So I’m feeling pretty pessimistic about my chances in getting a job in coding.
I basically feel everything will have been for nothing (did college first in computer field, then freecodecamp twice, developed an app, and now frontendmentor).
I know the longer I wait the harder it will be , but it also feels like no matter how many projects I finish, no matter how many tutorials I follow, I still feel like a beginner (currently about halfway in intermediate frontendmentor ).
It’s so frustrating.
I’m 52, I have social anxiety , and basically no work history .
I’m cooked. It will have been all for nothing. I just know it.
There’s no way I will be okay in an interview , if I even get to an interview, and then there’s my social anxiety , lack of work history. it’s hopeless.
Unless I can somehow land work without having to go through an interview and without being asked about my workhistory , but it seems very unlikely.
I’m struggling to continue with frontend mentor as the projects off course get harder and harder , but also as I have OCD & depression as a daily struggle , and then I see youtubers basically filming themselves on holiday with 100k followers and making easy money , it just seems so unfair and even more demotivating.
People in their 50’s and over are learning to code. Age really is no barrier.
Regarding anxiety, comparing yourself to others doesn’t lead to anything meaningful. Everyone has their own struggles. Also, you’ll only see the best of what people post, not the rest of - which is the reality.
If you have projects which you can showcase in a portfolio, you could try freelancing. It’s not something I am familiar with. This way you can gain some work experience which you can add to your resume.
It seems like you have an intermediate knowledge of front end design.
Could you apply for junior, intern, or other beginner roles? It may seem like a step down, but you’ll have something to put in your work history.
Another option is volunteer for charities or community groups in your area.
I would be absolutely thrilled with a junior position, definetly not a step down!
And , even though I’m doing intermediate projects, I still feel like a beginner. I may never stop feeling like a beginner, most seem so much better at coding. I know, don’t compare yourself, but I’m human , it’s what will happen.
I’ve been coding for several years at this point and still feel out of my depth sometimes. The only way to get past it is through. And you’re not alone in this at all. We’re all just standing on the shoulders of those that came before so let them support you as you make your way.
Also, speed is not always everything it seems cut out to be. Far better to take your time and do the work well than to rush through things only to have to redo it because it’s broken. If the projects have a deadline, it’s important to stick to it but if you’re just working on the projects on your own time, don’t worry about it. You’ll get faster the more you work with the code; it’ll just take some time to get there.
Hope this can help quiet down the anxiety. I believe in you and you’re doing perfectly fine
I understand the feeling. I’m also in my 50’s looking to break into the web design /coding field.
It is quite difficult for us older folk to be taken seriously. But I encourage you to believe in your calling. If you were meant to code, nothing & no one will be able to stop you.
So pray, meditate or whatever you believe in order to remain motivated. Depression is a real thing, but I believe in you! Find yourself a junior role, build up your portfolio & start freelancing.
My goal is start my own consulting firm. Perhaps our paths may cross someday. Until then, believe in yourself & your calling.
Definitely stop watching influencers on youtube and social media.
Don’t dwell on negative thoughts like this. You need to reframe your situation. You are learning to code and making progress. Learn to find joy in the process. Use your new coding powers to make personal projects that you enjoy or solve problems for you.
Find a small business, friend, family member or charity that needs help with their website.
Some people have it better than you, but other people have it worse.
Starting your own business is the way to go, and possibly together with others . Freelancing, I doubt it’s of much value.