My story is a bit different from the stories you have read so many times. I did not get my first web development job in 3 months. Not in 6 months. Not even in a year. My journey took 18 months, which were tough and frustrating but also exciting and amazing.

My background, like many other self taught developers, is one that seems as far as possible from any type of technology. I have a Master’s degree in History. I worked as a guide in a museum, as a group facilitator in a non-profit organization, and as a teacher. I loved all of these roles. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have chosen to spend my time doing them.

At some point I decided to change it all. I wanted to make a bigger impact through my work, especially in non-profit organizations. In addition, after living in 3 countries (in 3 continents) in 6 years, I wanted to start a career that would not require me to find a new job and even a new field each time I move.

I didn’t need much research to conclude that technology can answer both goals. It can fill my passion to contribute in a (probably the most) meaningful way and it could offer me the freedom to move and relocate while continuing my work.

I quit my great job as a teacher, left a nice salary and job security behind, and started to be a “full time web development self learner.” That was my title for quite a long time.

I began learning web development by myself, thinking (after reading some impressive stories here) that all it would take is hard work and 3 to 4 months of studies, and I will be hired as a full time web developer.

The journey that was ahead of me was very different than what expected. It was much harder than I could imagine. It was confusing, challenging, and made me wonder over and over again if I chose the right path or if I should admit that this is not for me.

It’s hard and maybe impossible to point out what exactly made my journey different from all of the amazing success stories I’ve read, but a few things immediately come to mind.

Not all people thrive alone

I’m a people person. I love to be with others, to collaborate, talk, and struggle together. I’m less happy when I’m by myself for a long time because I enjoy the company of others.

Studying by myself for most of the day, most days, was one of the things that I won’t miss.

Not all people love challenges

I need to be very brave to admit that not all challenges make me happy and push me to improve myself. Some definitely do.

I ran two half marathons (does that count as completing one full marathon?