Last week you showed me where you code. This week I want to know how you ended up there in the first place, and whether you're planning to stay.
I...
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I got into this field out of curiosity and a sense that my other possible career directions lacked creativity and agency.
It's been a long and windy journey but I'm in it for the long haul.
I’m so glad your long and windy journey led you here, because it gave so many of us a place to learn and share. Here’s to the long haul! （￣︶￣）↗
After reading your story, it reminded me that we briefly mention about Lego Mindstorm back early in 2026 in the article on why I became a developer.
Why did you become a Developer?
I was about to write my story here, but realized that it was already answered lol. Might do a remaster later next year, but idk yet.
Thanks for sharing though :D
I remember that thread! I told you about the RISE software and you told me about your uncle building a Rubik’s cube solver with Lego Mindstorms. Funny enough, I still have Rubik’s cubes on my desk, so maybe I need a solver too 😂 And now that Mindstorms is discontinued, maybe it’s finally time I try Arduino like you suggested. You should definitely do the remaster, I’d love to read it.
Will prob actually do it on the DEV one year anniversary for me! Look forward to it and looking forward on the Arduino as well (if your planning on sharing ofc)
Yes, I’ll definitely share it! Once I finish my Masters next year, I’m planning to start playing around with Arduino as a hobby. Your one year anniversary on DEV is in January, right? That’s not far at all, I’ll be looking out for the remaster!
Yep! I am also planning on the DEVengers announcement as well along with that (I think it's on the same day as my one year).
Speaking of which, what do you think of joining us?
cc: @georgekobaidze @hemapriya_kanagala @dj29
I'd love to join! How do i get started?
I also followed an irregular path just like you: I studied business and finance at University after which I started my drone filming company. I realized during my time building out my drone media services that I had all these ideas to build software around the services offered. That's when I enrolled into a coding bootcamp. Those 9 weeks of learning web development were intense but have changed my life as I then went on to work professionally as a software engineer and still am to this day!
Thanks so much for sharing this, Julien! A drone filming company is such a cool starting point. I love that the idea to code came from seeing problems in your own business, that’s the best kind of motivation
I am a Veterinary 😅. I came to IT cause I think we where at the edges of a big changing era... it was around 1995/98 and I was looking at Internet. I think I was right then got trap at midle 2010's in this crazy AI stuff... Now I am stuck here 😅
Haha a vet turned AI engineer, that’s such a cool story 😄 Seeing where the internet was going back in the 90s was a smart call. Do you ever miss working with animals?
No missing animals that much, I have 3 kids 🤣, but yess I miss to outdoor part of it.
I've always been interested in tech, but before this career, it was more of a background pursuit.
Back then, my goal was to become a mathematician. I studied hard, learned how to prove theorems, and solved difficult problems on paper. That was actually where I wrote my very first line of code in Python back in 2017, it was mostly just to visualize mathematical concepts.
Software engineering didn't become my main path until I found out my girlfriend was working two jobs to cover her expenses. I didn't want her carrying that weight alone, so I decided to give software engineering a serious shot so she wouldn't have to work so hard. Ever since then, I fell in love with it and never looked back and yes, I am staying. we have invented too many tools and only very few of us have ever explored them to the fullest potential.
Thank you for sharing this Adam, it’s such a sweet story🥹. Choosing a new path so your girlfriend wouldn’t have to carry everything alone says a lot about you, and I love that you ended up falling in love with it too.
Writing your first Python code to visualise maths concepts is a really cool start. And I agree with your last point, there are so many tools out there and most of us only use a small part of what they can do.
Glad you’re staying :)
I like how your story shows that getting into tech doesn't always mean taking a straight path. Sometimes the thing that pulls you in is something you discover along the way. I'm curious whether the mix of Development Planning and Computer Science will eventually lead you toward building solutions for cities and buildings.
I’m getting curious myself about combining the two. Seeing how tech can solve real problems in cities and buildings makes me want to explore it more, so who knows, that might be where I end up. Thanks for reading, Mohsen!
