My Software Engineer Salary (self taught)

Some good places to start learning:
Awesome Frontend Dev Course → [imp.i384100.net/5gv519](imp.i384100.net/5gv519)
Udemy Frontend Dev Course → click.linksynergy.com/deeplin...
Another Udemy Frontend Dev Course → click.linksynergy.com/deeplin...
*Disclosure: Please assume that most links I share are affiliate links. I may receive a commission for qualifying purchases.
MORE GOOD COURSES
Math for Machine Learning Course → imp.i384100.net/9g7L9W
Generative AI Course → imp.i384100.net/baMOq9
Python Course → [imp.i384100.net/LXMKoZ](imp.i384100.net/LXMKoZ)
Data Structures Course → imp.i384100.net/anMOYZ
Tensor Flow Course → imp.i384100.net/21vaXO
Code Interview Prep → imp.i384100.net/MmMAjK
How much do software developers earn outside of Silicon Valley? Should you become a front-end developer? This is my salary history working with Angular and React doing front-end development in a smaller tech hub. I primarily work on JavaScript based enterprise web applications. CSS is necessary, but JavaScript is my passion. Angular is good, but React is better. 🤣
My journey from construction worker to developer: • Becoming a Self-taught...
Why I stopped building websites: • SOMEONE ELSE writes my...
My HireVue interview experience: • This DESTROYS Job Inte...
Fastest way to become a programmer in 2022: • EASIEST Way To Become ...
0:00 Intro
0:20 Why some programmers make more than others?
3:17 How much do programmers make?
9:50 Should i become a front end developer?
Affiliate Links
📖 How to crush code interviews → amzn.to/3JGRHWZ
📖 Learn React.js → amzn.to/3mSA6lV
⌨️ Favorite keyboard for programming → amzn.to/3mIGHzd
💻 Favorite laptop for frontend development → amzn.to/3YP0iuY
🖥 Other stuff I use as a programmer → jamescrossjr.com/programming/...
📷 Gear I use for making KZbin Videos: jamescrossjr.com/youtube/gear
💰 VidIQ → Tool I used to grow my channel faster: vidiq.com/jamescross
Disclosure → How I make money with affiliate / paid links: jamescrossjr.com/affiliate-di... For example, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@jamescross]

Also, just posted how much I earn from KZbin on the channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWmxh2yOlsqihas

[@romb1818]

Will GPT replace IT-ists?

[@driggy3733]

It isn’t flexing it’s showing your hard work and inspiring others good job man

[@jamescross]

thanks

[@kodee2]

Nice man been watching your vids for a while. Ive been applying and grinding interviews, got an offer for 100k base today (I currently make 53k!!), so its kind of insane the market right now for devs. I did some random react web dev stuff while working as an IT guy and only had a little over a year working on an actual dev team doing agile sprints, jira tickets, code review etc. So anyone reading just know its possible to get it, just be patient and never lose faith in yourself.

[@jamescross]

super awesome! congrats!

[@KillasStayFly]

Congrats! that's sick

[@Fridayy.Blessed]

Never lose faith In yourself This is the word I wanted to hear 💕💕💕💕

[@StrokaReviews]

Thanks for the motivation, Stay Blessed

[@mespo7399]

@@1prdas1 yo just apply lol

[@ruantristancarlinsky3851]

I just discovered your channel today Sir. I am 20 years old and was recently academically dismissed from my University doing 2nd year Computer Science and I am honestly at my lowest point ever. It hurts me that I was not able to keep up with the University's standards but I still believe I have what it takes to become a fully proficient software engineer so I am on the journey of becoming self taught and people like you give me genuine hope that I will be successful one day. For now I am putting in as much hours as I can daily and applying as much discipline as possible and hopefully by God's grace everything works out well for me. Thank you for your work!

[@chiefgaming7692]

My biggest advice is if you think you’re good enough at Python or front front or back end development I’d try to apply for a junior developer position. If you’re really proficient at Python many companies will hire you solely to do Python. Freelancing is another great way to exhibit your strong points. As upwork and fiverr will allow you to build experience and resumes while honing your craft. Keep your head up! You’ll make it through the storm!

[@davismuchiri5536]

All the best 🌪️

[@armanigenes]

What was your gpa?

[@johnyewtube2286]

If it takes a lot of applications to get a job it is normal do not let it get to you. It is common to see people apply to 300+ places.

[@Harpie.]

Thank you for being so transparent because it really does give me hope that I’ll be able to both do something I love and also make decent money to provide for myself and my family!

[@bennickclayton6468]

Solid video, solid explanation, self learner thats going for fullstack, but saw your video on the importance of one stack: html, css, javascript + MERN, was thinking of adding (on weekends C# to resume as a job safety mechanism)

[@austinfastidio3183]

This is rad. I am an electrician working at BYU’s new music building. I recently started Pathway for Applied Technology. The first thing they taught me was Python and I am hooked. Absolutely crazy about programming and now I constantly daydream about being a software engineer. It is very encouraging to hear about someone else who has the same story!

[@jamescross]

cool. got my history degree there.

[@MurphsLounge]

Gsl?

[@duceking1249]

I’m happy to have seen this comment too because I am an electrician hoping to make the jump into the tech industry

[@austinfastidio3183]

@@MurphsLounge I was at GSL I left in August for CR Lighting

[@austinfastidio3183]

@@duceking1249 right on dude best of luck 🙏🏻

[@tonybowen455]

Found your channel today. This video is great. Explained two things so clearly and concisely: race to the bottom and some companies thinking 85k/yr is high when others might pay close to 2x that.

