Have you ever felt stuck in a job that drained your soul, with no clear way out? That was me, just a year ago. Today, I’m gearing up to start my first role as a junior developer—proof that even the most unexpected journeys can lead to incredible places.
I was stressed, with no passion or future in sight. The money was decent, but that was all that kept me there. It was time for a change. Fast forward twelve months, and I’m embarking on a new career in tech.
Taking the First Steps
A year ago, coding wasn’t even on my radar. I thought it was reserved for computer wizards in Silicon Valley—not a twenty-something from the Welsh valleys! But here I am.
Feeling stuck in a stressful job, I turned to Google, spending hours researching future-proof careers. I wanted something creative, flexible, and, yes, well-paying. University wasn’t an option—it was too expensive and time-consuming.
Enter Women’s Trust, a charity that offers career advising. They helped me reflect on what I wanted: flexibility, creativity, and the ability to work from home. After weighing my options, I narrowed it down to marketing or coding. A one-hour intro to marketing left me cold, but a free SheCodes tutorial? That lit a spark.
Watching a few lines of code build a webpage was addictive. I didn’t understand it all, but I knew I wanted to learn more. That’s when my coding journey truly began.
Learning the Basics
I explored a range of courses, both free and paid, weighing my options carefully. Ultimately, I committed to SheCodes, a self-paced course focusing on front-end development. Balancing this course with a full-time job was tough, but it laid a solid foundation.
SheCodes introduced me to the fundamentals of coding, but I quickly realized this was just scratching the surface. Coding is vast; there’s always more to learn. Picking a focus and sticking with it helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Taking a Leap
In February, I stumbled upon the Code First Girls (CFG) degree, an online program for women. I was still finishing my front-end course, but I knew I needed more to truly break into tech. Despite the tight deadline (and a bit of jet lag from a trip to Mexico), I applied—and got in!
The next few months were a blur of learning. Balancing a demanding job alongside the CFG program tested my time management skills, but I was determined to give it my all. During this time, I applied for various coding jobs, my first being a front-end position nearby.
Juggling CFG’s first project and two coding exercises for the job was intense. I didn’t land the job, but the feedback I received was invaluable. It reminded me that rejection is a stepping stone, not a setback.
Learning Through CFG
The CFG course was a game-changer. Over a few months, I delved into JavaScript, Node.js, SQL, and the command line. These skills became the backbone of my coding journey. Collaborating with an amazing group of women made the experience even better, as we supported each other through challenges and celebrated our wins.
My final project—a web application—was a culmination of everything I’d learned. Seeing it come together was an amazing moment, affirming that all the hard work had paid off.
The Surprise Interview Offer
After submitting my final project, I applied for a job through the CFG program. Initially, I was told there were no more interview slots. Disappointed but undeterred, I focused on securing a small office-based job closer to home to free up my evenings for study.
Then, out of nowhere, an email arrived: an interview slot had opened up. I could not believe it.
Not wanting to get to ahead of myself, I decided to look at the interview as a chance to practice, and any experience in breaking into the tech industry would be a good one.
The interview involved four questions and a coding exercise. Despite only one practiced question coming up, the interview went smoothly. I felt a sense of accomplishment just getting through it. But a phone call the next day exceeded all my wildest expectations – and I had got the job!! Dancing around my house I called my Mam to tell her and we were both (actually) jumping for joy..
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. This journey has taught me so much—not just about coding but about resilience, adaptability, and the power of persistence. I’ll soon be starting my new role, and know there is a LOT more to learn. But, I’m on the first rung of a ladder that I didn’t even know I wanted to climb. I’m excited to see the views along the way.
What I’ve Learned
- Embrace the Learning Process: Coding is complex, but embracing the challenges makes growth rewarding.
- The Importance of Community: Learning with others made a world of difference. Supportive networks are invaluable.
- Adaptability Is Essential: Being flexible and open to change helped me navigate the twists and turns of this journey.
- Don’t Underestimate Yourself: Taking that leap of faith to apply for jobs, even when I felt unsure, opened doors I never imagined.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every completed project, every job application, every new skill—it all adds up. Celebrate each milestone.
As I step into this new role, I know this is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to continue growing as a developer. To anyone considering a similar path, remember: with dedication and persistence, you can achieve your goals. Here’s to the next chapter—who knows what we can achieve when we dare to start?
Written by [The Ditzy Developer]
Links:
SheCodes: https://www.shecodes.io/ (often discounted courses)
CFG: https://codefirstgirls.com/ (free with sponsorship)
The Ditzy Developer 
Leave a comment