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RobfromHB t1_jebpy9u wrote

Reply to comment by GuidanceParticular42 in Is reskilling / starting a new career worth it in my situation? 30 years old. by GuidanceParticular42

You may find this to be even more true about the career paths you listed. Becoming a SWE is tough without the four-year degree to break through the recruiter wall. Many bootcamps, despite the marketing, are money grabs with poor placement results. Be wary.

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GuidanceParticular42 OP t1_jebqts7 wrote

Yes that's a big fear of mine, specifically if I try a self-study route. I have some friends who have had some success with doing post-diploma certificates in fields like data science, but their starting salaries are also less than what I've made serving, which isn't too enticing.

It's part of why I'm either leaning towards a specialized master's program (to "start fresh" after graduation). I could also get a second bachelors in computer science in probably 2 years. It's a big time commitment without a guaranteed payoff though.

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RobfromHB t1_jebsvl1 wrote

More power to those friends. I've tried that road personally and it's brutally hard. If you have the financial runway and can get credits for GE classes, a bachelors in CS could be done quickly like you said. No payoff is guaranteed, but the stats are skewed heavily in favor of it being a good idea. By the time you get through it the hiring downturn should be in the rearview mirror. Pursuing the degree is a very structured way to make sure you're on the right learning track and probably a worthwhile distraction from the personal stuff. If you go that route, get internships, have side projects, and grind leetcode a little bit each day. You can do it.

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Celodurismo t1_jebuffe wrote

Checkout OMSCS if you haven’t already. It’s an affordable online MS from GT. No other program has the variety of classes at such a low price, not to mention a great reputation. With a stem BS you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting in. May have to take a prerequisite (DS&A) to improve your chances.

I’d avoid the post bacc path just because of their crazy prices. Definitely avoid bootcamps.

You’re in a rough position because you really need income. I’m tempted to say go bartend part time and do OMSCS “fulltime”. In two years, possibly less, you could be on your way.

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stringer4 t1_jec2534 wrote

I had a different career and changed paths at 30. I taught myself some basic web development/JS and when I liked it I went to a coding boot camp. Landed a job and have been employed since. It’s definitely possible

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