[@johnfloyd2635]

I really love your content! I am just starting to learn to code, so I love the honesty and I believe you are as transparent as possible too. I want to learn all I can from any source that I can.😃

[@jamescross]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@TheSplitTongue]

I actually graduated from WGU for Cloud Engineering. I feel like they have a ton of really passionate people that work there. Neat you actually worked for them.

[@jamescross]

That's cool!

[@emmanuelejei-okeke1917]

This is one of the best KZbin videos I've watched. Very insightful. Thank you so much for this.

[@jamescross]

Glad it was helpful!

[@review6374]

Being a Developer for Adobe is my dream job in tech. Thanks for going over this!

[@bennguyen4409]

Hey James, thanks for sharing your perspective man. I'm starting back into programming again and currently make as much as you did when you started your journey! Excited to further my skill set and elevate my life as well. I'm near the silicone slopes area as well~

[@jamescross]

that's cool! best wishes!

[@ceesparxxx]

Bro, this story is extremely motivating. I'm glad you decided to make it. Thank you. This is the video I didn't even know I needed.

[@jamescross]

Glad you enjoyed it! I also have a playlist of videos where i share more details about each of those jobs and transitions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJnbZ2p6bbSiitE

[@Mad1Caster]

I really like how you do suddle clips of things relating to how you felt or what you did. It makes your videos feel original(to me at least) and it keeps me watching because it's like a positive subliminal message

[@jamescross]

thanks for the feedback! appreciate it. have a great day Rasean!

[@jefferyyeager7934]

Love seeing this. As a former commercial diver now back in idaho as a sole proprietor, coding/dev work is where im working into while keeping a eventually managing my company in the residential construction industry. I want to branch out following that into making and manufacturing astrospace parts in the future, and I think this can help further that venture. Now it is just time to buckle down, and get to work!

[@jamescross]

sounds cool. best wishes.

[@KaiBuskirk]

Thanks Man! Appreciate your kindness!

[@jamescross]

Always!

[@sokdevelopment]

Great insight! Thanks for the information.

[@jamescross]

You bet!

[@Fatferg97]

This is what I needed to hear I used to do construction too

[@christianmorera4127]

Nice man, I'm attending WGU so it's cool to know that I've probably come across something you worked on and never knew it was you! Hopefully I can be like you in a couple of years, I really dig the transparency in this video.

[@jamescross]

Very cool! It's been 3.5 years since I was there so who knows. The application could be quite different. But, I was the first UI engineer to work on the evaluation management application. Before that I worked on some of the financial stuff in student portal. What degree are you working on? The Software Engineering?

[@christianmorera4127]

@@jamescross haha cool and yes I am!

[@christianmorera4127]

@@jamescross well everything worked out in the end and you're at a point where companies are not going to gatekeep due to your experience, and college is always gonna be here. Thanks man!

[@coreymartin5472]

How is WGU? I wanted to attend but I read to horror stories about the course content or lack of.

[@haveaniceday7950]

@@coreymartin5472 what horror stories?

[@f0x845]

I left a negative-ish comment on one of your other videos the other day, but I've been watching your channel and I LOVE these videos, man. You are really inspirational and cut right to the core, without any extra b.s. Subscribed!!

[@jamescross]

Thanks for the feedback! It happens. It's hard to make videos for a specific situation and please everyone since there are so many unique circumstances out there. I don't mind people disagreeing with me and I value different experiences and perspectives.

[@CarlLovesTopps]

Appreciate you and your honesty brother. Great vid.

[@jamescross]

my pleasure!

[@Angelaffirms]

Thank you. You gave me hope.

[@AbstractCatsMedia]

I'm looking at getting my first coding job, in the next few months(late bloomer at 55) and looking forward it. I'm in Louisville, Ky. and the base for me, is going to be about $45.000 for Visual Basic or around $55.000, I feel I'll go up pretty fast(with a goal of around $100.000 within 2 years), gaging my learning ability, pretty good for a non-tech city. Great video, thanks!

[@jamescross]

that's awesome! best of luck!

[@gonzar09]

And here I thought I didn't have a chance starting to learn at 37. Thanks for the hope booster, sir.

[@shakt77]

I'm 44 and just got my first FE dev job. I've been freelancing for a few years prior but could never seem to get hired until now. Pay is lower than I wanted but I'm hoping the experience will help me move into something better. So sounds like visual basic pays well?

[@AlbertoGonzalez-hi1og]

@@shakt77 I'm 43 and about to start..do you mind sharing the path you took?

[@shakt77]

@@AlbertoGonzalez-hi1og I'll start by saying i got stuck in tutorial hell big time! Do not do this. I would get a brief overview of many different technologies than pick one you like the best & run with it. When you get good at it there will be jobs. I wouldn't overlook older technologies either like sql / cold fusion. I only got the first few certificates from freeCodeCamp's front end program. Lots of udemy, youtube, & independent courses; but again, do not get stuck in tutorial hell. Start freelancing & applying to jobs once you can make a solid static website. This is getting long but feel free to ask me any questions in the future.

[@thru_and_thru]

Thanks for sharing this insight, really interesting. Looks like you are doing great relative to where you live. I agree it is pretty crazy how developer salaries vary from place to place. I’m a junior dev in NYC making 135k and I have a friend in Europe with 10yrs experience making less….I find this insane. I know people who landed jobs straight out of bootcamps in NY for 160k-180k but I would classify them as very advanced for new devs and most had prior experience coding before they did a bootcamp. Seems like the sky is the limit for salaries in major cities like NY. But then you look at house prices and realize that you would probably have to be a principle engineer at Google making well over to even buy an average home here so it brings people down to earth haha.

[@jamescross]

Yup. Area makes a huge difference, pretty sure I've worked with newer devs who make more than me, but rent where they live is way more than mortgage payments where I'm at.

