[armitron]

Skilled developers are in demand, but the market is _flooded_ not only with low-barrier-to-entry applicants that can't even do the basics but also beginner programmers with constructed work histories that can masquerade a lot better and as a result require more time to see through and filter. This state of affairs is also rapidly getting worse..

If someone entering the field now has nothing (e.g. CS degree from a good university, high-quality projects), to help him raise above this noise, it's a fool's gamble.

[tarentel]

This has been happening to me so much lately. Half the applicants I receive look great on paper and then I realize their only "work" experience are a bunch of "companies" they made up for some side projects. The other half of the people I am not even sure why they are applying as they literally have no idea how to code. I can't imagine what the recruiters are receiving if I am getting the filtered version.

[Peach_blue]

Thanks for that nuanced insight.

I'm currently trying out whether frontend development could be for me in my mid thirties. I knew that bootcamp marketing and YouTubers were exaggerating when it came to the jobs and their requirements. But I didn't think there would be so much 'noise' indeed.

I guess that means to only go through with it if you are really, really good and actually enjoy doing it. Not because it promises money and job stability.

[armitron]

I'm in my early 50s with a career spanning three decades, worked in fintech, worked in various FAANGs, lived in SV for close to 10 years, lived in NYC for half as long, now semi-retired.

For someone young (early to mid 20s), I agree with what you wrote. Being really, really good and actually enjoying doing it, should be a must.

For someone of your age or older, I see a lot more risk. If you start from zero, it will take you at least 5 years to build up ammunition (a degree from a good university and some demonstrable experience) that's going to open the doors that you need open and give you a shot at passing the entrance tests. And then the "being really, really good" part comes in except you're now 5 years older facing fierce competition and there's no guarantee that you will succeed (who knows what the market will be in 5-10 years, the trajectory doesn't look promising).

Personally, I wouldn't do it. The skills needed to offset the risk are hard to acquire in the timespans we're talking about, unless you're truly exceptional. But offseting the risk for me means living in the US and working at one of the FAANGs (job security and very high total compensation). Others see it differently.

[Peach_blue]

I appreciate your comment and the honesty.

Funny thing is, I considered coding because I didn't see my natural talent as a copywriter (not in english) to be recession proof enough. Then everyone talked about how coders are in such demand etc.

I never stopped to think that tech is an industry like any other. And that when the economy tanks all those start-ups and companies who are willing to gamble on an inexperienced junior dev will behave very differently.

Doesn't speak for my problem solving skills, actually. Lol.

I will surely re-evaluate my motivations.