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Changing field to a web/app developer?

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  • May 29th, 2017 4:57 pm
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Sr. Member
Nov 8, 2005
594 posts
104 upvotes
Toronto

Changing field to a web/app developer?

Hello! I am an IT guy in my mid 30's and currently working as an enterprise hardware/storage specialist. Though I am looking for a change after working in this field for almost 10 years. I want to do something creative but still IT related in hoping to have some of my current skillsets transfer over. I wonder how long does it take (roughly) to learn and become proficient in those essentials languages that will be needed to land a real job? Is there a lot of demand for such job here in Toronto?
4 replies
Deal Addict
Aug 16, 2008
1057 posts
403 upvotes
Markham
be ready for a pay cut.

Are you considered 'back office', in a development role of sorts? If so, see if you can transition to front-office or client/customer facing. If you're already in such a role, then ya...be ready for a pay cut.
Sr. Member
Nov 8, 2005
594 posts
104 upvotes
Toronto
I could live with a pay cut as long as it's not a drastic cut like 40-50% less than my current pay check. Btw how difficult is to start from the beginning and learn all those languages (like me) to the point when I can get a real job as a web dev? I surely don't expect this to happen in few months but I like to have a rough idea before I start investing my time and money into this.
Banned
User avatar
Nov 19, 2014
910 posts
248 upvotes
You should give it a shot at codeacademy.com. You have IT experience so you should have an advantage.

At the higher levels where people have steady work, they tend to be web programming experts. At the high-end it's definitely not something they just go to school for typically (like law, accounting). A lot of the programmers I know that have had good careers have been programming since high school or before.

If you're serious about this, you might want to check-out schools like CodingDojo or whatever the Canadian equivalents to schools like that are. But make sure they're reputable. The ones in Seattle and San Francisco tend to have a lot of cred because their Founders are from reputable companies. You'll get way less of that in Canada. The Founders/teachers could be total duds.
I'm At The W, But I Can't Meet You In The Lobby, Girl I Gotta Watch My Back, Cuz I'm Not Just Anybody, I Seen Em' Stand In Line, Just To Get Beside Her, That's When We Disappear, You Need GPS To Find Her, Oh That Was Your Girl? I Thought I Recognized Her."
Sr. Member
Nov 8, 2005
594 posts
104 upvotes
Toronto
Thanks for the info! Will definitely look into those.

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