I am a 19-year-old student who has been contemplating a career in programming for a significant amount of time. Even though I enjoy mathematics, I didn't pursue it academically because I deemed it unnecessary. So, here's my quandary:
I have approximately 10 hours of free time each day, and I'm willing to dedicate most of it to programming training. My burning questions are: how soon can I start earning and how much can I potentially earn? Additionally, in which area of programming should I specialize: web development, app development, or perhaps something else? Can I sustain this career path long-term and find fulfillment in continually evolving and honing my skills?
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I've delved into numerous articles, opinions, and discussions on this subject, but I value the insights of local experts as most authoritative. I've pondered the idea of carving out my own business and generating income through websites and niche-focused blog networks, yet I feel overwhelmed by the decision-making process. I yearn to carve out a niche for myself and progress without lingering doubts. As a result, I'm conducting a sort of 'profitability assessment' to gain certainty in my choices.
In terms of earning potential and time to start earning, the outlook can vary depending on several factors. As a beginner, starting with web development or app development can be a lucrative path. For web development, mastering languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with frameworks like React or Angular, can allow you to build websites for clients or even launch your own projects. Similarly, learning languages like Swift for iOS or Java/Kotlin for Android can open doors for app development opportunities. You may begin earning by taking on freelance projects or internships, with the potential to transition to full-time roles as your skills and experience grow.
As for potential earnings, this can also vary based on your location, the specific niche you choose to focus on, and the demand for your skills. In the early stages, freelance work may bring in modest income, but as you build your portfolio and expertise, you can expect to command higher rates. In the long term, experienced programmers can earn competitive salaries, with the potential for even greater income by taking on leadership roles or venturing into entrepreneurship.
In terms of specialization, it's crucial to explore different areas of programming to discover which aligns best with your interests and strengths. Web development, app development, and niche-specific projects all have their pros and cons, so consider experimenting with each to see where your passion lies. It's also worth noting that the field of programming is vast and continually evolving, offering opportunities to specialize in areas such as machine learning, cybersecurity, or data science.
Regarding sustainability and fulfillment, a career in programming can indeed provide long-term prospects for growth and skill development. The tech industry is known for its dynamic nature, offering constant opportunities to learn, adapt, and innovate. Finding fulfillment in programming often stems from the satisfaction of solving complex problems, building impactful products, and contributing to technological advancements.
As you consider venturing into entrepreneurship and niche-focused projects, it's important to conduct thorough research and feasibility studies to ensure that you're making informed decisions. While the idea of carving out a niche for yourself is exciting, it's essential to approach it with a strategic mindset, balancing creativity with market demand and viability.
Your profitability assessment should encompass a holistic view of your potential career path, including your personal goals, financial targets, and the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry. By leveraging your dedicated time for training, exploring different paths within programming, and seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced professionals, you can pave the way for a rewarding and profitable career in the field of programming.
To become a skilled programmer, you must truly enjoy the process. The initial years should be filled with genuine pleasure derived from the work itself - an eagerness, a gift. If you possess this, you wouldn't be seeking guidance but would be fully engrossed in coding. What it is doesn't matter.
It appears that you are in need of immediate income. To achieve this, you need to research the market demand and weigh it against your capabilities. It has been suggested already that freelance platforms provide valuable demand statistics. Check the job listings, focus on the most sought-after areas. Whether it's Wordpress, django, or RoR for web development, or perhaps something in mobile development, which is more complex. Discover what's trending, study (popular topics are popular because they're easier to learn), and then practice.
It's wiser to wait before launching your freelance career. Without experience, you risk damaging your reputation, which can be difficult to repair. Consider becoming an apprentice somewhere. Are there small web studios nearby? Reach out to them. They often have more work than they can handle. And don't expect substantial pay at first. Apprentices usually earn modestly. Once you've gained some real project experience, you'll be ready to compete with established freelancers on various platforms.
In reality, there are an overwhelming amount of inquiries on this topic, as it preoccupies many, yet everyone holds onto the hope that they will be answered in a truly unique manner. Sadly, they won't be answered - there are no universal solutions. I personally took up one path, then another, got excited and burnt out. Then it hits you that you're stuck in one place, even if you're making rapid "hyper jumps," switching abruptly with a new "hyper jump" sets you back significantly. It's like a vector that suddenly changes direction. The sum of these vectors may not please you exactly :)
You think you've chosen a direction, made a decision, started delving deeper, but then you look around and doubts creep in - whether you've chosen the right path, how relevant it will be, and how interesting it'll be in the future and so on. For instance, I'm enthusiastic about mobile platform development, but there's no demand for it in the local market. There's a rational doubt about choosing what's required here and now, but isn't particularly promising either... or... and there are many more options.
How do we break free from this cycle? Perhaps create a roadmap where you'll need to test your determination. Chart out plans for the year. Analyze considerations such as:
1. What is intriguing
2. What is the simplest to accomplish
3. What is in demand locally
4. Have you thought about the possibility of moving
5. What's in demand on freelance platforms and what's the level of competition in that segment
Once we've mapped it out - commit to it, and don't jump around. Indecision is your hindrance. The exuberance of youth, when you want everything at once, doesn't help in this context. You need a certain focus, and then you'll see results. At the very least, it's best to start working on something.
Now, to answer your question: the time it takes to learn programming from scratch and the opportunity to make money are not directly correlated. In other words, no one can give you a definite answer.
You can code for your entire life and not earn from it. You might be fortunate to land a job with no experience and start earning almost immediately. It's like asking how many nails you need to hammer in to start making money from it. An exaggeration? Yes. But you could also injure your fingers and barely earn anything, or you could skillfully drive a nail at home with your eyes closed in one strike, yet not make a cent from it.
Sometimes a person has been coding for 10 years, but the quality of their work remains at a junior level and they are unable to tackle complex projects as a freelancer. Thus, on a small scale, they may sell their services to a specific company and earn money, but on a larger scale, it's difficult for them to market themselves and, consequently, their chances of earning are diminished. This also explains why intelligent individuals don't always succeed in the workforce. A person may not be the most capable or efficient, but skillful "self-marketing, networking also known as valuable connections" can work wonders.
The only thing I can definitely recommend, even for a programmer, are the so-called soft skills. Communication abilities, understanding of business concepts, and so on. It's not directly linked to programming, but the questions are so universal that they will prove helpful in any profession.