I got into tech out of curiosity,
Since childhood, I have loved technology; I would tear my dad's radio apart to figure out how it worked. I gradually began fixing electronics and even mobile devices. I wanted to further my studies in the area, but it was too expensive for me at that time, so I pivoted to automobile spare parts, where I began learning about cars and their parts while selling them. It was during the 9 years of the automobile training that I discovered I could create designs by writing text (HTML & CSS).
8 years have gone by since I got into tech, and I don't see myself leaving tech anytime soon, not even because of AI.
Thank you for sharing this Victory! Taking apart your dad’s radio to see how it works is such a great start, that curiosity really shows.
I love that you found HTML and CSS while working in automobile parts. It proves there’s no single path into tech. HTML and CSS were where I started too, and I still remember how exciting it felt to write text and see a design appear.
8 years and still going strong is amazing. Here’s to many more!
Nice 🙂
I studied Geophysics (not computer science) at FUTO and self-taught programming to go parallel with my education.
Today, I use data to build machine learning agents that interpret groundwater geoelectrical surveys in the Niger Delta.
So, what's your perspective on this confluence of tech and the built environment? What have you learned through your own work with GIS that the majority of developers don't understand?
Going from Geophysics to ML agents that read groundwater surveys in the Niger Delta is such a cool path, Daniel! That’s exactly the kind of work that excites me, tech solving a real problem on the ground.
I think the built environment is one of the biggest opportunities in tech. Cities and buildings produce so much data, but very few people understand both sides.
The biggest thing GIS taught me is that location is never just two numbers. Every point on a map has people, land use, history and rules attached to it, and the map is often different from what’s actually on the ground. Most developers treat location as coordinates in a database, but the real answers are in the context around it. Planning also taught me to think in decades, because you can’t roll back a road the way you roll back a deploy.
I’d love to explore that combination more and see where it takes me.
I didn't really start to pursue being a programmer / developer until my mid 30s. However, I don't know why, because I was always an obnoxiously curious person that wanted to know how it worked and why for anything that interested me. As a side job in middle and high school, I repaired computers, laptops, phones, etc., but never did anything software-related until I tried modding the Return to Castle Wolfenstein multiplayer game. With modding, though, I really just tried to make a map and spawn characters with rocket-propelled grenades with a net and played dodgeball with them. It was very fun, but it didn't really go anywhere, and I don't know what I really learned there as it was mostly like using a rudimentary app like Blender.
What made me really want to change my career is that the current job I had was working with sharp glass and heavy objects, and while it kept me fit and I enjoyed it, I kept getting pulled into computers after hours—playing games, tweaking stuff, fiddling, and figuring out stuff. It was more and more interesting as it went on, and by the time I had my first daughter, I had an opportunity to do a bootcamp from Kansas University for a 6-month web developer course. I took it and went there every day. It was hard and fast, and I didn't even learn that much there because it was a new subject every week. I did, however, take notes, review, and practice them in my free time for 2 years following, and then started applying for positions anywhere.
300+ rejections in (it felt like), and I got to work as a web developer for a content management system with HTML, CSS, JS, and C# for the backend. I learned a lot there and then got into my current role as a software developer for the last 5 years. I still work on side projects—like I made a physics engine using Python to learn, and made it so with a click of a button gravity swaps from Z to Y, making the top-down shooter game a platformer game. I haven't created any levels for it, though. But yeah, I enjoy it and it keeps me interested in what I can do next.
I would like to be more collaborative and engage with the development community, but I think that's on me for not involving myself and partially from imposter syndrome making me feel inadequate.
300+ rejections and you still kept going, that’s really inspiring. And spending 2 years going over your bootcamp notes on your own shows how much you wanted this.
The gravity swap in your physics engine is such a cool idea. One click and a top-down shooter becomes a platformer? You should write a post about it here, I’d love to read how you built it.
And honestly, a comment like this is already you engaging with the community. You clearly have a lot to share!
Thanks! I appreciate the reply, That's not a bad idea I really like to play around with it. but its very bare bones in terms of gameplay / levels its more of a proof of concept than anything.
