[settsu]

Wow, what a journey you've made! I can see where you're coming from, literally & figuratively.

(If it wasn't obvious already, background is firmly rooted in white, male, American privilege. My family wasn't the Western stereotype of rich but by any reasonable measure, I was unquestionably fortunate.)

> it's super exciting to be able to create as a job. I feel like problem solving as a job sounds like a good fit because that's something I'm good at

I'm right with you on both the creating and the problem solving, both are key for me as well. As others have said, explore the various languages, platforms and such to discover which might click for you. Could be that you find operating as a generalist the best route or you may find a niche that you dive deep into. There are so many possibilities that fall under the umbrella of "developer" at this point, the sky literally isn't even the limit any longer.

Sounds like you're in a good place to make the leap soon and I wish you the best in finding an opportunity to land on!

[thefuzz]

I just saw this, thank you for the super encouraging reply! While I've never been poor, I come from a place where the thinking is very narrow and I've been super lucky to get out and have a chance at living on my own terms.

Your idea of starting an online diary is also very interesting - I'll definitely consider doing everything in public. I'm just a bit paranoid about putting my (sometimes opinionated) thoughts out there for future employers to see. Maybe it can be a strictly advice, wins and losses.