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Ask HN: Can you switch to a programming career despite nearing 40?

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Re: Ask HN: Can you switch to a programming career despite nearing 40?

#101

I'm 46 and basically retired now because I felt like my opportunities were drying up. You'll probably be able to get a job, but it will be at a second or third tier company that is questionably managed and considers you to be a cost center. So you'll have no political power and everyone breathing down your neck to get things done - while also having you sit in meetings half the time. You won't be able to work at a FA…

This seems like a pretty extreme point of view. Not that ageism doesn't exist... but I entered the tech industry at age 38 and have gotten offers from two FAANG companies. I do think I'm a good programmer (obviously if you suck you'll have trouble getting a FAANG offer) but not God's gift.

Once you get a job at a FAANG that's your golden ticket. You will never be out of work. If I were you I would take one of those offers, even if the job itself sucks.

Its different for most of us and I'm sorry to say you just don't know how bad it is. Many people I formerly worked with are currently severely underemployed. Its not that we are bad (I shipped a couple Xbox games, so I'm not an idiot), we are simply unfashionable.

Re: Ask HN: Can you switch to a programming career despite nearing 40?

#102
After more than 10 years working as an architect, I recently made the switch and got my first job as a frontend dev at 39. I have always been coding, also during architecture practice (there is a lot of coding going on in architecture!), so that helped. Also, my experience with design and leading teams in as an architect was also a plus. I got into "modern" frontend development about 4 years ago, and have been working on side projects during my free time. That also helped, a lot. So, I'd recommend you start there. Work on personal, side projects, also as a way to see if you really wanna do this.

Worth mentioning: I got a BIG salary cut, as expected. After all, I am starting almost from scratch. But working remotely and having the autonomy is invaluable to me. Glad I switched.

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