The gravity part isn't too crazy complex it's basically just using colliders for walls/floors and then modifies the y gravity pull applies gravity or not based on the space bar turning gravity on and off. I can make a deeper dive if there's interest though. Thanks
Started writing code aged 7 (back in 1983), fell in love with it, and never really stopped 👍
Wow Jon, coding at 7 is amazing! Not many people find what they love that early, so that’s really special. Glad it stuck with you all these years :)
The GIS rabbit hole is such a good origin story — that moment of "wait, this software answers real questions" is exactly what hooks people, and it's usually not the thing they set out to do.
Answering your questions honestly:
How I ended up in tech: I didn't plan it either. I started in a completely different field, got bored faster than I expected, and the thing that pulled me over was the same as your GIS moment — realising that the work I was enjoying on the side was actually the work I wanted to be paid for. The switch was less a decision than a slow admission.
Am I staying? Yes, but for a slightly different reason than a few years ago. It's not that I'm sure tech is stable — it clearly isn't, and your point about junior roles is correct. It's that the part I actually like (understanding how things break, and building something that doesn't) seems to survive every shift in the stack. The tools change; the problem-solving doesn't.
On the detour: Development Planning plus CS isn't a detour, it's a combination that most pure-CS people don't have. The smart buildings space is genuinely short of people who can read both a site plan and a schema. That's a real advantage, not a consolation prize.
Good luck with the master's — you sound like someone who's already done the hard part.
Thank you so much for this, Oleksandr! “The switch was less a decision than a slow admission” is so relatable. That’s exactly how it felt for me too.
I really like your point that the tools change but the problem-solving doesn’t. That’s a good way to think about staying in tech, especially with how uncertain things feel right now for junior roles.
And thank you for what you said about Development Planning plus CS. I used to see it as a detour, but you’re right, being able to understand both the planning side and the tech side is something I want to lean into more.
Good luck with JSONex Lab too!
Thank you, Maame! You should definitely lean into that hybrid skillset—being the bridge between planning and tech is a genuine superpower. And thanks for the good luck wishes for JSONex Lab!
No p :)
I ended up in tech through the hands-on side of it, working as a data center technician. What kept me here is that the work is tangible: a link that was down is up, a ticket closes with a real fix, and the next shift doesn't have to fight the same fault twice. I'm staying, because every break-fix teaches you something no course can, and I still learn something new on most shifts.
I love how you described this. There’s something really satisfying about work you can actually see, like a link going from down to up or a ticket closing with a real fix. The part about the next shift not having to fight the same fault twice really stood out to me. I feel the same with my own tickets at work. And I agree, what you learn from fixing real problems stays with you way more than anything from a course.
No one can stop one from being interested and doing these things as a hobby. There are limits. In Eswatini, you cannot get Lego Mindstorms, SparkFun, or PCBway stuff delivered to your doorstep. You cannot even go to town and purchase these things. I don't know what hobbyists do here, I used to collect broken appliances. It is hard to make anything with broken stuff. I went to the USA and thought I made it when I started buying parts. It was like heaven. Then I got stuck on a build and approached the physics department for help. They basically threw me into a tinkerers heaven... a physics lab of nothing but parts. They said I could use whatever I wanted. I was kind of scared, I was so unsure what to use I used nothing, returning to my room to continue with what I had. I did not want to steal. I am back in Eswatini. It is dry as heck. I have my arduino UNO around here some place... it never made it into a permanent build. I threw out my expensive propellers, and a couple of other parts when I moved. I hate that, especially when I get bored. If they open a hobbyist shop and I get money, I am getting back into it. I do want kids — lol. How did I get in? Curiosity and money. Can't do much without those two.
You are pretty but am only asking girls out in 2027 for no real reason, I am adding you to the list of those that got away. Lol.
Hi Phumelela, thank you for sharing this! The physics lab story made me laugh. Being given a whole room of parts and walking away with nothing because you didn’t want to feel like you were stealing is such an honest reaction.
