Disclaimer: This article is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee and a dash of open-mindedness. No tech jargons were harmed in the writing of this post.
If you reached your 30s, you've probably done some pretty noteworthy things. If not least, having successfully navigated your 20s.
You've grown accustomed to the horrifying realization that bills are a monthly occurrence.
You may even have a couple of mini-yous running around, questioning your every move with their adorable "whys" and "hows".
And, somehow, amidst all this, you've had a profound revelation: You want to learn to code.
But here's the million-dollar question: Is it too late? Sit back, sip on your coffee, and let's delve into the world of coding.
The Age Old Myth of Age in Coding
The tech industry, as with other professional fields, has its share of myths, and the infamous one is the association of youth with coding prowess.
You've probably heard of Mark Zuckerberg launching Facebook from his Harvard dorm or the teenage prodigy Vitalik Buterin creating Ethereum. But for every wunderkind, there are countless others who've started coding later in life and achieved impressive success.
Take the example of Charles Bachman, who invented the first database management system in his 40s.
The average age of an start-up founder is 40.
If they've had their 'aha' moment a bit later in life, why can't you?
Does Learning Ability decline after 30?
Biological Research
We've all heard the old adage that an old dog can't learn new tricks, but does the same apply to humans?
In the late 1960s, the term "neuroplasticity" was introduced to describe the process by which all experiences reorganize neural pathways in the brain. In other words, long-lasting functional changes in the brain occur when we learn new things or memorize new information. These changes in neural connections are what make our brains flexible and capable of learning new things.
There are two main types of neuroplasticity:
Structural plasticity: This is the brain's ability to change its physical structure as a result of learning. The brain is constantly creating new neural pathways and reshaping existing ones to adapt to new experiences.
Functional plasticity: This is the brain's ability to move functions from a damaged area of the brain to other undamaged areas. The brain compensates for damage by reorganizing and forming new connections between intact neurons.
Neuroplasticity has demonstrated that both structural and functional plasticity continue well into adulthood, replaced the formerly-held belief that the adult brain is a static organ.
Therefore, scientifically, it's never too late for the brain to learn new skills and adapt to new experiences
Experience matters
Rather than signaling a decline, your blossoming mental maturity might actually transform you into a more efficient learner.
You may have already navigated the demands of a full-time job for several years, and developed an appreciation for the preciousness of time and the merits of focused work.
Personally speaking, my 30s year old self is a significant departure from my younger self, who could whittle away countless hours engrossed in video games.
Now, I'm less prone to making errors and more adept at utilizing my time effectively.
Life Experience Matters
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: is turning 30 really synonymous with being 'old'?
Absolutely not, especially when viewed against the backdrop of our current life expectancy and a solid 35-40 years of potential professional life remaining.
We often ensnare ourselves in the mistaken belief that it's too late to learn new skills like coding, or that our life's trajectory becomes immutably defined once we hit the big 3-0.
If apprehensions about your chances of breaking into the industry as an older novice are holding you back, it's time to cast those fears aside. In a world of mobile payments, the sharing economy, online retail, and other digital innovations, the demand for developers is skyrocketing. Rest assured, demand is for developers is tremendous, even for those entering the field at a more mature age.
Consider approaching learning to code not as a deviation, but as a valuable enrichment to your career journey that enhances and synergizes with your existing skills.
I firmly believe that every experience, no matter how disparate, contributes positively to your personal and professional growth. The wisdom gained from navigating various industries, even those starkly different, offers a wealth of insights and perspectives that can only serve to broaden your horizons.
I've got a whole article on leveraging your existing experience! Transferable skills when changing your career to software development, why you already have an edge!
The Cognitive Benefits of Learning to Code
Another important factor to consider is the cognitive benefit of learning a new skill later in life. Learning to code requires logical reasoning, problem-solving, and a growth mindset - skills that are known to promote brain health.
A 2013 study published in the journal Nature revealed that learning a complex new skill, like coding, later in life can lead to improved cognitive function, delaying the onset of memory decline. The mental challenge involved in learning to code keeps the brain active and engaged, similar to how physical exercise keeps the body fit.
The Coding Advantage: A Universal Asset"
In our digital age, nearly every field relies heavily on computing, often grappling with complex technical challenges that necessitate the problem-solving prowess of a coder.
Acquiring coding skills is a highly desirable asset in the eyes of recruiters and managers across all sectors. Even if your career path doesn't ultimately steer you towards a developer role, the coding proficiency you've acquired is a valuable asset. These skills bring a wealth of advantages and can enhance your professional stature in any future workplace.
Don't shy away from flaunting them on your CV.
Coding skills are highly prized by recruiters and managers in every industry. Even if you start learning to code and your career trajectory ultimately does not lead towards becoming a developer, you will still have gained some valuable skills, reaping the associated benefits and respect in any future workplace. Stick ‘em on your CV.
If it’s something you could like, why not try it?
Then, if you succeed, you will have gained a sense of accomplishment, potentially an increased income and good cheer all round. What if you do not succeed? Simple, matter it does not, you have accumulated knowledge and your computer skills will always be useful no matter where you work.
A number of people such as business owners get into coding just to see what it’s all about.
Code is a spectrum
Coding is no longer the bottleneck of the industry.
Project management, product design and product promotion are increasingly important parts of the software design cycle.
Getting into tech does not just have to mean becoming a developer. Any good coding course or CS degree should offer modules on all the related aspects of software development.
If you find yourself struggling with the code aspect, there are numerous other avenues to step into and specialize. Learning to code can serve as the foundation and launchpad towards other ventures.
Salary
As a new coder, you may end up making more money than if you continued in your current role, even if you possess years of experience.
The base salary in IT is much higher and ranks in the top two.
The Lifelong Learning in Tech
In the dynamic world of technology, constant flux is the norm.
As newcomers, you'll find yourself poised on the cusp of cutting-edge developments. Interestingly, these are the very same advancements that even seasoned engineers have to grapple with.
In some case, those who learned when young still hold onto skills that may have lost their relevance in today's tech landscape. However, this is not a cautionary tale against growing old in the industry, but a reminder of the importance of lifelong learning in the realm of technology.
Bear in mind, the gap between you and someone who started coding at 20 is not as wide as you might think. The tech world doesn’t discriminate based on when you started, but how well you adapt and grow.
Once you step onto the path of learning to code, you'll find that the journey of learning is an unending one. In this dynamic field, the constant refinement and updating of your skills aren't just beneficial—they're absolutely essential, whether your twenty five or thirty five.
Keep in mind the following
It’s not just about learning to code
As I mentioned under the header ‘Code is a spectrum’. There are numerous facets of software development that don’t concern coding.
Making a professional jump also means taking time to study the broad subject of software development.
You need to learn to speak tech. Particularly if you want to ace an interview. For example, if you want to use Spring for transaction management, you should explain your design choice.
Final thoughts
If you thought about learning to code and have used your age as an excuse, what would the excuse be if age weren't a factor?
If it's money check out this article. If it's your education background, here's another.
Look.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Chinese proverb
In code terms, that's 2-3 years of hard work. How young are you still going to be?
With the arrival of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, code will permeate behind every facet of daily life, from smart homes, autonomous driving.
This is not quite the present, but it is a future you can be a part of.
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