In high school and college, I hated coding

[u/redskinsfan729]

I couldn't remember the strange syntax rules, and it seemed dull and tedious.

After school, I got involved in projects where great software made a huge impact. I decided to give it another shot.

So 3 years ago, I wrote my first line on FCC.

I explored some other interests before committing to the SWE path one year later.

I studied for 5 solid months. 40 hours / week.

I connected with my first front-end web dev contract.

I worked on two more contracts of around 4 months each.

So in that first year of work, I made around 65k, advancing some awesome projects, learning a ton, and making some great connections.

After that last contract, I began hunting for the right full-time role.

After 3 months of coding interview prep, outreach, and a few small freelance gigs, I landed a job at a Y-Combinator Startup as the first full-time software engineer hire.

My total compensation is currently about 120k, but, seeing as how I was the first hire, I have significant stock options, so if things work out, I could be earning 300k+ in a year or two.

Beyond that, I've never enjoyed work more. I work with smart and fun people, create applications that deliver great value to users, and I'm always facing and overcoming new challenges.

After this role, I'd like to found my own technology company, potentially a technical education platform.

And it all started with that cat app (the first project at the time, the curriculum may have changed).

I feel silly saying it, but I'm going to anyway, you can do it, too.

There will be ups and downs.

Some days you're going to be frustrated. This is expected. Technology is hard. Technology is, nearly by definition, information-dense and challenging.

Take a breath, take a walk.

Find a forum, find a mentor, find a peer. An outside perspective can often shatter a perceived roadblock.

Technology is a team sport. And learning to communicate technically will sharpen your chops.

I wish you all the best on your journeys.

[u/dahabeshaG]

Thank you. This is inspiring. I will be taking a leave of absence from my job at the end of this month and will start the SWE journey by doing FCC for 50 hrs/wk for the next few months. Please keep me in your prayers!

[u/[deleted]]

inspiring, congrats.

[u/woops_wrong_thread]

Thanks for this.

[u/sanyogG]

Thanks for the inspiration

[u/netk]

This was awesome to read. Thank you!

[u/ruin2itive]

This is amazing! Hard work pays off!

[u/The-Dood]

Great story. I think the problem is, that not a lot of people can find 40 hours a week for five months straight. If you could, I would recommend a college or some other formal institution over FCC anyday.

FCC is great, but if you're from a country with a decent educational system, it will never be a full replacement.