It’s sad that parts are so hard to get in Eswatini. It really shows how much access decides who gets to tinker and build things. I hope a hobbyist shop opens there soon, and that your Arduino UNO finally makes it into a permanent build!
I got into tech from my love for puzzles, logical games, things like chess lol. Then the curiosity about computers sprung up, learning how things work. Its funny since i was a kid i always imagined being the one to build an AI as a buddy, now im living in an AI age,and I'll stay as long as its fun.
That’s such a cool story, Michael! Imagining building an AI buddy as a kid and now actually living in the AI age is wild. Puzzles and chess make so much sense too, coding really is one big puzzle sometimes.
The GIS turning point is my favourite part of this — you went in for Development Planning and found the one tool that let you put data on a map and actually see how a city works. That is such a good example of a detour not being wasted time: the planning background is exactly what makes the smart-cities angle yours, not just another coding story. And the LEGO Mindstorms third place makes the whole thing feel inevitable in hindsight. Good luck with the Master's — you sound like someone who has already done the hard part, choosing it for yourself this time.
Thank you so much for reading it this closely! The GIS part really was the turning point for me. I wasn’t very into the course itself, but putting data on a map and seeing how a city works made something click. I never thought of my planning background as the thing that makes my story different, but you’re right, and I’m keeping that. And yes, looking back, the robotics club was a big sign 😄 Thanks for the good wishes on the Master’s
Funny how GIS ended up being the turning point when it wasn't even what you went to university for. And combining that background with CS to work on smart cities sounds genuinely interesting. Hope you get to build something in that space!
Thank you, Hanzla! It really is funny how things work out. Smart cities is definitely a space I’d love to build in one day, so I’m hoping I get the chance. Thanks for reading!
March 22, 2025. I will never forget that day, it was a Saturday. I watched a TikTok video about software engineering and that pushed me to open my laptop and start writing my first HTML code.
I don't know. That time, it just all clicks. I like tech, I like computers, I like videogames, why not work in an industry that do all those things, I say to myself. That I did and I never looked back. Best decision I made my entire life, one that I truly own. My only regret is not realizing it sooner.
I love that you remember the exact date, even the day of the week! A TikTok video starting it all is such a great story. Funny enough, my first code was HTML too. And I get the regret about not finding it sooner, but the important part is that you did, and you went all in. Choosing something you truly own is the best feeling.
Brillant Story
AI opening new opportunities can make the future feel like a movie coming to life. I hope it brings you exciting possibilities.
Thank you, Felipe!
从乐高机器人一路走到现在，这个转折很有意思。好奇心真的是最好的起点，谢谢分享这段经历，也祝硕士顺利！
谢谢你的留言和祝福！确实，好奇心带我走到了今天，我会继续加油的。
Simple for me: Just that out of all engineering fields, this was the only one which was a fit.
I was way too good at chemistry, but got suggestions that its great if you go for PHD and become a researcher. And physics was never my favourite subject, while maths and chemistry were. So I didn't go for EC/EE/IC branches and here we are in CS.
Thanks for this post, its long time since I thought about this. And very near to my internship and college end. And your story is great too, its just that when I was a kid I was more appealed and interested in History and Maths.
Have A Great Day!
Ahaha, nice article! 😄 I also got into tech by accident. I was studying English in hopes of becoming a prominent Polish-English translator. I especially hoped to get into the movie and book industries to translate subtitles and literature.
However, in my last year, SAP gave a lecture about technical writing at my uni. They were looking for an intern at that time, and I decided to give it a shot. I got accepted, and I am a Tech Writer to this day 😁
Glad to know you and your story! ❤️
My story is simpler (on this context): I never ended up in tech, I was always in it. Never left, and have no plan to ever leave either.
Like you, I used to tinker with things.
I always had a nag for it, and for knowledge in general.
Ended up studying in Computer Science and never looked back.
Contrary to most vocal people on social media, and despite the fact of people losing jobs, I'm one of those few who strongly believe more capable people are needed in the tech field (both software and hardware) than ever before.
I have my reasons. Some I explained in some posts and some in comments in other people's posts. Following are few examples.
