Similar Post, Different Day, Greater Determination and Sleep Deprivation is a Lowkey great motivator.
Hey everyone,
Let’s talk about the future! What am I most excited about? Well, it can depend on the day, but right now, one thing burns brightest: my escape from the industrial cleaning world and into the thrilling world of software engineering (or maybe game development – the jury’s still out!)
Let me tell you, this transition is a rollercoaster. Back in December 2023, I knew it was long overdue. So, I swallowed my pride, threw ego out the window, and took the plunge – I graduated from a software engineering bootcamp. It felt like a necessary step 1, an opportunity to finally jumpstart this dream.
Now, here I am, nine months into living in a new country, juggling an industrial cleaning job (with some seriously long hours, by the way – 9 to 13!), and trying to navigate this crazy tech world. There are days when the exhaustion is brutal, and that little voice in my head whispers doubts. You know the one – the one that says “maybe this is crazy” or “it’s too late to start over.”
But here’s the thing: being a complete newcomer in a new country makes finding resources and a support network extra challenging. It can feel like I’m starting from scratch, not just in tech, but in life.
But that’s exactly why this transition is my highest priority. This escape from the industrial cleaner life fuels my late nights. It’s the reason I push through the discouragement. Every frustrating tech interview prep session, every unfinished side project – they’re all stepping stones to a future where I can finally code, create, and build something incredible.
So yeah, the future is exciting, but it’s also a little daunting. The good news? I’m not going at it alone. You, my outstanding tech fam, are here with me. And even if the resources feel scarce right now, I know there’s a whole world of knowledge waiting to be tapped into.
Here’s the exciting part: So many of you have been amazing, suggesting ways to navigate this “step 2” – landing that first tech job. One suggestion that keeps popping up is career consulting. It makes perfect sense! Sometimes, all we need is a little guidance to get back on the right path when the tech winds blow us around. Whether it’s paid or unpaid consulting, having someone in my corner to help with things like resume and cover letter writing, interview prep, and even navigating the job search in a new country sounds like a significant change.
Alright, let’s get tactical! You guys have also helped me brainstorm a roadmap for conquering this “step 2.” Here’s the battle plan:
Step 2.1: Operation Portfolio Polish – I already have a portfolio, but let’s face it, it could be epic. Time to revisit those projects, tighten them up, and make them shine for potential employers and networking connections.
Step 2.2: Building a Social Media Presence (Basic Training) – I’m a newbie on this front, but hey, everyone starts somewhere! Let’s explore building a social media presence specifically tailored to the tech world. Maybe Twitter for following industry leaders and discussions, or LinkedIn for connecting with professionals?
Step 2.3: Side Project Stampede – Time to unleash my inner coding warrior with some killer side projects! This is where I can experiment, showcase new skills, and build a portfolio that truly pops.
Step 2.4: Interview Prep Boot Camp – Let’s face it, interviews can be nerve-wracking. But fear not! We’ll conquer those interview jitters with dedicated prep sessions. Practicing common questions, working on technical challenges, and building confidence – this is how we ace that next interview!
Step 2.5: Networking Blitz (Offline & Online!) – We can’t forget the power of networking! Let’s explore both the online and offline worlds. Maybe there are meetups or conferences in your area specifically for aspiring software engineers? Or, you can connect with people online through forums or social media groups. Building relationships with others in the industry is a fantastic way to learn, grow, and potentially find new opportunities.
And here’s the personal challenge: Conquer My Code Coma! Let’s be honest, there’s a reason I haven’t mentioned coding every day yet. The exhaustion, the never-ending to-do list – sometimes it feels easier to just… not code. But here’s the thing: consistent practice is key to retaining knowledge and making this whole coding thing second nature.
That’s why I’m issuing a challenge to myself (and maybe you can join me!): small wins every day. Maybe it’s 30 minutes hammering out a new feature for an existing project. Maybe it’s tackling a bite-sized coding challenge online. The point is to find a way to keep the code flowing, even if it’s just a little bit each day. Small, consistent steps are the secret weapon against that code coma.
This is just the beginning of this wild ride, and I’m taking you all along for the journey! Wish me luck as I navigate this transition, this unfamiliar country, and (hopefully) into a career I can truly love.
P.S. Huge shoutout to the software engineering bootcamp that helped me throw myself into the deep end and learn the ropes! And a big thank you to everyone who’s been suggesting resources and support options – career consulting sounds like the next big step on this adventure! Let’s get this job search party started!