From Burnout to Breakthrough: My 20-Week Career Pivot

Have you ever wanted to change your life completely but believed it was too late? Imagine discovering that you can transition from a demanding healthcare position to work in tech within just six months. Even if you’re not in nursing, this can still work for you.

In my early 30s, I reached a turning point. I wanted to escape the hectic pace of nursing. So, I decided to embark on my 20-week career pivot from nursing to software engineering. In this relatively short amount of time, I transformed my career and my life.

Join me as I take you through my journey and reveal the obstacles I conquered to achieve this major transformation.

The shift from handling critical health issues to coding was tough but worth it. If you’re thinking of moving to tech in your 30s, this article is your roadmap through the career change maze.

Switching careers is never easy, especially when it’s from a deeply rewarding field like nursing to the fast-paced world of software engineering. Four years ago, I made this leap, completing a 20-week coding bootcamp and diving headfirst into tech. Today, I’m a software engineer with experience in Python, Java, SQL, and others. I also now hold a degree in cybersecurity defense and forensics. If you’re wondering how I did it, keep reading to see the lessons I learned and some tips on how you can do this too.

The Starting Point: Why I Chose to Switch

For years, nursing was my focus. It was rewarding, helping others and making a tangible difference in their lives. Seeing them come into the ER on the worst day of their life and then being a part of their care team and helping them so they were able to get healthy and leave the hospital was incredibly fulfilling.

But over time, I felt the need for a change—a new challenge that allowed me to grow professionally and personally. I was drawn to tech because of its potential for problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. I had no prior coding experience. I had dabbled a little in my high school years, obsessed with the movie Hackers. But even without experience, I was determined to make my 20-week career pivot a success.

The Bootcamp That Changed Everything

I enrolled in a 20-week coding bootcamp designed for people like me: this bootcamp is specifically for beginners in technology who wanted to learn quickly. It was intense, to say the least.

Here’s what helped me succeed:

• Time Management: Balancing the bootcamp with personal responsibilities was key. I dedicated a set number of hours daily to coding and stuck to a strict schedule.
• Support Systems: My family and friends were instrumental in keeping me motivated, and I also found a supportive community within the bootcamp.
• Resilience: There were days I felt like giving up, especially when I hit roadblocks. But each challenge taught me a new skill and boosted my confidence.

The First Job: Breaking Into the Industry

After graduating, I landed my first job as a software engineer. Here’s how I made it happen:

1. Networking: I attended meetups, joined online forums, and connected with alumni from my bootcamp.
2. Portfolio Projects: During the bootcamp, I built several projects that showcased my skills. These were crucial during interviews.
3. Continuous Learning: Even after the bootcamp, I kept learning. I took courses, read documentation, and practiced coding daily.

Four Years Later: Where I Am Now

Fast forward to today, I have four years of professional experience under my belt. I’ve worked on diverse projects, ranging from data analysis to software development, all thanks to the foundation I built during my 20-week career pivot. And, I’ve recently earned a degree in cybersecurity defense and forensics. This has opened doors to exploring the intersection of tech and security, an area I’m deeply passionate about.

Advice for Aspiring Career Changers

If you’re considering a similar path, here’s my advice:

1. Start Small: You don’t need to know everything at once. Focus on learning the basics of coding, such as Python or JavaScript.
2. Find a Bootcamp or Structured Program: A good program can provide you with the guidance, resources, and network you need, just as it did for me during my 20-week career pivot.
3. Leverage Transferable Skills: Nursing taught me problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication—skills that are invaluable in tech.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Start Over: It’s never too late to pivot your career. Your unique background can be your greatest asset.