Discovering My Path: From Multi-Unit Management to Software Engineering
Ten years in the fast-paced world of multi-unit management had provided me with a six-figure income, but it left me yearning for something more profound. As the relentless demands of my career consumed long hours each day, it became increasingly apparent that this high-paying job was, in reality, a high-cost endeavor. The birth of my daughter was the pivotal moment that ignited a profound transformation in my outlook on life and career. No longer could I accept a life spent tethered to an office desk from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., disconnected from the things that truly mattered.
My journey towards transitioning into the world of software engineering is not just about changing my job but also about changing the way I live. It's about pursuing a passion rather than a paycheck. In this blog post, I will share the personal and professional odyssey that led me to this decision, the pivotal moments that reshaped my priorities, and the profound realization that time with my family and pursuing my passions are more valuable than any six-figure salary.
A Passion Ignited in College
The roots of my passion for computer science date back to my college years. At the time, I attempted to pursue a minor in computer science while majoring in business, all while juggling the demands of playing college football. My schedule was packed to the brim with classes, practices, and games, and it quickly became evident that I had to drop my computer science minor and focus on football and my business degree. Still, I promised myself that I would circle back and pursue computer science and software development at a later time.
Life's Detours
However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. After college, I embarked on various job roles to provide for myself and, later, my family. The dream of returning to computer science remained dormant as I navigated different titles and responsibilities. Responsibilities of adulthood, including paying bills and caring for my family, took precedence, and my dream continued to wait on the back burner.
Years passed, and I found myself stuck in a rut, unhappy with my career and the trajectory of my life. That was when I stumbled upon a series of YouTube videos on coding and software development. It was as if a spark had reignited the flame that I thought had been extinguished years ago.
A Rediscovery of Passion
As I dabbled with various coding languages, particularly HTML and CSS, I experienced an awakening. The joy I felt in building and creating with code was unparalleled. I marveled at the beauty of transforming lines of code into functional websites and applications. The feeling of accomplishment with each finished project was intoxicating.
The Journey of a Software Engineering Bootcamp
My journey took a significant turn when I decided to enroll in a software engineering boot camp. Starting the boot camp was an exciting new chapter, filled with anticipation and challenges. In the prework required before entering the first phase, I learned a lot about JavaScript, a versatile and fundamental programming language.
However, when I entered my first phase, things moved at a dizzying pace. It was like being in a race where I found myself in the last place, desperately trying to catch up. Despite considering myself a fast learner, I soon realized that learning to code was an entirely different ballgame. It required time, persistence, and consistent practice.
I encountered hurdles in concepts like callback functions, anonymous functions, and many other coding concepts that were initially foreign to me. Learning a new language after nearly 15 years removed from school was a challenge. I had to rediscover how to learn effectively. The old ways of memorizing information didn't work anymore. I had to shift my focus towards understanding the core concepts. At times, I had to take steps back and revisit the basics to ensure a solid grasp of the foundational knowledge. This process often made me feel like I was lagging behind, but it was an essential part of my learning journey.
To keep up with the fast-paced boot camp, I often found myself staying up until 2 a.m. or waking up at 5 a.m. to get an early start on catching up. While learning the basics was manageable, putting everything together into comprehensive projects felt like my mind was going blank.
There were moments when I contemplated dropping out of the boot camp. The pace was relentless, and the challenges were intimidating. However, I've never been one to back down from a challenge. I've always believed in my ability to conquer anything I set my mind to. This was just another challenge, and I was determined to overcome it.
My instructors, with their wealth of experience in the tech field, provided valuable guidance and encouragement. One of them shared a powerful insight: "The meaning found in the suffering is where skill comes from." I hold onto these words during my moments of struggle and suffering, reminding myself that it's all part of the learning process. It's the crucible in which my skills are forged.
The Road Ahead
As I move forward in this software engineering boot camp, I remain excited about the journey. I know there will be more struggles, but I'm determined to push through. Learning coding has been a humbling experience, teaching me the value of resilience and determination. The transformation from multi-unit management to software engineering is not just a career change; it's a life change.
I plan to keep this blog updated as I progress through the different phases of the boot camp, sharing my experiences, my triumphs, and my challenges. It's a record of my evolution as I embrace the world of technology. I look forward to the adventures and discoveries that lie ahead, and I hope that my story can inspire others who are also considering a change in their career path.
In the end, it's not just about the destination but the journey itself that shapes us into who we are meant to be. My journey from a multi-unit manager to a software engineer is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of passion. With unwavering determination, I'll continue to forge ahead.