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Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

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Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#71

Post by keviv »

I'm 30 and I'll turn 31 in January. I've been coding since I was 15. Worked in 3 companies till now and currently freelancing. Though I studied Computer Science in College, I learned to code pretty much on my own. I quit my job because I was stuck using outdated technologies and frameworks. I make less money as a freelancer and I don't regret it.

Sometimes you get overwhelmed by looking at other people's success. Sometimes, I feel like giving up too. I feel worthless looking at some people who have achieved a lot before they turned 30. But I've got back up each time I was depressed. Never give up and don't stop looking. Keep building stuff and learn new things. Good things happen to people who keep trying even after failing hard. All the best.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#73

Post by throwaway_374 »

rdlecler1 wrote: post #18

If you have the spare time, find a solid Github project and start contributing to build up your portfolio. Leverage your extroversion and give a couple of expert talks at meetup to showcase your knowledge. Basically use the talents you have to sell yourself. PS: If I had to pick a focus area I'd do AI. Supply and demand are in your favor.

I was discussing this the other day with my friends who are consultants and they jump through nowhere near the level of interview hoops we have to go through. As developers we have a far more structured approach with checks and balances - a compile, build and test process. On the contrary a consultant alone on client site is a far riskier proposition.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#74

Post by mrits »

frostbytes wrote: post #44
ninu wrote: post #36

I'm a PM at Google and former SWE, Twitter: @ninu Message me and let's talk further. We're always looking for strong SWE applicants. Happy holidays and remember to never give up! <3 for code. 'Tis the season to help others.

hahaha <3 thanks ninu, I'm not Google material, that is for the exceptionally chosen and talented.

Google is for the people that want to put in the effort to pass a Google type interview. If you don't have a problem learning things then it is certainly in your reach. I'm often reminded by how my grandparents would talk so highly of working at General Motors. To me it seemed so boring but at the time GM was considered one of the best companies to work for. I think today there is still a romanced idea that zen can be reached by getting a job at one of these types of companies. In the meantime I'm sitting in my amazing downtown Austin home looking over my pool while I'm probablly a slightly above average developer working for startups that I find interesting. My partner is in the other room dreading the end of her holiday and having to go back to her Facebook job.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#75

Post by joeclark77 »

How do you know you can't get a job? Have you tried to apply? Don't be frightened by job postings. Employers tend to ask for the world, including things like requiring 5-10 years of experience in a technology that's only been around for 3 years. Business (at least in the USA, and I think everywhere) is desperate for IT talent. Maybe you won't get your first job at Google or Microsoft, but I'm sure you can find something.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#76

Post by jason_slack »

frostbytes wrote: post #44
ninu wrote: post #36

I'm a PM at Google and former SWE, Twitter: @ninu Message me and let's talk further. We're always looking for strong SWE applicants. Happy holidays and remember to never give up! <3 for code. 'Tis the season to help others.

hahaha <3 thanks ninu, I'm not Google material, that is for the exceptionally chosen and talented.

With all due respect. Don't say that about yourself!

Hit Ninu up and talk. What harm does it do. It if turns out you need to "bone up" a bit, bow you have a clear path that can get you employment at a later date. Google defers job offers all the time (or so I understand).

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#77

Post by ciaravino »

What's your ideal day-to-day and week-to-week? Directionally, what are your career goals? What impact do you want to have in the word and in business (without limiting thinking to a feature, product, etc.)? What's your work experience?

I'm hiring for customer-facing tech positions at Google (Bay Area) that don't require SWE level knowledge, but require strong practical coding knowledge and relationship management experience.

You can reach out to me at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentciaravino if you're interested. Good luck!

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