I am at less than two weeks away from the biggest career shift I’ve probably ever taken.
Back in March, my company posted an incredible opportunity. I know…I hate that word, too. Corporate America uses the word “opportunity” every time they really want to say “big honking, ghastly, insurmountable problem.” However, this was a genuine opportunity. To back this up, last year, the company launched something called a “Code Academy” where people with little technological experience could learn to code, and segue into front end development roles. At the time, I assumed this was something for people decades younger than myself. Also, I am an IT business analyst, and–back in the dark ages–I was a mainframe developer, so that probably would disqualify me right there. I wasn’t what an old coworker of mine used to call “fresh bread.” I was more like stale bread that needs to be tossed in the swill soon.
This year, I saw the post for the Code Academy again. On a whim, I sent off an email to the contact address and asked, “Is there an age limit for this?” The reply was swift…NO. As long as the candidate can pass all the hurdles to acceptance, then there is no age bias.
Thus started this crazy journey. I’ve decided to blog about this, as really, why WOULDN’T I? If nothing else, a 55-year-old woman going through “boot camp” should be highly entertaining. There’s a good chance I may flame out and not make it, but I’ve never been one to turn down a good challenge.
I’m happy to report that, so far, most of my family, friends, and coworkers are surprised, but very happy for me. I have an in, so to speak, in that one of my coworkers–a young single mother–graduated from the program last year. She has been very helpful in explaining what to expect from the whole experience. She’s ECSTATIC for me. After congratulating me for getting accepted into the program, she did have one question. “I hope you don’t have any PLANS for the next three months…” She is right. Currently, I’m in the process of reviewing all my pre-work for the upcoming course, and rearranging my very busy schedule down to the bare bones of what’s going to need to continue. So far, this is proving to be the most challenging part of the process.