dezrah
161798
4210
108
I just finished a Comp Sci degree and I'm applying at start-ups and other tech places. It's a huge change career-wise and I'm competing against kids 15-20 years younger than me. Part of me knows I have what it takes to do this, the rest of me is screaming "What the hell are you doing?" and "Why would anyone hire you?"
I feel myself locking up and procrastinating on the job search because I'm afraid that I'll prove those voices right.
But I have to do this, my family deserves a better life than I've been able to give them. Screw those voices!
(Edit: Thank you so much for the encouragement, you people are amazing!!! I was feeling really down in myself today and this is exactly what I needed. For the curious, I live near Boston, MA and if you want to see my resume, message me. )
FP Edit: HOLY CRAP, is this real life? I put my phone away during a gig (I'm a magician) and my inbox has blown up, no nudes, but something even better: It's full of advice, offers, good wishes and most of all, hope. I can't thank you enough!
AfterTimeAdrift
JSNhova
www.modis.com
DoomSkuller
better late than never
TrueNorthernLights
I graduated at 43 and entered a whole new field as well. You can do it. 40 isn't that old to be starting over anymore!
shineon78
@op I work at a tech company in Boston MA! Send me your resume. And don’t worry about being older—if you’re a good fit, you’re a good fit.
dezrah
I'm back on the job hunt, still interested? ;)
RemiRixJones
That’s gotta be hard, but holy shit you’re doing it! I have so much respect for people to go back to school and just really go for it. :)
Hybris51129
Just be careful like it or not ageism is still very strong in the IT industries unless you can really stand out.
SarkastikWizard
No worries, I graduated at 45 and now work for one of the biggest tech companies in the world. You got this.
dezrah
Thank you, it's awesome to hear that there's hope.
ulfbehrt78
I graduate nursing school in June @39,I feel ya OP
dezrah
We need to have a "Old Imgurian Graduation Party"!
elysium32002
Get. That. Shit. You're a fucking rockstar! Don't let anybody dull your sparkle.
dezrah
FUCK YEAH!!!
MRNate
Started my new career 2 months before my 37th birthday. Pretty fantastic.
Queijin
GingerSnapCookie
My dad changed careers and went back to school at ~50 years old. He found people preferred his maturity and life experience. You got this!
BrownJellyTrail
This is true. Just remember, you’re starting at the bottom again, and it will take some time to climb back up. Be patient.
Aurricislonely
I just started college at 27! Congratulation man!
dezrah
You too!
jackinthegreen
I wish you the best, but keep in mind a career in computers means you'll ALWAYS be in some sort of school because the industry moves so fast
dezrah
That's okay, and one of the reasons the industry appeals to me. I love learning new skills.
DishonorablyDischargedGrammerNazi
I have one more semester before graduating at 31. Been doing warehouse work since I was 18.
jesusedgarhoover
Life begins at 40. Tom Baker became Dr. Who at 40, Stan Lee founded Marvel at 40, John Lennon was killed at 40. Well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
dezrah
You, I like you.
Tuurr
You're giving another 40 year old hope. Great job!
dezrah
nameyoucanthate
This is the guy everyone is looking for - must have 10+ years experience
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
Time for that next step in life @OP! It's gonna be an adventure!
TristanChipchase
this, right here, is a criminally underrated comment.
dezrah
Absolutely. This isn't an ending, the rest of my life has just been prelude. This adventure is just starting.
AngryShrimp
My Dad graduated from Computer Science two years ago at 54, now he's s leading a development team. The tech industry judge skill not age.
Randomtask776
My uncle does support from home since he retired, does pretty well with his wife doing physical therapy
gengumby
They also judge how recent the degree is, since the field advances fast
calyxium
@OP remember you have things to offer that the college kids don't. You have maturity, wisdom, experience in the workplace, working with 1/
calyxium
2 all kinds of people inc people you didn't necessarily like, getting shit done anyway, etc. Highlight what you bring to the table.
Theminxkatt
At 51, w/1 class left, I have the same fears. Realize that you are showing your work ethic by getting this education at this stage in life!
dezrah
That's my ace in the hole. I know what it feels like to actually, you know, work for a living, and I'm not afraid of breaking a sweat.
Theminxkatt
I'm banking on life experience giving me that extra edge too. These days being able to show commitment and perseverance is huge!
ZajotheLurker
This inspires me. I'm in a career that is literally killing me.
dezrah
Life is too short for that shit. The best time to plant a tree is 20yrs ago, the second best day is today. Let's do this!
