belt. After node.js and learned how you can use it as a webserver learn a front-end stack like react or angular.

[@sourigaijin]

you have to know HTML before you can tackle CSS. After you get the basics of those 2 under your belt, then you can start to learn Javascript.

[@juanmacias5922]

Happy New Year! Thanks for the pep talk!

[@amir3515]

I'm 30 and i got RSI, tennis elbow in both arms and chronic exertional compartment syndrome because i got addicted to coding. I remember watching motivational videos hearing "let your dream destroy you" and "work until your arms fall off" but i can say now a lot of those generic motivational videos are terrible advice. Nobody ever told me that you can get a permanently debilitating injury from coding even if your posture and ergo is perfectly correct. I'd advise to take breaks often and treat coding like a construction job

[@deniseturtle9977]

Thanks for sharing. Am experiencing elbow/shoulder issues since pandemic from work. That is my biggest concern, especially when my first language is sign language.

[@aaronboykins5724]

I'm 41 and I often feel so behind when compared to my contemporaries. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Now back to the grind.

[@StefanMischook]

The main lesson is develop a valuable skill set, live below your means and invest like a mad dog into index funds.

[@ForgottenKnight1]

These are 2 different things. 1. You're 50 and broke. Why are you broke? What mistakes have you done, or what are the things you have not done that made you broke today? Ask yourself that, because coding will not help you at all before you improve your financial habits, as these 2 things have nothing in common. If you are reckless spending 2k a month, you'll be reckless spending 20k just as easily. 2. Learn to code at 50 ? It is possible, but in today's market, you will be competing with extremely hungry people who are in their mid 20's. Adjusting your expectations is a must. Personally, I would not take up coding at 50, but to each his own. If you still have a good mental acuity, and you have a background in mathematics or engineering or even electronics, sure, go for it. If you wanna go this path, it is critical you get at least one experienced person who is willing to help you. This will smoothen a lot of bumps down the road.

[@jkane764]

"you will be competing with extremely hungry people who are in their mid 20's" - are you inferring that such people originate from one country?

[@pashatariq]

Thanks a lot. I was at cross road, not able to take the risk. You gave me courage and direction. Also, good to see I am not alone.

[@StefanMischook]

All the best

[@mcrews77]

Gonna send this video to my broke-old-man friend. Cheers

[@supgizmo5021]

Your logic is undeniable. I just want the simple way to way make some cash. I am semi retired and live well but bored out of my mind and want to supercharge my retirement and drive a few super cars and hire some boats...you know what I mean. I do not consider myself as a genius but I was an Aero Engineer and want to delve into coding and wish to learn more.

[@tjf7101]

Financial advice is pretty much in line with Dave Ramsey. That’s good’!

[@raymoe76]

Im 45 I feel really inspired by this video. I think Im gonna take a journey with you an see where it takes me.

[@StefanMischook]

The more you learn the more you earn.

[@raymoe76]

@@StefanMischook I lost my job last month. I have a small nest egg, no children and no debt. Im going to commit to this for the next 2 years. My goals by end of year two: stimulating work, working remotely, earning at least $1000 per week. How realistic are my expectations? Im in Australia.