A Late Start in Tech: What It’s Really Like Being a Junior Software Engineer in Your 30s
Starting my career as a software engineer came a bit later for me; I was on the cusp of my 30s. To give you some background, I was laid off in June 2020 from my role as an IT associate consultant, right in the midst of the pandemic. That was my first-ever job in the consulting field. Now, as I navigate my way through software engineering, I find myself questioning the stability and security of jobs in the face of global crises like pandemics.
After researching which jobs could offer stability during a pandemic, I aimed to align my findings with my personal passions and prospective career path. Here are the results:
Here I am now, a mid-level Software Engineer who has progressed from a junior level. If you’re interested in having similar experiences or perhaps embarking on a journey like mine, I’d like to share some experiences from which you might learn.
- Don’t Just Focus on the Technical Aspects
I understand that some of you may prefer to keep to yourselves, focusing solely on your screens and disregarding everything around you, including interactions with fellow humans.
However, I urge you not to do so.
Why? Consider a scenario where your Product Manager (PM) lacks empathy for the engineering tasks and assigns an overwhelming workload that they can’t grasp firsthand. In such cases, it’s essential to speak up and challenge their perspective, ensuring that the workload aligns with your capabilities and pace.
How can you address this? You’ll need to communicate with your PM, won’t you? Communication is a key soft skill, after all. I might have a book recommendation to help you improve your communication skills specifically. Here it is.
2. Stay positive, even if a coworker of the same age holds a higher position than you do right now.
I understand the temptation to compare yourself to colleagues of the same age, especially if one of them is currently your CTO.
However, it’s crucial to resist this urge to prevent it from becoming a source of discouragement.
Remember, age isn’t the defining factor here — years of experience are. If you’re looking for a meaningful comparison, measure your growth against your past self. You’ll likely find that you have much to be proud of when you see how far you’ve come.
3. Keep your ego separate from your professional work.
Typically, the older you get, the more likely you are to have a larger ego. Keep in mind that you’re starting late in this field; to accelerate your learning and gain experience quickly, it’s crucial to learn from others.
Therefore, keep your ego in check and maintain an open mind. Your ego can be your own worst enemy in this situation. On that note, I have a book recommendation that specifically addresses this issue. You can find it here.
4. Age is just a number
I understand that being in your 30s may lead you to think your learning pace has slowed down compared to your 20s. You may also be juggling additional responsibilities, such as starting a family or raising children. However, in my opinion, age is just a number.
Whenever I feel my motivation waning, I’m inspired by the story of an 81-year-old woman who learned programming just to create a video game. You can find more details about her remarkable journey in her TEDx talk, available here.
If you’re contemplating a mid-career switch to software engineering, know that age is not a barrier but rather a treasure trove of life experiences you can bring into your new role. Whether you’re navigating the waters of a mid-level position or just starting as a junior, there are key lessons to remember for a fulfilling career.
- Communication is Key: Don’t neglect the soft skills, especially communication. It’s not only about conveying your ideas but also about effectively negotiating workloads with your Product Manager to maintain a balanced work-life equation. Recommended Reading: “How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.
- Compare, But Wisely: While it’s natural to compare yourself to peers, especially those in higher positions, focus on your growth journey. Years of experience trump age, and the best comparison is with your past self to track your own progress.
- Check Your Ego at the Door: As you age, your ego might inflate, but remember, this is a field where you’re playing catch-up. Learning from others without letting your ego interfere is critical for fast growth. Recommended Reading: “Ego is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday.
- Age is Relative: Lastly, don’t let age dictate your pace or enthusiasm for learning. Age is just a number; it’s your attitude that defines your latitude. If an 81-year-old can learn programming, so can you.
Your 30s, 40s, or beyond can be just the right time for a thriving career in software engineering, filled with lifelong learning and meaningful connections. Keep your eye on your own journey, hone those essential soft skills, and age will be nothing but a number.
