Learn to code and change career?

[bones]

So I've made it clear that I work as a prepress technician/manager in the commercial printing industry, working on a Mac 9-10 hours a day. I'm basically an "end user" that dabbles in Linux as a hobby. I'm reading this article the other day, and I say to myself, "why not me?"

http://joshuakemp.blogspot.com/2013/11/ ... and-9.html

I figure, if I'm gonna get paid to sit behind a computer for several hours a day, why not learn a new skill-set and do something new? I do OK, financially ($65K a year, before the government extortion racket takes their cut), but I have pretty much topped out in my field, unless I move to a bigger city such as Portland or Seattle. This guy spent 9 months learning a new skill and started out at $70K, presumably with room to grow.

I know some of you guys code for a living, and I was wondering what you think about this. Also of concern for me personally, is that I am 47 years old (going on 25), and I perceive the coding world to favor the young. Would I be discriminated against because of my age?

All thoughts welcome, thanks!

[DebianJoe]

If you come at it from a "I know Unix-based OS's" way, not only will you not be looked down on due to your age, but that's actually admired in a way. I have a guy who just started working with me, and he's in his late 50's.

Code monkeys are a dime a dozen, so I don't know that I'd suggest taking his route exactly...but, he and I don't exactly do the same thing (I work in industrial programming...so less coffee-shops and more variety in subject matter.)

Sure, go for it if that's what you want to do. It's never too late to learn something new.

Edit: Bones, I'm going to say that I'd suggest getting your feet wet with learning something before you decide to make any significant life changes. If you read my last few blog posts, you'll notice that I write about "keeping things fun", because I'll admit that it's hard to stay interested once you do it for a living. Make sure it's something that you really want to do, because after the first few tiers of programming jobs, things get drastically harder, and the competition is harsh. Plus, smaller tech companies are prone to being consumed by the economic machine. I love what I do some days, and other days it's painfully frustrating. If I didn't like the work, I'd take up farming.

[GekkoP]

I used to code for a living. 8 years as a Java Developer: first 3 years in Milan (Italy), then 2 years in Chelmsford (UK), then back to Italy for two years in Bologna and last year in Vicenza. Always J2EE, so Java, SQL (PL/SQL), JSP... Since I got really tired of it and I left to be on my own.

I wouldn't say I got tired of programming, though at first I thought so cause I was deep in music and cinema criticism and I really loved doing something with that. I got tired of Java and I got tired of working for people that, expect when in UK, treat me like an asshole.
Italy isn't the right playground for music and cinema criticism, I sadly soon realised. Fortunately, Linux was there. Without a job, I grabbed my computers and started going hard on Linux. Not earning as much as I was when doing proper Java coding, of course. But I'm happy, so who cares.

Studying a bit of Python and C actually taught me that I still like coding. I'm giving a try at Emacs Lisp lately, really enjoying it.
All this blabbing just to say: go for it. For instance, with a little of C knowledge I can go through dwm code knowing what it is doing and why it is doing it such a way. To me, that's more than enough to love coding.

[bones]

Thanks for the input so far, guys. Yeah, I wonder about what extent I want to sit behind a computer for several hours a day, AT ALL. If I had it my way, I'd be a self-sufficient homesteader on 5-10 acres of property. But that's not in the cards just yet.

Gekko, I don't know Java (unless it's in my mug) vs. any other language, only enough to know that Java apps in my own workflow are the bane of my existence! I hate them, and therefore that makes me think I would want to avoid Java. Python and Perl appeal to me, and Lisp looks interesting, too. Of course C, too, but I can't imagine diving into the deep end with that, just yet. I don't know enough about Ruby to form an opinion yet.

[GekkoP]

I used Java only for web applications. Funny thing though, I coded using Eclipse which is written in Java and is sloooow. I can't compare it to other languages, but the pure beauty of C is something Java can't never get.

[DebianJoe]

If you're just curious about learning some programming, Python is a great way to start. It leads to good practices for other languages (and has many similar principals), it's easy to understand, and extremely flexible in practice. It isn't an end-goal, but you should be able to tell if programming is for you by delving into it a bit.

Ruby would also be a decent choice to start on, but that would be my suggestion only if it's your end goal. Lisp is for beatniks and CAD. ;)

[bones]

I see a ton of listings for coders in this area. The Pacific Northwest seems to be quite a haven for it. What else do you do when it rains all the time? Haha. Hell, even Linus lives 45 minutes up the road from me now, in Portland. OSCON is frequently held in Portland, too.

[lrcaballero]

So I've made it clear that I work as a prepress technician/manager in the commercial printing industry, working on a Mac 9-10 hours a day. I'm basically an "end user" that dabbles in Linux as a hobby. I'm reading this article the other day, and I say to myself, "why not me?"

http://joshuakemp.blogspot.com/2013/11/ ... and-9.html

I figure, if I'm gonna get paid to sit behind a computer for several hours a day, why not learn a new skill-set and do something new? I do OK, financially ($65K a year, before the government extortion racket takes their cut), but I have pretty much topped out in my field, unless I move to a bigger city such as Portland or Seattle. This guy spent 9 months learning a new skill and started out at $70K, presumably with room to grow.

I know some of you guys code for a living, and I was wondering what you think about this. Also of concern for me personally, is that I am 47 years old (going on 25), and I perceive the coding world to favor the young. Would I be discriminated against because of my age?

All thoughts welcome, thanks!

It is never too late! Go for it...just don't leave your full time job just yet...unless you have a super big piggy bank!

