I was talking with my best friend Sean about my choice to make a career change from child care work to technology. I made a joke that by the time I'm fully settled in a technology job, I could make a real "Beginners How To" book on Python and Linux because I have (currently) 3 binders full of notes; either printed or handwritten, plus notecards. He responded that it would make a good article for others to read who are considering a similar move and suggested that I keep a small journal/documentation of some sort about my journey through a career change between two vastly different careers.
So, this is my story. There will be multiple posts and parts as my journey continues. I just wanted to get down some basic/introductory thoughts while it was fresh in my mind.
First and foremost - make sure to play around and find what aspect of technology you really enjoy doing. First I started with basic Linux then I dove into Python. While I really enjoy coding, I enjoy SysAdmin work with Linux more. Therefore, that's where my focus will remain.
Second - and this may sound kinda "Duuuuuhhhhhhh Siara" - make sure to get the foundational knowledge first. That means both the concepts and the practical application of the aspects that compose your chosen interest. It's kinda like building a house - you start with the foundation then you connect the pieces to the foundation one at a time until you have a whole house. But that house WILL fall if the foundation isn't solid to begin with.
I dove into Python head first and had a hard time until I went back and started with the true basics. It was about halfway through the basics of Python that I realized how much more I enjoyed SysAdmin work with Linux more than coding with Python.
Third - Take your learning seriously. Take notes. Have multiple reliable resources. Find people who can and will help you learn. Try to find a mentor who is already in the field to help you practice and understand things when you get confused. These additional resources help SO MUCH. Getting stuck happens. Don't let yourself stay stuck because you don't have everything you need.
Fourth - Learning is a process. Making mistakes is learning. Don't beat yourself up when you fail, make a mistake, get stuck, get brain dead, etc. It happens when you're learning a new skillset. When you start to feel down or defeated then remind yourself why you're doing this and making such a change. Maybe you were unhappy in your previous career. Maybe you needed something more intellectually stimulating. Maybe you wanna do something that feels like more of a contribution to society. Whatever your reason, let that be your motivation. Stay Motivated, keep pushing.
Fifth - Get and stay organized in all of your learning materials. Have a bookmark folder on your bookmarks bar in your web browser that contains all of your digital resources. Have a folder or binder to keep all of your notes together. Have a pencil holder for pens, pencils, highlighters, paper clips, whatever you need to stay organized.
Sixth - Prioritize your time so that you have a little time every day to learn and practice. "Practice makes perfect". It doesn't have to be the whole day if you don't have the time. We all have a life and many of us have kids and pets and other responsibilities. But do your best to ensure you have at least 30 mins a day to review your notes, maybe take a few new notes, or practice what you've already learned. Retention of new material happens best when you review what you know after you learn something new. It's kinda like being back in elementary/grade school and learning math. You need to know how to count to know how to add. You need to know how to add to multiple. You need to know how to multiply to do more complex math later in life like algebra. One step at a time. Baby steps.
You CAN do this. It's not impossible. It takes time and effort and motivation but it can be done. You got this.
P.S. If you ever need to vent or ask questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I understand the frustration of learning a new skill set after spending 15 years in a different career. Good luck, best wishes, and remember....You got this!
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