ZajotheLurker
I really like what you said. I'm actively seeking out a fulfilling career. Time to start planting trees. Thank you.
dezrah
It's not me, I got it from Neil Gaiman, and he got it from a Chinese proverb. (Got to give credit where it's due.)
staubKittenMonster
Great work! Being out of your comfort zone means growth. Tell those voices to eff off, and keep on keeping on!
dezrah
The hardest part of this is fighting the self-doubt, but you have all been amazing!
staubKittenMonster
The self-doubt is just that.. It comes from you, and can be changed by you only. Start seeing, and telling yourself, all that you do well :)
bleyjo
I'm 19, working towards my bachelors in comp sci. At 40 you'll have life experience and the qualifications, better than what I'll ever have
dezrah
The fact that you're that self-aware already means you're way ahead of your peers. :)
TristanChipchase
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af1OxkFOK18
dezrah
+1 for the chin.
JahNoodles
Fuck the voices, do you! Also think about all that young people you could have intercourses with
dezrah
Well, my wife may have some thoughts about that, but I get the point. ;)
Byronicman1
Your wife has thoughts about you having intercourse with young people? Man, your wife's so cool...
dezrah
Oh, you misunderstand. She would have angry, divorce-y thoughts about it.
Byronicman1
I got it, just going for a sensible chuckle.
dezrah
JahNoodles
Or is she a younger than you? Then mos def do her. Much love you sexy beast
JahNoodles
Your wife I mean
BurritoParty
@OP, highlight your life experience bc it matters. Managing ppl, navigating tough decisions, grinding a job bc you had to. You > Youngins’.
dezrah
Thank you, I hope that potential employers see it that way too. ;)
DuallyNotedAsshat
Dude/Dudette! I'm 40 and have a year left! Right now I have 2 jobs and make less than $25k a year. I'm pretty excited just to have a degree!
AstronglywordedEmail
41 uber,popalock,and waiter..
nope44455
It's definitely a dude....
dezrah
I'm a dude, if it matters.
DuallyNotedAsshat
Me? Or op? I’m a chick.
dezrah
3 jobs, same boat! I'm sick of paycheck-to-paycheck and no time off. (I'm a server, among other things. ;)
DuallyNotedAsshat
Custodian/pizza place
JoeTheMadScientist
dezrah
Pretty close, I'm a magician, so I do tricks for money.
WayTooMuchCandy
To be honest, it's quite terrifying that you can't live comfortably with 3 jobs. But what do I know, I'm just european.
pandro
service industry jobs give you less than 40 hours/week because 40 is fulltime and they'd have to pay benefits.
schwiftyschwa
America's got some dystopian level inequality shit to work through right now. I know a guy working 2 jobs to pay his baby's hospital bill.
schwiftyschwa
It's that expensive just to be born...
dezrah
Three jobs, and my wife works full-time too. It's the god-damned land of opportunity here.
WayTooMuchCandy
Hey, I was just wondering, how much does a Computer Science degree cost you?
dezrah
It all depends where you go to school. My school is about $26000 US per year.
CleverClint407
Did you take out student loans?
dezrah
No, I was very lucky, my wife works at the college I attend, so I've only had to buy books and pay other assorted fees.
DuallyNotedAsshat
Yes, but I’m poor enough to get Pell grants as well.
FUNKAPUS
2 jobs, less than $25k/yr? How?
omgwtfhuh
Both are part time I assume. I know many people who can't find full time and have to do 2-3 part time jobs just to cover food, rent, & bills
DuallyNotedAsshat
Nope. One is 8-5 M-F. Other is about 20 hours a week, nights and weekends.
0neTonSoup
I feel pretty OK about being 25 and at 70k/year now
CraftedLine
I was 30 @ USA- 40% tax bracket. I'm so close to retirement!
0neTonSoup
Congrats man! You must have worked hard to get where you are, and it will feel good to retire.
Fishwillburnwithnowater
Do you feel okay about being a tool?
USERNAMESMUSTBEFOURCHARACTERS1NLENGTH
Too bad all the salty irresponsible people downvoted you on your success. It’s unfair you probably worked your ass off and to get shitted on
0neTonSoup
Thanks man, it took a lot to get where I am. I didn't even mean to come off as a jerk in that comment. But sometimes I feel like I'm not 1/2
0neTonSoup
Where I should be, but then this reminded me that there are lots of people that have it worse