[@thru_and_thru]

@@jamescross totally dude. My dev salary is twice as much as I used to make in my former career. It’s nice but still nowhere near high enough to afford to buy property where I live. It’s my dream to own a house some day so might have to move out of here if I am gonna make that happen haha. Will try to get some good experience under my belt first.

[@jamescross]

a friend in silicon valley was paying around $3000 a month for a small apartment rental. Here in Utah that could cover a mortgage on a 2500-3000 square foot house with decent yard depending on the city, mostly suburbs. Downtown SLC would be more. But, it's not the same urban vibe as NYC.

[@footballfanatic3613]

How much is your rent

[@sassymango9369]

Thank you for your honesty showing your success path in coding jobs

[@titania1661]

Thank you so much, I needed that

[@jamescross]

you're welcome!

[@MrDelvonf]

Nice video, I'm a WGU Software Development grad and I really enjoyed the experience.

[@jamescross]

Very cool!

[@swoodc]

Your videos are great!

[@davidrhodes6016]

This is hysterical. I had no idea what this channel was all about. At the end of this video serious I said to myself, these guys are all some kind a technical professionals. The thought came to me because they are all rational. Then I came down to the comments, wow. Ah, yes I code too but I seem to be the old man around here. Loved the series. Thanks for taking the time to do all this.

[@jamescross]

Thanks for feedback!

[@hardwareenespanol6861]

Thank you for sharing, this motivates me to continue learning. currently learning React. hopeful to start applying for jobs in 1 or 2 months.

[@jamescross]

Best wishes on your journey!

[@mwevre1876]

Live close to Silicon Slopes as well. Considering a total career change to development so your videos are super helpful.

[@jamescross]

That's awesome! Best wishes with the change!

[@jakospades7184]

Great info! Currently a forklift operator (10 years in this industry) making 30-40k a yr based on O.T. Starting the journey to learning how to code... thanks for the inspiration

[@jamescross]

Best of luck!

[@faustinol792]

JakoSpades Same here brother I'm trying to learn and work currently I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one...

[@mrmartin3763]

It would be nice if you come back to this section to follow up on your journey good sir! Best of Luck!

[@nicka.9057]

Same. Learning to code did help me move from Forklift Operator to receiving clerk, but I'm looking to get a job in web development.

[@aricwilliamsdeveloper]

@@nicka.9057 I recommend start freelancing with code and get job references.

[@mespo7399]

I’m 33 and I committed to learn a month ago, going well, I love it and it’s like a meditation session for me ! Love this channel thank you!

[@jamescross]

Thanks for the feedback! Best wishes!

[@UKBxnzh]

Can I ask where you started? How did you pick what you learn

[@mespo7399]

@@UKBxnzh started with lots of research, in the end I came down to the base languages which is html/CSS/JS so much to learn and expand on its amazing

[@FlywithMikey96]

How’s it going? Find any work yet?

[@BlakeT87]

Thank you for the insight! I’m in the process of learning web dev through the online curriculum free code camp. I’m currently in a management role in a company of about 1,000 people and I make decent money. But I want to do something tech related. I was supposed to go to college for a CS degree years ago but it didn’t work out financially. It has taken me a while to get back to it but I’m committed to make a change. How old were you when you started learning to code? And when you say “front end development” but keep mentioning applications, are you talking like desktop applications? Or mobile applications? I’ve considered mobile dev but I’m not sure yet. tia for your input.

[@jamescross]

~31 when i started. i've worked on hybrid applications that can be deployed on mobile devices, but much of what I've done have been web applications. the front end is the user interface. backend would be database / api layer. Both frontend and backend are a part of an application.

[@benlafon7097]

Great channel, video quality definitely outweighs your current sub count

[@jamescross]

I appreciate that!

[@Hi_Ceejay]

I'm proud of you man, Im self teaching rn

[@malcomgreen4747]

One of the best videos thank you

[@jamescross]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nonyabizness577]

I was an intern last summer at Adobe and was able to get an offer back from them. The team was really kind and nice. Rough roads at the moment but hopeful that it’ll climb back up! 🆙

[@jamescross]

congrats!

[@gdaydk]

Love the video James! I just made my first video where I learned to code so that I could create a KZbin video that plants trees when you watch it. Take a look if you're interested, keen to connect with other KZbinrs in the tech/coding space 😁

[@jamescross]

Interesting video idea. Watched it. It was nicely done. Bit curious though, since your sub count is significantly higher than the views on the only video on your channel. Are you pivoting and removed a bunch of old videos? What were you focused on before?

[@gdaydk]

@@jamescross Thanks 🙏 yeah, I made cheap gadget unboxing/review videos 3 years ago until I had to stop for mental health reasons. I unlisted the old videos and put them in a playlist which you can see on my channel’s ‘playlists’ tab. Was a hard decision, but I needed a fresh start tbh. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@telungtseng844]

This is inspiring, and I would love to work for adobe. Good job! And thanks for actually saying the salary opposed to click bait 🥳

[@jamescross]

it's a great place to work.

[@kodiererg]

Wow. I've been programming as a hobby since high school but I've never tried to pursue it professionally because I don't have a degree and I thought I would take a pay cut to switch jobs, but maybe not.

[@hexagonmagnetics569]

Full stack developing is where it’s at for me, I am currently teaching myself every relevant front end framework, and also diving knee deep into backend Java based Rest API for databases. Learning Ruby, Python and Go is also on my to do in a few months.

[@jamescross]

You sound very ambitious. That's a great attitude for going far!

[@hexagonmagnetics569]

@@jamescross I always find myself complaining about my user experience on websites and mobile apps. I’ve been mainly a computer hardware guy up until recently, but now I want to throw my hat into the software game. My musical background has taught me the importance of maintaining harmony throughout the duration of a composition. I personally think technology needs to adhere to that same philosophy.

