I enjoy learning to code more than my job, should I change my career?

Question

Short version of a long story.... I've trained as an accountant, worked hard, got to a reasonably high level job. Got bored, started learning code, reasonably ok at it, enjoy it more than my job.

UPDATE: Thanks for all the many helpful replies. To give a little more info, I've actually managed to bring my coding/IT skills into my current role, building small programs aimed at optimising our factory. I've got no formal IT qualifications, that's what's making the switch a concern.

Answer 1

i would not act too impulsive here.. it's one thing to do it for fun, but a whole other thing for money.
consider, that there are ups and downs in every job, so I strongly recommend you to not instantly stop your current career, but try for example to work part time as a developer, so you still got your back with your old job :)

Answer 2

Before I start off, let me mention two things:
1. Coding as a hobby and as a job has a whole lot of difference
2. After some time what we do daily might seem monotonous and something that you take up as a hobby will seem attractive but don't let that distract and deviate you from your path.

Leaving your job abruptly might not be a good choice. If you really want to switch careers then you should first strengthen your skills and take part in part-time gigs/work(check out www.fiverr.com or www.freelancer.com). If you feel that coding is your career ,then definitely go for it but do ensure that you have grip over the situation while switching. 😀

(Regarding the update by @Chris): I don't know whether qualifications are important in jobs related to coding or not but if you want to freelance, then you can check out the sites that I mentioned. If you share what exactly you want to do in coding (app/web/software development etc.), I might be able to share more information with you.

Answer 3

to be happy, do what you like... to success, like what you do

Answer 4

learn programming in languages for financial systems like pastel, sap etc. take what you know and integrate your knowledge. do coding for accounting.

Answer 5

I don't have a job any more
a programmer job is just a dream

Answer 6

@Chris
You are asking the question about your life to people who don't even know you and won't care if you follow their advice or even not
Better you ask your seniors
Do some research
and think 100 times before you take some decision
Because
a wrong decision does not give chance even to regret

I know what I said may hurt you .....
but Sorry....

Answer 7

Coding/programming as a profession might not be what you expect. It can be fun as a hobby coding what you want, but coding what someone else wants in a way they want you to might not be. There's also writing tests, documentation, maintaining other people's legacy code, etc. that quickly suck the joy out of coding.

My suggestion would be to try to incorporate coding into your current job. Excel macros, scripts, or small self serving websites that make you more efficient at your accounting job sounds like the best of both worlds.

Answer 8

all job w/no passion?
or
all passion w/no job?
you've been blessed
w/wonderful life
ENjoy !

Answer 9

u seem to be happy right now..
full of wonder and excitement
as you anticipate your future prospects.. l'm sure you're thinking of a prosperous future with your loved ones so hold them close while u consider the possibilities before you. u need full commitment and support from everyone if u plan to move together as one.. realize your happiness now and don't bank on living happily ever after in tommorows' dream

Answer 10

Freelance, and how Reach high level of programmed- Quit your job
P.S.sorry for my English

Answer 11

if u did .u have to give 2 -3yr learning coding.
then u may or may not get certificate.after u get u have to apply for different company .

for doing this your 4 yr will be wasted.
and ur income would be far less than what u earn today.

Answer 12

Hello Chris! I totally understand you because Im also thinking about switching to coding. I'll try to sum up my thoughts without generic motivating stuff :)

1. First, I you want to try smth new, you'd better do it than not because later you will regret not trying over and over. Imagine doing the job you re fed up with 1,2, 3, 4 years after and thinking that it might have been different. And you'd better try before you've spend 10+ years in the job and before you have massive loans/dependants etc.

2. Coding is a field with very little entry barrier (depending on the country) usually you don't need formal qualifications if you can prove you can do the job and there are lots of ways to prove it e.g. writing programs/making websites on your own, hackatones, programing contests

3. Before making the final decision, try it out: do some freelance projects, volunteer (eg make a website for an NGO), by doing this you'll find out if you really like it and also get portfolio projects

4. Save enough money and be prepared for a downgrade in salary, if you want to change your career, you'd better choose employer who'll invest in your development rather than choosing by salary

5. Don't be afraid of failing! this is the last but not the least :) even if you end up totally hating coding so what? You may go back to accounting easily without even disclosing that you left your previous job because of love for coding

Answer 13

follow your passion, work hard and make it your profession.

Answer 14

You are great at Coding but what you actually are learning and getting good at is the syntax of the language, the thing that actually matters in real world is Algorithms & ur problem solving skills. I would recommend you to try a bit of Competitive Coding and hopefully if ur able to do great there as well. Then, Welcome to the World of Coding. Happy Coding 😇

Answer 15

sometimes it`s better to separate the job from your hobby. Because if you program for yourself you don't have a deadline and a chef who stress you!

Answer 16

why not follow this statement, accountant as your profession, coding as your hobby?

Answer 17

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<title></title>
</head>
<body>
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<p>The most beautiful thing we can experience! is the mysterious behavioural of life. It is the source of all true art and science.</p>
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Answer 18

hone your skills - enroll in college courses in programming (or something else along those lines), then double-triple-quadruple think about what you want from life THEN and only then change your career path - and probably your entire life from now on.

Answer 19

if that's what you really like, so go ahead learning and investing on it!

Answer 20

well, decision is not so tough.. as per your talk it looks you have worked lot in your field as hobby and passion do coding but don't leave job until you get qualified with some certified course to do other jobs... and if don't have money problem then do whatever your heart wants...
try:
to do current job
except hobby :
do part time coding
finally get certified

if certified or no_money_issue:
follow path of your heart ♥