Thread by @polotek

Y’all know I’ve struggled with the whole “learn to code” movement. We’ve talked about how a lot of it has become scammy if not downright predatory. But I still maintain that it can be worth it to invest significant money to achieve a lucrative and sustainable career.

https://twitter.com/codefreedomritr/status/1345397353939955713

I’m trying to be careful how I talk about upward mobility these days. I’m rapidly progressing toward that age where I really understand what it’s like for people younger than me. And I can see that the world has changed a lot. But it’s worth discussing. The need is still there.

Speaking only about software tech careers, because that’s what I know. Our industry still has massive amounts of growth potential. I’ve talked about how we’ve actually failed to keep up with demand for new software. Getting into tech is still both desirable and achievable IMO.

But the landscape is very weird. And I don’t think I understand it the way I once did. And that’s speaking as a manager and leader who has been doing this for 15+ years. At least in startup land, the incentives driving both employers and jobseekers seem all out of wack.

This was supposed to be saying I *don’t* understand what it’s like. Ugh, sorry. I’m trying to say that my advice for jobseekers based on my own experience doesn’t seem to be as valid or useful as I would like it to be.

https://twitter.com/polotek/status/1345476749581197312

I do think that spending some money, and even going into some debt, in order to get into tech is not a terrible idea. It’s hard to know what’s gonna pay dividends. And navigating the different opportunities feels difficult to me. It feels like a crapshoot.

There is one thing I can say with confidence though. If you’re starting a career in tech, it has to be a commitment. If you’re not serious about putting in the work, it probably won’t work out. It’s absolutely okay to fail or to change your mind. But you’ll be losing that money.

I think that’s one of the things I’m struggling with when I talk to people about it. I don’t know how to make them understand how much work it’s gonna be. And I can’t tell them if the investment might be worth it for them. Because I don’t know how much they can put into it.