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Sometimes, people get bored with their careers. It could be a mid-life crisis, financial benefits, untapped talent, or curiosity that can push people who are, to some extent, excelling in their careers to opt for a tech career.
Tech is comprehensive, and a career could mean sizable benefits. Some technology experts earn as much as $500,000 yearly and charge as high as $120 per hour; hence, one of the benefits of changing jobs (see more details in AWClub article).
While we have those who make considerably less, tech pays those who are incredibly great at it. Due to conditions like the market, the eruption of tons of tech organizations, the easy entry, and the specialness of being a tech person, many people have changed their careers to tech.
This article explores technology career challenges, the advantages and disadvantages of changing jobs, and the roadmap to becoming a technology expert successfully.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing Jobs: Understanding the Motive
Before changing to tech, there are many questions you must answer. You must understand the root and objectivity of your decision. Is it the right thing to do at the moment? How will you go about it? Let’s explore some of these questions, the motive behind the need for a new career, and the pros and cons of a new job.
- Why do you want to change to tech? There has to be a reason, a purpose. When you decide on a tech career, you should be able to answer why. Could it be financial benefits or a newfound curiosity?
- Should you stop working to focus on tech? How will you invest the time needed to launch and continue a career in tech?
- What niche will you explore? There are so many niches in the tech industry. You need to decide what niche you will ultimately pursue as a career.
Now that you’ve asked the right questions and hopefully gotten your answers, it’s time to explore the roadmap to a career in technology.
Roadmap to Technology Career
Once we’ve explored the motives, it’s time to explore the pros and cons of taking a new job in tech and the things to look out for.
Determine The Niche and Tech Stack
The tech industry is vast. Niches include front-end development, back-end development, Laravel development, DevOps, AWS DevOps Architecture, Blockchain development, AI development, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, and more.
You must develop a learning framework when deciding on a niche/sub-industry. A learning framework lists the tech stacks, tools, and infrastructure you need to know/have to excel in a tech field.
Learning in the tech field can be formal or informal. Thankfully, informal means of learning don’t hinder job opportunities. Most organizations are more interested in proficient tech experts than those attending school with zero proficiency. If you can go to a reputable college, it’s also a great option.
Semi-formal learning processes like Coursera and Udemy are excellent avenues for affordable courses in your field. You can also explore YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter for free content. When weighing the pros and cons of changing jobs, the fact that you can start a career in tech without formal education is a significant pro.
Build a Relevant Network
With a new field comes a new network. It’s essential to build a relevant network early in your new career. Pick learning processes where you can interact with your tutor and colleagues. Join community forums and stay active. Ask questions on forums. Build a network on relevant platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Reach out to more experienced and higher-earning people in your new field and learn from their processes.
This factor stands in the middle of the pros and cons of changing your career. Building a network can be arduous, and only a few people will succeed.
Overcome Imposter Syndrome
The Imposter Syndrome tells you that you’re not good enough. Tech can be overwhelming, especially when you’re a beginner. But like everything else, you can overcome it with practice and consistency. Most people run out of the tech industry even before giving themselves a chance to try it out. One year isn’t a very long time, and you can learn something of real value in that period.
Take Python programming language: with just six months of learning (20 hours per week or 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday), you can become an intermediate Python programmer. With knowledge of Python, you can offer web development services. If you dedicate just 20 hours a week to learning Python, you could start charging clients to help them build a laptop. If you dedicate two hours daily to learning, you can become good at HTML in just two months.
Tailor Your Resume and Brand
It’s time to start building a new resume to reflect your new skills. You also need to develop portfolios, do a couple of jobs to reflect your expertise, and make your portfolio.
Network with Other Professionals
Network with professionals on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and community forums.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transitioning to a career in technology requires careful consideration and planning. You must always weigh the advantages and disadvantages of changing jobs. Understanding your motivations, choosing the right niche, and building relevant skills are crucial.
Leveraging informal learning methods, creating a supportive network, and overcoming imposter syndrome are key to success. Tailoring your resume, branding yourself, and networking with professionals further enhance your prospects in the tech industry.
Author
Gregory Swenson is an experienced IT professional with a knack for solving complex tech challenges. With over a decade in software development and technology consulting, he shares his insights and expertise through articles to help others navigate the IT landscape.
