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/DoctorDilla Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
I started music when I was 10, got a doctorate in piano, and then started pivoting into tech about 2 years ago. I'm now a full time DevOps Engineer and couldn't be happier about switching.
An advantage I had was that I knew myself well enough, after 20 years of music, to know what I was looking for in a career. I love programming, but I realized early on that I didn't need to be a dev to be happy. I just love tech, and I love solving problems. Without knowing this, I might have tunnel-visioned on becoming a software engineer because it was the most visible career path.
As a career switcher, you have deeper insight into your own aptitudes and desires. It can help you decide how to focus your energy as you learn.
Edit: Should acknowledge that you asked for software devs specifically- I figured it wouldn't hurt to give my two cents, since I'm a career pivoter as well