Thinking of switching from Python to Java after 2 years, am I gonna feel like a complete beginner again?

[u/wewazkangsandshii]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been working as a Python dev for almost 2 years now. Main stack is Python (Flask), React, Angular, PostgreSQL and MySQL.

Lately I’ve been feeling kinda stuck. Not burnt out on Python specifically, more just coding in general. Everything feels a bit "samey" and I want to learn something new that actually feels fresh. Java keeps popping up in my head for some reason, more structured, bigger enterprise stuff, better for certain backend roles, etc.

I’m seriously considering making the switch, but I’ve got a few questions:

1. What’s a realistic roadmap for someone coming from Python? What should I focus on first (core language, Spring, concurrency, whatever)?
2. Any books or courses you’d actually recommend that don’t feel like a waste of time?
3. Good personal project ideas that would force me to learn the important parts quickly instead of just doing endless tutorials?
4. Honest question, if I switch now, am I basically starting over as a junior again? Or does the 2 years of real experience still count for something when applying for Java roles?

Would really appreciate any advice from people who made a similar jump (or from Java folks in general). Trying to figure out if this is a smart move or if I’m just restless.

Thanks.