[detaro]

> I can't spin this job as one something with python experience

Two points on that:

a) I could be wrong, but I wouldn't expect "professional Python experience" to be the main relevant bit for "Data Science" jobs - sure it's a tool you need, but self-study can cover that.

b) can you use your current job for (or shift it towards) experience with data analysis etc? Really depends on the company if that's possible, but a job in controlling doesn't sound like the worst starting point to be able to play with data. And maybe use a bit more of the usual data science tooling than strictly necessary for that ;)

I see your worry about being shoehorned into a specific technology stack vs more general skills, I'd be somewhat worried about that too. And it's likely easier making the in the next few years than later.

At least having said job means you have time to evaluate options/self-study/... now. Go interview in a few places, see what they offer for your current level from your self-study, what the feedback suggests you should improve, ... At your age "I have this other job but am learning on the side" is not a surprising or uncommon story.

[PaulHoule]

I know so many data scientists who almost deliver value except their mad python skills aren't so mad.