The Story Behind My Leap into Technology

Introduction: A Childhood Fascination with Technology

From a young age, I've always been fascinated by technology. My first encounter with a computer was like stepping into a new world filled with endless possibilities. I remember the excitement of playing with simple software, exploring the vastness of the internet, and being amazed at how this magical machine could do so much. While most kids were outside playing, I was inside, tinkering with any gadget I could get my hands on. Technology was my playground, and I loved every moment of it.

However, as I grew older and the time came to decide on a career path, I took a different route. Despite my love for tech, I chose to study Business Studies in college. It seemed like the logical choice at the time—a field that promised stability and a clear career trajectory. But even as I immersed myself in business concepts, I never truly let go of my tech-savvy side. I remained the go-to person for all things tech-related among my friends and family, but I never seriously pursued a career in technology.

A Change in Priorities: The Reality of Adult Life

After college, I quickly entered the workforce, taking on various roles in manufacturing. I started at the bottom as an operative, but through hard work and determination, I worked my way up to team leader and eventually to supervisor. Eager to challenge myself further, I ventured into entrepreneurship, starting my own logistics company, which I successfully ran for two years. However, as life’s demands grew, I made the decision to return to the stability of employment, taking on a leadership role in the public sector.

Life, as it often does, got in the way of my dreams. With the added responsibilities of a growing family and the need to provide for them, my priorities shifted. My passion for technology took a backseat to the practicalities of life. I focused on my career, giving my all to each job I held, regardless of the industry. I took pride in my work, always striving to do my best, but a small part of me couldn't help but wonder, "What if?"

The Catalyst: My Cousin's Push

The real turning point in my story came when my cousin—who's not just family but also a close friend—broke into the world of technology. He knew me well, perhaps even better than I knew myself, and saw qualities in me that he believed were perfect for a developer. He went on a mission to convince me that I had what it took to succeed in tech. My cousin bombarded me with videos, articles, and even bought me a book on coding, urging me to at least give it a shot.

At first, I was skeptical. Could I really make such a drastic career change? But after doing some research, I began to see what he saw in me. My attention to detail, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills—all traits that had served me well in business—were also the foundational qualities of a good developer. All I needed to do was learn to code.

The Struggle: Juggling Life and Learning

Determined to give it a try, I started learning to code while juggling my busy schedule of work, school runs, and after-school clubs. My cousin was incredibly supportive, sitting down with me to create a learning roadmap tailored to my hectic life. But as I soon discovered, even with a plan, it was too much to handle. Life's demands kept getting in the way, and I found myself constantly falling behind.

It was at the start of this year that I made a decision—a decision that would change the course of my life. I realized that if I was ever going to make this dream a reality, I needed to fully commit. So, I took the ultimate leap of faith: I left my full-time job, sold my car, and threw everything I had into this opportunity.

The Leap: Immersing Myself in Tech

I enrolled in a 16-week intensive coding bootcamp—a decision that I knew was risky but necessary. The bootcamp was challenging, no doubt about it. But it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I collaborated with amazing people, worked on three group projects, and completed an individual project that showcased everything I had learned.

As the weeks went by, it became clearer than ever that I was meant to do this. The more I coded, the more I knew that this was where I belonged. I was no longer just a tech enthusiast; I was on my way to becoming a developer. And it felt right.

Reflection: Gratitude and Looking Forward

Looking back, I am incredibly thankful to my cousin for seeing the potential in me and for pushing me to pursue my dream. Without his encouragement, I might still be stuck in a job that didn't fulfill me, wondering "What if?" instead of living the answer.

This journey is far from over, and I know there will be challenges ahead, but I am more determined than ever to succeed. I invite you to follow my blog as I document this exciting new chapter in my life. Whether you're thinking about making a similar leap or just curious about the world of tech, I hope my story inspires you to chase your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you.