Many consider a mid-career change to coding, especially individuals in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Online forums are filled with questions from older adults wondering if it’s too late to switch to the software field. The responses are often polarized.
Some are enthusiastically encouraging, with phrases like, “It’s never too late!” or “Age is just a number!” Others offer more cautious advice, suggesting that while learning to code is achievable for personal enrichment, finding well-paid work can be significantly challenging. These discussions frequently converge on similar optimistic or pessimistic viewpoints regarding career transition at a later stage of life.
However, a crucial aspect is often overlooked in these conversations: the quality of work available after a mid-career change. While it’s generally accepted that anyone can learn to code and that employment in the software industry is possible for career switchers over 40, the real question is about the nature of the jobs secured.
Many individuals contemplating a career change to software development are likely seeking a role that matches their previous income level and offers professional growth. Imagine investing one to two years in retraining, only to find oneself qualified for entry-level positions with minimal pay and limited career advancement prospects. This scenario, unfortunately, can become a reality for many.
This was the author’s personal experience. Six years ago, during the peak of the coding bootcamp trend, a career change was attempted through a full-time bootcamp. However, this intensive program didn’t guarantee job readiness, and surprisingly, even entry-level positions seemed out of reach. Securing interviews proved difficult, leading to a period of unemployment and underemployment. Reflecting on this experience, it often felt like a significant misstep.
After navigating the aftermath of this career detour, the author returned to their previous profession to regain stability. Yet, the allure of a career change to coding persists. Now at 40, with a more realistic perspective, grandiose aspirations of becoming a lead developer at tech giants are replaced by a more pragmatic question: What is a realistic career path for someone over 40 transitioning into coding? What types of roles, within what kind of organizations, and at what starting salary are genuinely attainable?
The core question remains: Is it worth the risk of potentially ending up with unstable, low-paying freelance work, such as piecing together part-time income from WordPress projects? Or is it wiser to avoid this risk altogether and remain in a more stable, albeit perhaps less fulfilling, current career? Feedback and insights on this realistic career outlook are highly valued.