[@jamescross]

great perspective and analogy

[@haveaniceday7950]

@@hexagonmagnetics569 yes exactly! And how do you apply that to software dev?

[@hexagonmagnetics569]

@@haveaniceday7950 You should first be really good with the front end before you move to back end! Learn React and Angular/Angular JS

[@KaiBuskirk]

Would love to hear your take on drag and drop NoCode LoCode! Thanks in advance Kai

[@jamescross]

Noted!

[@jonhodgson3877]

I love your videos man. I’ve been in the army for 10 years now and I’m learning to code on the side. I really want to be a web developer and the only thing I’m scared of is not being able to make what I currently make on the outside.

[@jamescross]

that's a pretty common concern. fortunately, your value goes up fast the first several years.

[@canaldorusso580]

Just got my first job in dev for 15k/year. Though I am Brazilian working for a London startup remotely. Feels kinda bad looking at those salaries, but I definitely can use the experience and the money is enough for me.

[@jamescross]

I'm curious, how does 15k compare to other jobs in Brazil? I've been to Brazil but it was like 20 years ago, so I'm not super familiar with the cost of living there right now. In the U.S the higher paying jobs are usually in cities where the cost of living is higher. In my city the house prices have doubled in the last 6-7 years.

[@toshiodocs]

​@@jamescross If is 15KUSD/year Its something like 6KBRL/month wich is above brazilian average salary, Its enough If you live alone or with your parents but to have a family is really hard, in São Paulo you can find 20KBRL/month salaries as a senior front end dev and 3~6KBRL/month as a junior so even in brazilian standarts thats not a good salary but I think Its really good for his cv (english skills + remote work for EU) in average the highest earning professions in Brazil are judges, doctors and airline pilots but good programmers who work remote for US or EU can make more

[@jamescross]

@@toshiodocs thanks for sharing!

[@m_jdm357]

On programming interviews, the interviewer always asks the same question: "Why don't you go to University?". I was in university, all I did was lie, getting protocols from someone, the whole group giving the same protocols, no one learning anything, or little by little people. I remember on 2nd semester they wrote weak grades to the whole group in math. They may want to get payed. I didn't learn anything in university. Now I learn and I am capable as self thought. I would never advise someone to spend years "learning" pointless materials, instead private schools that teach you what you need for the job are better. It's just outdated, in the past people killed their kids, but now we don't do that. In the past people spent years learning pointless materials and getting weak grades, maybe paying professors, like you are in the military.

[@relaxationhub2009]

I don’t think I have ever finished watching any video programming video but dude, your videos are too interesting to pass. Good job bro.

[@jamescross]

Cool, thanks!

[@HerDigitalMedia]

Thank you for the content. Are you mentoring self-taught training devs? I'm highly interested in working with you.

[@jamescross]

I'm not doing any trainings. This channel is my way to help out. So happy to answer your questions. Just leave the questions as top level comments so that I am more likely to see them.

[@HKBoba]

Can you do a tutorial/overview of your man cave??? It looks amazing

[@jamescross]

I thought about it but wasn't sure if anyone would be that interested in a walk through. Thanks for the compliment. I like how it turned out.

[@jamescross]

here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKjVoKing659qbc

[@trevorphillips2868]

I got into programming during Covid since I was bored. I got a job nothing special but I work from home now which is a huge plus since I don’t have to drive anywhere. But I feel like this job could be holding me back since all I do is Wordpress template stuff.

[@jamescross]

It's a start. Nice thing is you can now focus on developing other skills in areas that interest you without feeling the pressure of having to get a job and some skills still help you across programming languages and frameworks.

[@trevorphillips2868]

​@@jamescross Free education without having to spend 50k at some designer school! My job loves when I edit the css to change little elements. Hopefully one day my screen will be black full of codes instead of drag and drop stuff.

[@ExpatTraderFX]

what tech stack are you using at adobe? in your own personal area

[@aarons.8129]

You say you're a Front End Dev but the Adobe position said Software Engineer. Did you have to do all those algorithm type interview questions?

[@peterd788]

I work on backend in the UK and make £160k which is about $205k and I have 25 years experience from C to C++ to C#. After a certain point I gave up chasing ever higher financial reward and do a job I enjoy.

[@jamescross]

Great perspective. I feel like I'm at a company I really like working on stuff I enjoy, so haven't really been looking to make any moves for more money. So, I can relate to that.

[@peterd788]

@@MrStraightGangsta I've worked for the same company for 8 years and I started out with them as a contractor earning £500 a day. After 18 months they asked me to go permanent on £80k and I told them there was no way I could take a pay cut and said I'll stay as a contractor. When the segment ended I told them my day rate was £525. They agreed but said they didn't know how long this would be sustainable and I said that when it could no longer be sustained I'd get another job. A year later they agreed to take me on as a permanent employee on £130k. With payrises and title changes I now get paid what I get paid. It's a lot more common than you might think. Companies have artificial structures like pay rates, increments and ceilings to keep their general wage bills predictable but if someone has the technical skill and business knowledge they pay whatever keeps that person happy within reason as long as it's a confidential arrangement. It's a lot cheaper than hiring two people to replace me who wouldn't have the domain knowledge for at least a year. Don't blindly accept what HR tell you. They've been reading the same script for years. Companies aren't families but businesses. When your salary doesn't reflect your worth to the business justifiable fear will set in in one of the parties. If you are being paid too much the company will plan to get rid of you and you will live in fear. If you are being paid an amount that makes you feel underpaid and you know someone else will pay more the company will be afraid. No one is indispensable but companies will pay a premium to someone who appears to be until an alternative strategy doesn't make them feel nauseous.