But I increasingly feel like these aren't enough.
I'll post in details if / when I get more time.
Perhaps I'll start making videos about it too! 🤔
So yeah, I'm here to stay.
And all the best wishes to you too 🥰
Don't Stop Believing in Foundational Knowledge 🙏🏼
Not on my toilets, for sure 🤣
Joke apart, I don't think AI is going to replace us. You've touched the aspect of economy already. If everyone is unemployed, no one pays, so it won't happen.
But there's more:
How are we going to solve the energy requirement needed for all those GPUs? Actually replacing human brains from work needs 1000x more energy than what we produce now. Actual hardware required to produce energy (whether it's solar panels or turbines) requires a lots and lots of work, and time consuming too. There's no indication that we are even close to solving that.
Serious software like OS, Banking, Medical etc. will always require human engineers. Even if AI can do that perfectly, we'll mandate humans in those positions. For our security from AI take over. We'll do it. Rest assured. Our governments may be run by idiots, but they surely don't act like idiots when their power is threatened. So, that won't happen.
Software Engineers will become AI + Software engineers. Normal humans will do cute stuff like small games, web pages, personal tools etc. Any software that require long term maintenance, will need humans. Again, if nothing else, then for our own safety. Besides, 99% of world population don't have tech savvy brains to maintain software that needs long term support. Because of AI, they'll become even less tech savvy. Even for simple decision making, we'll need software engineers.
Our work will become more, not less. Previously it was just software, now it's software + AI. And because AI is making it easier, we'll get paid less unless we are very good at both AI and software engineering. The ones in the bottom 99% will work more because they'll get paid less. The ones in the top 1% will work more to remain in the top 1%.
Software security will be a nightmare. Previously it was against human hackers, in future it'll be human hackers combined with AI, and millions of Rogue AI agents combining against humans and other AI agents. So, normal people will never be able to battle that. If anything, we'll need more IT people.
My Prediction: every job can be replaced because of AI with the only exception of really good Software Engineers (who are also AI engineers). Computer Science will go down for a while, then come back like never before.
🥰🥰🥰
P.S. I'll keep covering this topic in my AI slop series. Please bookmark it if you're interested:
Preserving human agency against tech monopolies
Use it, or lose it 🧠
The line that hit me: "If you're studying or working in something you don't love right now, let this be your sign that it's never too late to switch."
I really needed to read this today. I'm on Day 52 of my own tech journey—I started learning Python and technical writing from scratch because I wanted to build things and solve problems, instead of just going through the motions in a field that didn't excite me.
You mentioned the market feels different right now, and it absolutely does. The junior roles are brutal, and AI is making everyone question their place in the industry. But hearing stories like yours—where the detour actually made you more sure you belong here—is incredibly motivating.
To answer your question: Am I staying? Yes. I think the friction is exactly why it's worth it right now. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
Also, the LEGO Mindstorms third-place robot is a top-tier origin story. I love the idea of bringing GIS and smart cities back into your tech career—that's a massive competitive advantage because you understand the domain, not just the code. Great post!
I also started in my school's robotics club; it was two very fun years. Once high school was completed, I just knew I wanted to work with games, and that's how I chose my path.
After +10 years working with tech, I plan to stay for at least 10 more years hahaha
I am not sure about the future, right now I feel I am in a very good place work-wise. I am happy about the experience I have, and feel I still have steam to burn for a few more years. When I get older I will probably need to stay fewer hours in front of a computer, so I'll need to look for something different to do.
Came from a totally different engineering background initially, but the immediate feedback loop of writing software is what hooked me. Staying for sure—even with the rapid shifts in AI tooling, the problem-solving core is more engaging than ever.
I started tech around 10 yrs old. My dad used to make home made wines and he was at a bazar selling. I was more interested in the computer booth next to it. No surprise, he was not to thrilled that I was "abounding" the family business.
Couple decades later, I have my Msc and looking for other projects to try. Kubernetes keep showing up and so that's what I am leaning to now. And cant forget about AI being the default Elephant in the room.
Great
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