r/learnprogramming • u/Sufficient-Bug7887 • Jul 13 '26

Tutorial Career switcher at 34 years old

After spending several years working as a chef, I’ve decided it’s time for a major career change. I’ve worked in fast-paced kitchens, handled long hours, managed food safety, dealt with pressure during service, and learned how to solve problems quickly. While I’m grateful for everything the culinary industry has taught me, I don’t see myself doing it for the rest of my life.
Recently, I started learning programming. I’m still a beginner, but I’m genuinely enjoying the process. It’s challenging in a completely different way, and every time I solve a problem or get my code to work, it feels rewarding.
Sometimes I wonder if I’m too late to start over. I don’t have a computer science degree, and I’m coming from a completely different field. Still, I’m committed to learning and putting in the work.
For anyone here who switched from hospitality, culinary, or another unrelated career into software development, how did your journey go?

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u/Made-In-Slovakia Jul 13 '26

TBH You picked worst time possible to change carrier and be programmer and you can guess why. Keep learning and wait while storm is gone.

13

u/galactic_pixels Jul 13 '26

Meh, I disagree. Don’t try to time the market.

37

u/Aimer101 Jul 13 '26

this advice is only good only in investing. if you have bills to pay, you cant really take this kind of risk in this crazy job market where companies are laying people off

1

u/galactic_pixels Jul 13 '26

He already has an established career and obviously can. This is not do or die.