[@peterd788]

@@MrStraightGangsta By the way, the NHS average pay to a neurosurgeon with 20 year's experience was £132k in November 2020 plus £209k from their private sector work in London.

[@ismotjahan6583]

Thanks

[@pamplo7976]

Hey man thanks for the video. I am looking for an online source that can help me to learn web development and I was wondering if you could share the best options in your opinion. Many thanks

[@jamescross]

Sure. I go into that in this other video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fISniJuee72Eepo

[@pamplo7976]

@@jamescross thanks!

[@Josh-ge1cr]

Love these transparencies. I feel like I really lucked out, but I'm not too sure what you'd do in my situation. I am a complete junior, 0 YOE, (went to coding bootcamp, no degree) and landed a full time job making 125k base salary (not big tech). Needless to say I'm very blessed as this is my very first full time job (I had small 1 month contracting jobs). I live in a medium cost of living area. I know that the way to get higher paying jobs is to jump shit and I'm pretty ambitious on how much I want to make. Essentially, do I stay here until I can go to a big tech company who can give me 200k+ right off the bat? I feel like my salary is good until mid-level (even that title is subjective).

[@jamescross]

I like the 2-2-5 plan. It's not strict as far as timelines but stay a year or two then jump to something better and more challenging for another year or two then try to get into someplace you want to be for awhile. Preferably with good stock options.

[@Josh-ge1cr]

@@jamescross Thank you. Can you explain more about the 2-2-5 plan? Is it for the first 2 jobs you stay for 2 years and for the 3rd one you stay for 5? Personally I'm a bit adverse to stocks since the market has been doing so bad. The contrarian point might be "it's a good time to get equity since they're so low" which may be true, but my 401k plus my personal investments are all tied to stocks. I'm looking for my cash equity rather than stock equity.

[@prabhatnegi139]

I'm kind of in a similar situation right now. I've been looking for remote opportunities and found none as a junior developer(0 yoe). Could you please tell me how you landed your first job?

[@jamescross]

@@Josh-ge1cr You got it on the 2-2-5. Doesn't have to be exact. Just the idea. As for stocks, some companies give RSU (restricted stock units) when you hire on. The vest over time. In my case, I get 25% of them each year for 4 years. It's a publicly traded company so when they vest, I am able to sell them if I want. That is in addition to a competitive salary. Startups on the other hand may give you options that only become valuable if the company is sold or goes public so more risky. But if you can get into a solid company with good growth, the RSUs can really be huge as far as additional compensation goes. Not saying you need to go out buying company stock. I'll leave that kind of advice to financial advisors.

[@tahmidmd6721]

Can you share the name of the coding bootcamp you done? Also is it possible to get your email, trying to start off a software engineering career but its tough out here.

[@anzwertree]

Do you have to relocate to get a job or can it be done remotely? I live in Vermont in the middle of nowhere. I don't think there's going to be a lot of website building jobs around here. Maybe in Burlington but I can't afford to move out there.

[@jamescross]

It helps to live close to jobs when getting started. As you get more experience it gets a little easier to find remote jobs since you have a track record of experience.

[@robertischud]

I think one crucial area we might be overlooking here, though it was somewhat mentioned in the video, is the country you live in. Been in the app/web dev industry for 6 years now and for the life of me, I still think the salary based on location can be sometimes unfair. Ie., I live in a 3rd- world country, my salary will never be as high as those living in the 1st-world (nevermind the technical skill gaps). This is not just for me, I know a lot of people in this situation, they are extremely good, experts even, but end up joining the race to the bottom. The risk of proposing 1st-world salary's just not worth it. They just went for simple projects, finish it fast, profit. The only saving grace for these types of devs is, really, migrate to 1st-world countries-- which is not always easy, such dilema.

[@jamescross]

Great points. definitely important to consider regional factors. thanks for sharing.

[@shakt77]

Have you tried asking for the 1st world salary? I don't see why they wouldn't pay you in the same ballpark if you're an expert. I guess such is the way of the world

[@robertischud]

@@shakt77 Yep :) Got denied, lost those project :) And that's just not me. I know folks, better than me, having the same issues. Their idea behind that is if we, 3rd-world country people, would charge the same as 1st-world, then why bother hiring offshore? They'd be better off hiring someone around their area, with better comms, and no currency conversion concerns. I get that, business is ruthless after all. This leaves us with just...migration ;)

[@shakt77]

Bummer I'm sorry to hear that's how it is

[@robertischud]

@@shakt77 Ikr, but now that I think of it. It's just fair for everybody (for devs in the 1st-world and 3rd-world) with our current monetary system. Luck is my key here, who knows someone might just bite. OR since I'm close to getting that migration lucre, going to places is no longer far-fetched.

[@scrappleful]

Hello, i'm a self taught student too. But i'm not from the US, and i know companies are starting to accept to work remotely, but do you think will be difficult to land a first job in an American company not living there?

[@jamescross]

maybe. probably because a lot of small companies aren't set up to handle all the tax and insurance implications of hiring outside their state let alone country.

[@scrappleful]

Okay okay i'll consider that for the future. For now i'm gonna keep working on learning more to be ready for that moment. Thanks for answering!

[@user-uy3eq5hg1s]

Very interesting. I got my degree in computer science focusing on software programming but then ended up working with my dad on his book publishing company. Eventually he handed it off to me and I've been running it for the past 10 years and it's basically been a constant struggle. Right now the business is in a really tough place, and I keep saying to myself that I wish I could rewind time and tell my dad no and go to work as a software engineer instead. Would be doing a lot better right now almost certain. Now I'm trying to decide if I go bankrupt, hand the business back to my dad or work 16 hours per day for the next 2 years just to survive. When he gave me the business I was young and naive and didn't realize what I was getting myself into. 10 years later and I don't own a house, not much in savings and barely keep my head above water. My only saving grace right now is that I'm not too old yet (37) so thinking about studying nights to get my programming skills strong again, maybe getting some certifications and then going out looking for work. The problem is I still have this elephant of a business to deal with that has lots of debts and obligations. Scared, anxious and exhausted.

