#162 How to become a developer in your 30s with Anjana Vakil
Feb 28, 2025
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Anjana Vakil, a developer advocate with a background in computational linguistics and English teaching, shares her inspiring journey of transitioning to software development in her 30s. She discusses how to teach yourself coding, the impact of prior career skills on development roles, and the importance of community in tech. Anjana also confronts the challenges of freelancing, strategies to avoid burnout, and the value of meaningful networking, emphasizing that diverse experiences enrich the developer landscape.
Anjana Vakil emphasizes that diverse prior experiences can enhance creativity and problem-solving in software development careers.
Freelancing provides flexibility and control over workloads, allowing tech professionals to balance their work and personal lives effectively.
Recognizing burnout symptoms is crucial, and self-care practices along with a support network can help mitigate its effects.
Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth, enabling genuine connections and opportunities for collaboration in tech.
Participating in supportive tech communities fosters knowledge sharing, allowing newcomers and veterans alike to thrive in their learning journeys.
Embracing unique personal learning experiences encourages openness within tech communities, promoting collaboration and mutual growth among participants.
Deep dives
Valuing Diverse Experience
Having experience in different fields can be a major asset for those transitioning into tech careers. Unique backgrounds allow individuals to approach problems from various perspectives, which can enhance creativity and innovation in software development. For instance, a former carpenter's knowledge of physical structures can lead to valuable insights in software architecture. Ultimately, embracing such diverse experiences instead of viewing them as setbacks enriches team dynamics and problem-solving strategies.
Freelancing Benefits and Flexibility
Freelancing offers a range of benefits that cater to individual needs and preferences, including geographic flexibility and the opportunity to manage one’s workload. It allows professionals to pursue diverse projects while achieving a work-life balance that can mitigate burnout. The ability to take on intensive projects or shift focus as needed creates a personalized working environment that can support mental health. While freelancing comes with its own set of challenges, such as managing taxes and healthcare, the potential to tailor one's career is often worth the trade-offs.
Managing Burnout and Mental Health
Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, especially for professionals in high-pressure environments like tech. Symptoms may include a lack of enthusiasm for previously enjoyable tasks or feeling overwhelmed by routine work. Practicing self-care and establishing a support network, including mental health professionals, can help individuals navigate through challenging times. Redirecting focus to personal interests and setting boundaries in professional commitments can effectively prevent burnout.
Networking as a Career Catalyst
Building a strong professional network is essential for career progression in the tech industry. Networking should be viewed as an organic process of forming connections rather than a transactional endeavor. Engaging in industry events, conferences, or seminars opens opportunities for genuine interactions and collaborations. Additionally, nurturing relationships within the community can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and collective learning experiences.
The Role of Community in Tech
A strong community foundation within the tech industry can significantly enhance the learning experience for newcomers and veterans alike. Encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration fosters an environment where individuals can thrive without the fear of being judged for their knowledge gaps. Programs like Outreachy and the Recurse Center exemplify communities where support, learning, and networking converge. By participating in such communities, individuals can contribute their perspectives and experiences, enriching the ecosystem as a whole.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Every tech program or conference offers an opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap for both novices and experienced developers. Sharing personal learning experiences, even if they seem trivial, can provide invaluable insights to others facing similar challenges. This approach not only benefits the learner but also elevates the overall community by fostering a culture of openness and collaboration. Engaging in such knowledge-sharing endeavors encourages others to approach learning with a fresh perspective and curiosity.
Overcoming Fear of Contribution
Fear of contributing due to feelings of inadequacy or lack of expertise can hinder personal and professional growth. Recognizing that each person's learning journey is unique and valuable can help alleviate these fears. Engaging with projects, asking questions, or even documenting learning experiences can be a significant first step in contribution. Embracing the role of a beginner and actively participating in community discussions can encourage personal development and establish a sense of belonging.
The Impact of Virtual Events
While virtual events offer accessibility and the convenience of participation from anywhere, they often lack the interpersonal connections found in in-person gatherings. The absence of face-to-face interactions can diminish the energy and spontaneity that contribute to meaningful networking experiences. For many, the joy of attending conferences stems from the serendipitous encounters and informal conversations that occur outside scheduled sessions. Thus, exploring innovative formats for virtual events that foster genuine interactions can enhance the community's sense of connection.
Prioritizing Well-Being in Tech
The relentless pursuit of productivity in tech can often overshadow the importance of mental health and personal well-being. To navigate this, it's essential to cultivate practices that prioritize self-care, such as setting boundaries and engaging in activities that spark joy. Acknowledging the potential for burnout and taking proactive measures to address it can lead to a healthier work-life balance. By fostering an environment that encourages well-being, both individuals and organizations can thrive together in the tech landscape.
Pursuing Passion in Career
Fostering a passion for technology and coding can significantly impact career satisfaction and growth. Exploring new concepts, tools, or programming languages ignites curiosity and keeps the learning process engaging. By allowing personal interests to guide professional development, individuals can find joy in their work and resist the temptation of burnout. Moreover, embedding passion into career pursuits encourages sharing knowledge, contributing to a collaborative community, and inspiring others.
Creating an Inclusive Tech Environment
A diverse tech environment enhances innovation and collective problem-solving by incorporating various perspectives and experiences. Promoting inclusivity among individuals from different backgrounds, whether based on education, geography, or personal interests, can lead to more comprehensive solutions to technology challenges. Organizations and communities should prioritize creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. Cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration can transform the tech industry into a more equitable and dynamic field.
On this week's episode of the podcast, freeCodeCamp founder Quincy Larson interviews Anjana Vakil. She left academia to learn to code and got her first developer job in her 30s.
Anjana was an English teacher who studied computational linguistics, and found building software to be more fun than actual research.
She's worked at ton of tech companies and has freelance clients. She shares some excellent tips on learning new skills and avoiding burnout.
We talk about:
How Anjana taught herself to code in her 30s
Being an American dev working in Europe
Stress, burnout, and how she gets by
How skills from your previous non-developer career can help differentiate you as a developer
Support for this podcast comes from a grant from Wix Studio. Wix Studio provides developers tools to rapidly build websites with everything out-of-the-box, then extend, replace, and break boundaries with code. Learn more at https://wixstudio.com.
Support also comes from the 11,243 kind folks who support freeCodeCamp through a monthly donation. Join these kind folks and help our mission by going to https://www.freecodecamp.org/donate
Links we talk about during our conversation:
"How to be the ideal newb" article: https://jvns.ca/blog/good-questions/
"Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle" book that Anjana mentions: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Secret-Unlocking-Stress-Cycle/dp/198481706X
Anjana's website: https://anjana.dev/
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