[austin-cheney]

Here is the sweet spot:

1. Something with a high barrier of entry

2. Something you enjoy doing

As an example I absolutely love writing applications in JavaScript/TypeScript, but the barrier of entry is exceptionally low, so the quality of work completely sucks. I got out of that. I am also a senior warrant officer in the US Army, which has a really high barrier of entry, and it completely kicks ass.

It sounds like you are young. That means you still have almost unlimited options. If you like math and doing math type things and writing software my best recommendation is to go back to school and work on an engineering masters. Then enter the workforce as a licensed engineer doing actual engineering work with real engineers and real leadership. You can continue to teach yourself software on the side by writing applications to solve for real problems that you have personally.

[aireo]

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and experience. This is helpful. I'm no longer very young -- mid-thirties -- and so I feel some pressure, mostly internal, to dive into something sooner rather than later.

Your point about a high barrier to entry tickles my brain. I'd love to combine my communication skills, particularly my writing and documentation skills, which I've worked hard on, with my software skills. Ideally in service of a non-profit. I think there's a good opportunity there.

Again, I appreciate you chiming in. I value the input.