[@jamescross]

that struggle of being torn between continuing the family business and doing your own thing is tough. at least it was for me. best wishes with your decisions.

[@benjaminjacome]

Crazy, I have almost the same situación. Difference is I have been working for 3 years in my father's musings. Was able to pay off debts, and I'm saying fuck that. Trust me, if things didn't get better before I would've filed for bankruptcy too. Fuch that. I'm only still in this because it gives me a salary of 500 USD and I work like 20 hours a week. But I'm learning what I can from the Odin Project and I will try to get a job in about 4 months. My advice is, file for fucking bankruptcy. Say fucj that to your father's business. Don't let your life and time be misused and wasted away. Yes you're 37 but if you want to change your life and be in a better spot you have to start now. Even if you have to be a server or pick up trash, that's better than having a failing business and no time to learn.

[@johnyewtube2286]

Is there anything you can automate using Python or something?

[@viniclunc8553]

Dude, you could add what were the languages and requirements for these positions. And maybe your level of each one of it. Just a tip.

[@jamescross]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@gtri4934]

I just recently started learning code and the basics of web development. Yesterday I got a phone call from the CEO of KineMagic and was invited to eat lunch with him! All because my sister cuts his hair and has been telling him about me. I feel as if this could be an amazing opportunity to get my foot in the door to the industry early or at the least make a very useful connection! If anyone has any advice for me please don’t hesitate!

[@Oversurge_]

How'd it go?

[@faibarlinc999]

Meanwhile my sorry ass organizes an automotive company's electric cable production for the new Enyaq in 2 plants using proprietary software much like a dev would create tools to help in many aspects of my job....and i get paid 8.4k euros a year. I played around with Unity and C# along with some Java, did a few small newbie projects but thats it. I sure hope i got the energy to become a full time dev, since i absolutely love it, but im also a lazy af person.

[@najiseif1781]

Hello i watched a couple of your videos and i am starting to learn how to become a front end dev. My question is angular not appropriate to learn vs react ? Or did i missunderstood

[@jamescross]

Angular is still a good framework. Where I live, react is in more demand. I also prefer react, but it's also important to consider what is in demand locally.

[@businessemail1142]

Hi, i need a freelance programming job in order to gain work experience, any entry-level jobs for me that require no work experience?

[@tommymccaskill8145]

Hi I'm Tommy and I work construction as helper and I just bought this course teaching about html css and Javascript and bash command new world to me I just wanna know should I continue studying this course?

[@moonysek]

100K.. wow.. why I sucked so much at programming

[@pirufihho]

Hello im a fullstack developer from Argentina, here we dont get those salaries, i wish i live in the US...but im trying to work remotly for a US company

[@josepchwill1304]

I have a question, how does one get professional experience to get a job when no one will hire because of a lack of professional experience, and they won't count anything you've done personally and nothing for an internship either? Conceptually with certain stacks, .NET, I'm between Junior and Mid-level. However, I lack what companies want as "professional experience." In my opinion, companies are gatekeeping. With .NET I have developed and deployed full-stack Entity Framework apps to Azure, with Python, Java, and MERN stacks I have deployed full-stack apps to AWS, however, companies don't seem to care about that.

[@jamescross]

It can be tough. One of the reasons I suggest people consider the frontend path in since more companies are open to newer devs since they won't be touching valuable data directly. Then pivot into backend or fullstack if that's what interests you. That may not be an option you are interested in, so I would continue looking since you only need that one offer. Is there anything you can do to help out at your current company to start getting some experience that way?

[@josepchwill1304]

@@jamescross Currently where I am at is just more as a member of an IT association where I mentor interns and contribute to various projects as a consultant. A lot of what I do involves buying and selling old/rare coins late the 1800s and early 1900s. There are a few projects I have completed or contributed to including a loyalty application for a university. I'm really wanting to focus on the back-end after going through a full-stack bootcamp.

[@DevlogBill]

To be honest? I think people shouldn't be concerned about money with development. It is important but I think it's more important that you land a job where you'll be happy, that your passionate about your job and you fit into a good team. Also, I am from New York City, and I know once I get my first job, I am assuming it should be easier to land a job in New York City since it's such a popular city for tech and industry versus some small, tiny town with less opportunities. But once I land that job and I gain experience I would love to live in a smaller state and in a mid-size city, Some place like Texas or Florida. Anyways excellent video as usual and thanks.

[@jamescross]

Great points. You kinda describe where i'm at. I like the company I'm at and the projects I'm working on and the culture is very family friendly. Sure I could try to get something for higher pay and more RSUs but that would likely come at a cost and lower the quality of life in other areas that are important. Money can only take you so far if you don't enjoy what you do. Burnout is real.

[@DevlogBill]

@@jamescross I think when you reach a certain age you see things from a different perspective. As long as the bills are manageable and there is food on the table that is all that matters.

[@merlinwarage]

Well, in my country $36.000 per year - with 20 years of frontend (js, node, react, vue, angular) experience - is a high life salary xD

[@dreamerkjm8641]

which country? and do u work remotely?

