Coding and Tech:
the reality of switching career and starting over
the reality of switching career and starting over
Motherhood is known to be a transformational season in a woman's life - and so is post-partum. Personally, motherhood crystallized my intention to be more present, not just for the new life I carried for 9 months, but also to live a more purposeful and meaningful life for myself.
Having spent almost a decade in a traditional corporate profession, I quit my job in 2021 and spent the following years enjoying some sort of sabbatical leave; occasionally working, often travelling back and forth between Europe and Africa.
It is refreshingly astonishing what comes to the surface when we pay attention to the silence within us, when we are not overstimulated nor overworked. When we take time off to truly rest for longer periods and reset everything: our thinking, our habits, our routines. A few months of not setting the alarm and being rushed off our feet - coupled with a change of scenery - can do wonders for the soul. Suddenly, we recall who we are, the dreams we once had, the thoughts and ideas we never jotted down nor executed. But I digress...
Unconsciously, I had been ready to change career for some time, yet I had not figured out what was going to be my next career move. This time round, instead of browsing job titles that did not entice me, I pondered over what were my aspirations for this next chapter of my life as a working mother: location independence, an abundance of freelance opportunities, remote work, freedom to relocate anytime and anywhere and, last but not least, great compensation.
It then dawned on me that this was the digital nomad lifestyle that millions (roughly 40 millions) of professionals have embraced thanks to the digital revolution and the various, relatively new jobs it created. A quick Google search highlighted that tech is still the number #1 industry with the highest-paying and most in-demand jobs.
Without hesitation, as my little one's first birthday approached, I had completed the enrolment process to start a Web Development Bootcamp, and before I knew it, the course was over and I had already received my certificate of completion.
Nonetheless, the learning does not stop now. On the contrary, I am just getting started! If you are keen to join the global community of digital nomads in the near future and Software Development arouses your curiosity, here is a list of all government-funded courses currently available.
Did I mention they are FREE? 🤯
Becoming a mother was the catalyst for my transition into Tech. If you're ready for your own pivotal moment, acquiring digital skills might propel you in the right direction. Bet on yourself, I'm rooting for you!
Have you noticed the flood of ads for government-funded Skills Bootcamps while scrolling through your social media feed?
These programs are becoming increasingly popular as they offer free, intensive training in digital skills across various industries such as software development, cyber security, digital marketing and data science. These courses typically last between three to four months and are accessible to eligible adults who wish to upskill or retrain, with classes taking place in person or remotely, either full-time or part-time. Several training providers even offer a guaranteed job interview upon course completion!
Unsurprisingly, as the Skills Bootcamps gained traction, learner target numbers set by the Department for Education have been exceeded year on year following the introduction of this scheme back in 2020.
Having completed my course in Web Development fairly recently, in hindsight I wish I had the chance to enrol on the intensive, full-time, 16-week training programme as opposed to a part-time one (mine was twice a week for 12 weeks). In my experience, shorter courses tend to rush the curriculum and condense information due to time constraints.
However, all in all, my experience has been really positive and, most importantly, I learnt SO MUCH from industry experts with a wealth of experience and technical knowledge. To think that I never wrote a line of code before and now I coded this whole website from scratch myself is quite an accomplishment.
If you are considering applying for a Skills Bootcamp, here is some advice for you:
As a teacher by trade, I believe in the power of education at any stage of life. Whether you are looking to learn a new skill as a hobby or aiming for a career change, acquiring new skills can significantly boost your well-being, memory, and self-confidence. For more details about Skills Bootcamps, click here.
This blog is an ever-evolving virtual space where I share updates about tech-related topics I am currently reading and learning about as well as projects I am coding. Over time, you will find out more about my transition from Teaching into the field of Tech - and all the twists and turns I encountered along the way. This website is also about second chances, betting on myself and finding my voice. I look forward to meeting like-minded people who are on a similar trajectory career-wise - don't hesitate to say 👋🏾 and leave a message using the form above.