Check this website out: http://www.codecademy.com

Cheers,

lrcaballero

[rhowaldt]

if you're gonna do Python as DJ suggested, Google 'learn Python the hard way' for a great free PDF book. that is what i used (and despite the title it isn't hard at all :)

[GekkoP]

I used that book as well. And still going through 'learn C the hard way'.

[bones]

Thanks for the links, guys. Grabbed the "Learn Python the Hard Way" PDF, too.

[dkeg]

I don't want to rain on any parade, but I've been down this road before before making a direction change into healthcare stuff. Anyway, I found it very difficult to get in once you accomplished some learning, b/c at the end of the day, you have no experience. Coding interviews are tough. There's no real gray area, you either know it or you don't, and your bs will be as transparent as shitty beer. Have to be smart and honest and not afraid to say that you don't know, but you know how to figure it out, so on. I hear all the time that it is how the new employee prospect will mesh in with the gang, and that as long as you have some base knowledge and foundation, you can be taught the details. But really, at the end of the day, and with being in this tough economy, there are applicants just before and right after you that bring more experience to the table and win the prize over you.

As you study, learn, and practice, start building your portfolio. Volunteer your services and join projects to build your experience and thus also your portfolio.
Skills, ability to learn, passion, drive, thinking outside the box all are qualities they will look for.

Some of you probably have seen this before. This was an interview question I had one time. Not that difficult, a bit harder in an interview though. ( This particular interview was chock full of these types of questions, but I was on that day. There was no fuckin me :D )

Code: Select all

You have 8 balls, all the same size, one of which is weighted heavier.  In the least amount of steps, with only a balance scale, find the heavier ball

no cheating ;)

[DebianJoe]

^^ my favorite is the "FizzBuzz" implementation.

Since we're discussing Python....just for fun:

Code: Select all

for num in xrange(1,101):
    msg = ''
    if num % 3 == 0:
        msg += 'Fizz'
    if num % 5 == 0:
        msg += 'Buzz'
    print msg or num

or

Code: Select all

for x in xrange(1,101):print"FizzBuzz"[x*x%3*4:8--x**4%5]or x

Which one is the better way? ;)

Although you're totally correct Drew, I know that where I'm working, we're always looking for someone with the minimum requirement of "can actually do the work." There was a huge influx of CS guys in the late 90's, and while many of them have the schooling, not many have the basic skills to come up with an answer to problems. Getting your foot in the door is difficult, but it's possible. Most jobs that I know of that start at 75k+, though, do require at least a degree.

Also +1 vote on Learn Python the Hard Way. If you have questions, ask Rho, I hear he's good at python.

[bones]

Although, I have to say, getting 100 rounds of .40 cal. S/W as payment from a co-worker for printing off a couple of 28" x 40" posters ain't bad. Sometimes I love my co-workers, it's a pretty blue-collar industry.

[machinebacon]

tl;dr

if it comes to coding, keep it with the BBQ philosophy:

IF THERE'S MEAT ------------------> EAT!

can't be a wrong decision to acquire some soft and hard skills, especially because learning something new freshens up the dead brain cells. fact :D

edit: looking at your posted photo i noticed the following:

[bones]

^I LOLed, heartily. :D

[hinto]

I used Java only for web applications. Funny thing though, I coded using Eclipse which is written in Java and is sloooow. I can't compare it to other languages, but the pure beauty of C is something Java can't never get.

Eclipse is only about 75% Java, the rest is native. It's an example of you can write poorly designed applications in any language. FWIW, jEdit and NetBeans is 100% java and the performance far out-strips Eclipse. I won't go into merits/pros/cons of each IDE since the intent is not to start an IDE/Editor war. I'm just reporting the responsiveness.
-Hinto

[bones]

^Good to see you around hinto, long time no see. :)

Just saw this article today:

http://blog.databaseanimals.com/friends ... se-eclipse

[bones]

Well, checking out going to work for "Big Coffee" in Seattle. I'm VERY qualified for this job, and the benefits, as you can imagine, are stellar:

Job Description
prepress designer, Creative Studio - Seattle, WA
130003041
Description

Job Summary and Mission

This position contributes to Starbucks success by producing computer-generated graphic design files, educating fellow partners, and leading certain production-oriented projects, in support of the objectives of the Starbucks Global Creative Studio, an in-house advertising agency. Creates graphics files to correct specifications to ensure quality of design product and printing. Educates designers, print buyers and fellow prepress specialists in advanced software techniques, sometimes leads projects, such as those related to software education, production processes, or workflow documentation. Participates on cross-functional teams to improve studio process and technical understanding.
Models and acts in accordance with Starbucks guiding principles.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Assists creative teams with building comps and presentation materials when necessary.
Collaborates with internal and external design teams to provide input to designers and print production on how to produce graphic files in preparing final layouts for printing.
Produces accurate graphics files to the highest specifications using a variety of desktop publishing programs. Produces advertisements, sales promotions and public relations material for visual communications media.

Qualifications

Summary of Experience

Expert level graphics software applications such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator (2-4 years)
Print production (1 year)
Ad agency or marketing (1 year)
Print or color house experience (1 year)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to apply knowledge of multidisciplinary business principles and practices to achieve successful outcomes in cross-functional projects and activities
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently
Attention to detail
Ability to deliver excellent customer service
Ability to set and negotiate priorities
Ability to work as part of a team
Strong organizational and planning skills

[GekkoP]

Good luck with that!