[@gamingdork3681]

@devsmak in the video you are saying to develop apps to get a better pay in the IT industry but for those people who have been working on front end development how is it possible for them to develop apps because as far as I know the skill set required for web development and app development are quite different. And also I did not get it whether you are working as frond end developer or an app developer? Thanks in advance

[@jamescross]

There are a lot of gray areas in the industry terminology. Based on your comment I am assuming you are thinking of apps that are deployed on phones and stuff. Another way to say that is native app development. There are also web apps. And there are hybrid apps that are basically web apps built to be deployed on devices similar to native apps. I have worked on hybrid in the past. I mostly work frontend on enterprise web applications and sometimes do some backend stuff. This is much more involved with a lot more logic than simply building small marketing / informational websites for businesses.

[@gamingdork3681]

@@jamescross I have been working on front end development for 2 to 3 months so I got a bit scared when I heard about apps in there. So going by the logic same set of skills including html css JavaScript react git and sql are the primary skills for even web apps and as well as hybrid apps. If I am wrong do correct me please cause I am kind of new and basically have no one to guide me. Thanks for helping.

[@jamescross]

@@gamingdork3681 yup. you're on the right track!

[@BigBenjiiii]

would you say getting a IT degree from WGU is worth it? because im thinking about going into cybersecurity coding is a lil to difficult for me

[@jamescross]

Cybersecurity is a good career. It's not my area of specialization so I'm not sure how that degree lines up with your desired path. Where the WGU degrees are really helpful is the competency based approach. If you already have some experience, you can move through the program faster. Same if you are fast at picking things up. You might compare it to other cybersecurity degrees and see how much overlap there is in curriculum.

[@sanchitgupta001]

Can you help me know how you handled withdrawing acceptance from that other company after getting your dream offer from Adobe? How was the company reaction?

[@jamescross]

It was a cool company, so in summary I told them that I enjoyed the interview and meeting the team. Seems like a great group of engineers and a fun place to work. Unfortunately, I heard back from Adobe and received an offer that I would be foolish to refuse. As a result, I am withdrawing my acceptance of your offer.(Adobe is one of the more sought after companies where I live). I live in an at-will state so this is not a problem. I'm not sure about what is allowed in contracts from a binding perspective in other locations. They responded that they were disappointed but understanding. Just shows that they were a good company since they didn't get mean. That said, I probably burned that bridge. At the end of the day, you gotta do what's best for your future.

[@sanchitgupta001]

@@jamescross You handled this like a pro. I am making a note of all the keywords from this answer for future reference. Should we consider not telling them the real reason and instead cite some medical or family issue? In this way is there chance of keeping the bridge intact?

[@jamescross]

@@sanchitgupta001 thanks. what happens if they say... no worries, we'll hold the position for you for 4 months? I prefer to be straight with them and it doesn't mean the bridge is burned for sure, but you have to accept that as a possibility. As awkward as it can feel to be straight up honest, at least you'll avoid even more awkward situations down the road and you get to feel good about yourself. If the other job you want to take is the best decision, just keep it polite and professional and do what is right for your future.

[@sanchitgupta001]

@@jamescross You have got a lot of deep solid wisdom, not a hollow one like wannabe newbies. Thanks for the help.

[@jamescross]

@@sanchitgupta001 happy to help!

[@johnkucharsky6927]

What exactly I have to know to start working with react? How I will know that it's time to looking for a job?

[@jamescross]

Javascript, HTML, and CSS are the prereqs for react. Even when you are ready to look for are job, you probably won't feel ready. I would say, when you are feeling comfortable with the core stuff and can project your confidence to figure out the stuff you don't know and have some examples of stuff you have done to showcase.

[@yassinereddaf8991]

Hello, thanks for sharing all this informations with us, i want to ask you something please, i want to ask you the best master degree in front end developer or web development in usa, campus?

[@jamescross]

I am not aware of a masters degree specific to front end. Not sure where you live, but here in the US it's typically a computer science degree and if people want to focus on frontend, they end up learning a lot of that on their own.

[@chaotic-voices-in-my-head]

Well, at the current exchange rate I get around $26000 in Germany and I´m working at backend development. But at least I got a job after many applications. :D

[@jamescross]

congrats on getting the job!

[@chaotic-voices-in-my-head]

@@jamescross Thank you :)

[@kcdiazWTV]

Mid 150k in Utah? OMG. Do you have a ski resort in your backyard? 😅

[@jamescross]

Probably 6 within 1.5 hour drive. Some pretty close.

[@CodingAbroad]

I make $100k being an Angular tech lead. And I’m in the uk where salary is much lower than the us

[@jamescross]

thanks for sharing

[@MoonOvIce]

Question. I recently started with Python (about 3-4 months ago) and learned a lot more than the last time I tried (around 2015). Was wondering the same thing of backend vs frontend. Should I start learning a front-end language or should I stick to python first for now?

[@jamescross]

Theres demand for both. I share what worked for me and the reasons why it will be a good path for a lot of folks. That said, if you are enjoying python and what you are building, it could be worth looking into ways to be competitive and standout in that area so you can compare your options and make a decision of what will be best for you and your interests. It's easier to stay motivated if you are doing something you enjoy.

[@MoonOvIce]

@@jamescross Thank you! Will stick to it for a while and see what happens.

[@VicRodriguez2]

The b roll in this video is fire

[@Thomas2488]

how old were you getting your first programming job?

[@intoTheEther1]

Your comments on Angular were so true. It's dead and no longer supported by Google. Nobody should learn Angular unless it is required for the job.

[@jamescross]

i was mostly joking at myself because when i first started i learned angular.js while living in my inlaw's basement.

[@CodingAbroad]

Wrong, wrong, wrong. You’re talking about angular.js. Angular 2 the newer version is very much alive and well. Big banks and insurance companies use it here in the uk.

[@intoTheEther1]

@@CodingAbroad Yes, this is about Angular.js, and dev clarifies this in a newer video as well. I conflated the two in my comment.

[@GnomeEU]

I always wonder where you find companies that pay 200k a year. I know companies w 10 employees that pay less than that, for everyone together.

[@itsyaboimat2393]

Hey James I know this video is a year old but I have a couple questions, so I'm currently a paid on call firefighter but I have mild left side cerebral palsy do web devs have code per minute quotas well at work and how math heavy is it? Is a MacBook Air with a M1 chip a good newbie laptop to start

[@jamescross]

At a previous company. I had one new manager suggest we estimate our features in minutes. Everyone threatened to look for new jobs. I'm sure there are places out their doing billable hours like at an agency building sites for clients. Most places you give an estimate for features and work off of that. A lot of time goes into thinking about design and architecture of features. If you are in a situation where it is constant code with no time to think, that's a bad sign of a bad engineering culture and probably bad code. It's typically a lot of bursts of thinking and then typing. Math depends on what area you go into. A lot of application development requires basic match skills and occasionally basic statistics. You can get a pretty good idea of fast vs slow code without necessarily knowing the math behind it. Getting started, I would use what ever laptop you have and once you have an idea of what you like to build, then consider something that will work well for that. I started on windows and then moved to mac. For most frontend web application development, macs are great. Pretty much a necessity for ios development. But if you choose to learn C# and .net stuff, then windows would probably be a better option.

[@khumbomunsaka716]

I need to work hard and be patient.

[@jamescross]

you got this! best of luck on the journey!

[@dariusthorne]

I’m going to try to get a bachelors at wgu and accelerate it and finish in 6 months. Do you think it’s possible.

[@jamescross]

Depending on the degree and how much experience you have going into the program, it does happen. Some people manage to pull that off, but they are a small minority. Especially for a bachelors degree. In some cases people spend some time before doing the program doing self learning in the harder areas to not get hung up there. Even those who have done it in such a short time said it was super hard and were doing like 12 hours days and no social life and didn't work a job. If you pull it off, be sure to swing back by and let me know how it went!

[@prithvirajk2013]

Do web devs get hired by product based companies/ google/ Microsoft or do they only hire people with competitive programming skills in c++ java

[@jamescross]

Competitive programming can help with algorithm questions, but at the end of the day, they want someone who can build actual products.

[@prithvirajk2013]

@@jamescross by actual products you mean a full stack dev who for example can make a CRUD website?

[@jamescross]

@@prithvirajk2013 depends on what they are looking for. they could be looking for full stack or someone who is specialized in front or backend or some other skill. maybe i am misunderstanding your original comment. typically when speaking of "competitive programming" that is referring to things like code challenges similar to leetcode and stuff like that where people try to get really fast at solving algorithm problems. if choosing between that and getting good at building actual applications, practical job experience will be more valuable than just being able to solve algorithm problems quickly. though solving those code problems quickly could help you on some interviews.

[@prithvirajk2013]

@@jamescross gotcha! Thanks!

[@mrnormal7554]

Can one practice ds and algo using javascript?

[@jamescross]

yes. they are a little different across languages so pick the language you want to learn and then learn those data structures and how to implement algorithms in that language.

[@mrnormal7554]

@@jamescross thanks 👍

[@UserName-fm8wp]

What’s the iPad app?

[@literallyepicc]

Where should i start to become a front end developer? Ive tried tutorials, got to a part where I felt cool and never went back there again. Please make a video on this please if possible!

[@jamescross]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJbahaeBnLGZh9U

[@literallyepicc]

@@jamescross also got a question, what exactly is front end? Is it like you only make graphics and make the surface and buttons work. If front end makes everything work then what's back end

[@jamescross]

front end is the user interface. for example if you visit a web page or use a web application, you are interacting with the frontend. the front end makes api requests to the backend services that have a lot of processing logic and interact with databases and stuff. a simplistic explanation because a lot is happening on both sides. ux designers usually design the site and the graphics. a front end dev will take those designs and build it.

[@literallyepicc]

@@jamescross so who makes the buttons do the thing ?

[@jamescross]

@@literallyepicc A designer may provide an image of what the button should look like. Front end devs then use css to style the button to match the look of the mock. If the button is a more of an image style, then they will provide the image as a png with transparent background or maybe as an svg and then you as a dev add the button functionality.

[@Edwinmuhoro]

We're did you start in your journey to learning web development

[@jamescross]

here's my story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJnbZ2p6bbSiitE

[@pullrequest1481]

How can i contact you man... you're awesome!!!

[@jamescross]

I prefer people ask questions here in the comments so that others can also benefit from the answers. What's your question?

[@christophersmith6319]

Thank you your videos are real helpful I'm 4 days into coding went over 12 concepts and 26 JavaScript keys

[@jkli14]

Anyone know what device that is being coded on at 5:28 ?

[@jamescross]

Didn't check for sure but based on other similar questions I'm guessing you're asking about the device that is used for animation. Not needed for programming.

[@cryptodev2615]

Will you do dev portfolios?

[@jamescross]

I'll add it to my list of video ideas.

[@KaoticKaden]

okay but where did you find these jobs that’s the question thank you

[@jamescross]

Here are some places to start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moqploGcndOXZ5o I did a lot of that. Most job offers came from recruiters, applying directly to local companies, fewer call backs from applying through linkedin and after making friends in the industry, getting messages from people letting me know about an opening. These referrals are ideal but that didn't really happen until I had spent a lot of time networking and building friendships at work.

[@jermainemyrn19]

Why do they pay by location instead of skill? I thought skill was all that mattered

[@jamescross]

business is business. they'll generally pay just enough to be really competitive for a given area.

[@jermainemyrn19]

@@jamescross sounds like they just will say and do anything to justify not paying you more. Seems like goal post shifting

[@mitotv6376]

Nice sharing

[@jamescross]

thanks